| Chateau Eza - Cote d'Azur
This has to be one of the best located hotels for fantastic views anywhere in the cosmos. Chateau Eza is not just an hotel: it is a monument to surviving historical architecture. Built over 400 years ago within the walls of the historic 9th century village of the picturesque Eze, this hillside castellation is a visual feast; and the food is pretty spectacular as well. From here the scenery is heavenly, and you don't have to drive miles from the airport to get to "God's Window".
Location
Apart from having the most staggering mountainside location, Chateau Eza is also superbly positioned for excellent daytrips. The village of Eza is situated on the Moyenne Corniche between Nice and Monaco and Nice airport is only 18km away. This area of the Cote d'Azur is a notorious playground for celebrities and zillionaires but us mere mortals can still enjoy it all in parallel style at the beautiful Chateau. When you arrive at the outskirts of the medieval village of Eze, you realise that cars were never accommodated during the modernisation of this retreat, allowing of course for beauty to remain unspoilt. After leaving the car and luggage at the donkey station on the outskirts of the village, you then make your way on foot. All very 9th century, so Tod's loafers are recommended once again. Chateau Eza is built into the ancient village walls and once you enter into the magical world beyond you are struck by its staggering location with panoramic views over the Cote d'Azur below.
Enjoying Eze
There are plenty of things to see in this enchanting, ancient village; Roman archways, exotic gardens, ruins of the old castle, The Chapel of the White Monks, the exquisite local church, the Cheminde Nietzsche - an ancient footpath connecting the old village with the sea, an eclectic array of little boutiques stacked with local delicacies in flintstone-style caves.
The Beach
This quaint beach is situated in the Bay of Eze, between Beaulieu and Cap d'Ail. Anjuna is a fabulous beach restaurant with a great chef and movie-style cocktail bar. Both lunch and supper are served here providing quite different and enchanting experiences.
Days Out:
Monaco
Monaco is a very exciting and spectacular venue for indulgence: it glitters with seven centuries of dynastic monarchical history. The International Tennis Championships in April are a great event in Monaco and there is always time for a little gambling and a lot of shopping. The Grand Prix in May is, of course, mayhem but for some, an annual pilgramage. For a meal of a lifetime, there is Alain Ducasses' three-starred-Michelin Louis XV. But, if it's tapas and champagne, sitting amongst fame and celebrities that excites you, you must head for the Sea Lounge.
Cannes
A day out on the buzzing Croisette, a path well trodden by Oscar winners and wanabees, is great fun. The boutiques are fabulous and beaches make up perhaps the most famous stretch of the Cote d'Azur. A meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant in the Martinez could keep you occupied and satiated. La Palme D'or overlooks the croisette and offers an array of finger clinging crustacea to enjoy with a glass or three of something spectacular.
You may feel, however, that you simply want to stay in Eze and not leave the magical ambiance that has filled the air for several centuries.
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