Château Eza is a sensational result using the finest ingredients from 12 centuries. The weather was on our side, as it so often is in this part of the world and, with views like this, the sun is a distinct advantage. Photographically you could not go wrong: every picture is a postcard, but actually being here is even more spectacular.
There is a peace and serenity at Château Eza that comes from both ancient walls – some over 1,000 years old – and perfected standards. If the view doesn't take your breath away then nothing will, and the additional bonus is that, door-to-door, it only took just over four hours. So, touching heaven, we reclined with bubbles in Lalique glasses and 'endured' too little time in Eza's cosseting cliff-side retreat.
Polished charm
It is utterly charming at Château Eza: captivating in a manner that is informal and relaxing yet extremely polished. Such a refreshing combination makes you feel comfortably spoilt. The modern tweaks inside the old buildings of the reception area have been skilfully and stylishly incorporated, besides, there is no protocol that presupposes a 'type' of style in these magnificent fortified buildings.
It is almost a little snazzy up here, which, of course, is appropriate for this part of the world, and the slickness and zing set against the patina of the ancient, with drop-dead-gorgeous views, works wonderfully. It is magical staying at Château Eza; special in a way that really does leave you longing for more when you leave.
The Suite Royal
With 1,300 feet beneath us, an outstanding vista of the French Riviera, and a free-standing bath with Jacuzzi in our exquisitely-decorated boudoir with Louis XV-style armchairs on a wonderfully worn parquet floor, we had little room left for any faux pas.
Great service is not a simple achievement: if it's too ingratiating it feels overworked and, if it is undersold, you can feel unwelcome. The real balance is somewhere between the two and the skill of perfecting this lies in its authenticity. The service here is genuine.
Dining in dreamland
Chef Axel Wagner, taken from one of France's most acclaimed kitchens, that of George Blanc in Vonnas, heads up the Michelin-starred Restaurant Château Eza. The food is innovative, creative and worthy of another star. Sitting on the terrace, overlooking the mountains and sea, it felt as if you were on the edge of the world, but there was absolutely no way you wanted to get off. It's no wonder that Prince William of Sweden chose Château Eza as his home for creative inspiration.
The village of Eze is incredibly old, steeped in every sense of the word with a comfortable and simple charm. No designer labels and no malice. A walk up to the gardens of Eze offers a sweeping rooftop view and exposes the fascinating topography.
Beneath the orange-tiled rooftops are some houses with foundations dating back to the Iron Age; the majority were built in a limestone known as La Turbie extracted from the nearby quarry of St Lawrence d'Eza which was carried back by the faithful mule from the 9th Century. Today, there are no cars or mules, only locals and some very awe-struck tourists.
We left feeling that, without any doubt, we would return for so many spectacular reasons, but a good excuse would be to dine once more to that view. To enjoy a meal in such a spectacular setting is an occassion to treasure for a lifetime.

Sophie Marchant