Drove a couple of hours from Aix to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a hillside town between Nice and Eze. All so close to each other that an Uber is less than $20 to get from one to the other. We booked a hotel in Villefrache because it was central, access by car is easier and the hotel included free parking. (La Fiancée Du Pirate). The view was beautiful and the hotel had a lovely pool (that we did not use). Once we were checked in we headed off to Eze by Uber.

Eze is a particularly charming hilltop village with meandering narrow lanes. We separated to explore and planned to meet at 5:30 for a drink at the $2200 a night hotel La Chèvre d’Or (the golden goat). David and I climbed up to La Jardin Exotique which is essentially a cactus garden which is less beautiful than Marc’s at D’Aranajon. However, the view was great. Our cocktails were $26 each and no peanuts were provided. We acquired edge of terrace front row seats for the view of the ocean but the wind was furious and chilly. Before leaving we visited la toilette. Unlike any I have seen before.

After another Uber back to Villefranche we made our way to La Belle Etoile, a very nice restaurant in all respects: wonderful food, attractive setting and decor, off the beaten path. When we were seated we were told that there was only one pigeon left. None of us claimed it. Now I regret it. I am not sure I will find another opportunity. Our food and service was so good that we made a reservation to return the next night. Then we walked down the hill to the sea and a taxi back to our middle corniche located hotel (half way up the hillside).