Château de la Chèvre d'Or

Location is everything — at least when that location is Eze. This medieval village, high on a cliffside halfway between Nice and Monte Carlo, is one of the most amazing places on the Côte d’Azur, offering spectacular sweeping ocean views that simply can’t be matched from any lower elevation. Sure, the beaches of the Riviera have their appeal, but faced with the choice between views of crowds of sunbathing tourists and a bird’s-eye-view of St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Mediterranean beyond, we’ll happily take the latter.

Château de la Chèvre d’Or began its life as a private residence, and as it’s grown, many of the surrounding houses have been absorbed into the hotel. As a result the 45 rooms and suites are scattered throughout the village, and not all are created equal. Some overlook the sea, and others make do with mountain views, but all are elegant enough, with classic interiors and decadent marble bathrooms.

Though the rooms are charming and comfortable, it’s the public spaces that take full advantage of this astounding location. An outdoor terrace restaurant, 2 pools perched dramatically on the terraced hillside below the hotel, in the heart of the private gardens and the wellness center, jacuzzi and sauna also benefit from impressive vistas. But the best spot is reserved for the two-Michelin-starred La Chèvre d’Or, at the hotel’s highest point, offering views that range from Saint Jean Cap Ferrat to Cannes.

How to get there:
Chateau de la Chèvre d’Or is approximately a 30-minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).