This mountain trail inspired Nietzsche to complete his magnum opus.

AFTER THE LOSS OF YEARS OF FRIENDS WITH composer Richard Wagner and philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer over intellectual problems around the mid-1870s, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s mental and emotional health began to deteriorate.

Seeking a cure for his ailments and his ever-increasing migraines, Nietzsche began wandering through the warmer climates of northern Italy and southern France , lived as a free philosopher and eventually arrived at some of his more radical philosophical ideas.

From December 1883 to April 1884, Nietzsche settled in the quiet coastal town of Èze, in the heart of the French Riviera.
Indeed, Èze consists of two contiguous villages. The modern town of Èze bord-de-Mer is located directly on the coast of the French Côte d’Azur. A few hundred meters up a steep mountain hill lies its neighbor, Èze Village, a dreamy medieval town with narrow winding streets.

The environment seemed to improve Nietzsche’s health, as he later recalled, “I slept well, I laughed a lot, and I found great strength and patience.”

The natural environment of Èze also left its mark on Nietzsche’s philosophical writings. Walking up and down a steep mountain path that connected the coast to the medieval village, Nietzsche found the inspiration for the third part of his philosophical novel, Thus spoke Zarathustra.

The route, which has since been called “Le Chemin de Nietzsche” by locals, naturally invites contemplation as it combines beautiful sea views, green forest paths and stunning mountain views.

The walk to the medieval town of Èze Village takes about an hour for experienced hikers.

Bring water, don’t wear flip-flops and if things get tough, try reciting this line from Zarathoestra:
“You are walking your path of greatness. No one here will steal after you”.