Hotel Château Eza ****, Eze Village, Alpes-Maritime, France.

Sitting on a 4 person balcony suspended out over the sheer drop away to the sea below, enjoyed a lunch from the kitchens of Chef Axel Wagner (one Michelin star) in the Château Eza award winning restaurant which is a must.

We started with a chilled crayfish soup topped with a tiny quail's egg and tapenade accompanied by a light, dry 2005 Domain St. André de Figuiere Rosé. This was followed by lightly seared fresh tuna cubes served with delicate sweet potato "chips" that sandwiched a shallot and onion "marmalade". At another meal we sampled the Tuna Tartar which was pretty much perfect, then moved onto farm raised herbed chicken with herbs and a filling of olives. The Fricassée of grilled calamari with tomatoes was also excellent to eat and a delight to the eye.

The desserts were equally clean. One was a strawberry dessert served in an aged Bandol wine sauce with vanilla ice cream and a vanilla stick. Another a "Clafouti with pears and 'noisettes' with a little glass of caramelized ice cream topped with a strawberry.

All of these dishes were spare, clean and beautifully executed if a little skimpy on serving size and arrived a tad slowly. But with the sun sparkling off the sea far below and a pleasant breeze, a glass of fine rosé, it was the perfect get-a-way for a romantic week or weekend. Considering that everything you eat and drink must be hand carried up and down steps for a 1/4 mile, just maintaining a hotel and restaurant in this location is a feat!

The château clings to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old medieval village more than 1300 feet above the sea level. It is a castle of stone on a narrow cobblestone street, too small for modern day automobiles. Château Eza was built 400 years ago within the ancient city walls of the 9th century village of Eze.

Each of the ten guest rooms/suites can be reached by walking under stone passageways, past
cave-like little shops and restaurants, and via ancient stone steps and walkways which lead to the individual outside doorways of the guest rooms and suites. All guest rooms have been individually decorated with varying themes, such as Romantic, Medieval, Marie-Antoinette, Floral or Louis XV and all have modern comforts such as individual safe, cable television including CNN, VCR, touch-tone telephones, and private bathrooms including hair dryers. Most accommodations feature private balconies with breathtaking views and many have charming old fashioned fireplaces for the ultimate romantic experience.

And as Conde Nast Traveler says, a "most excellent European waterside location" as it gave it it's "Johansens Conde Nast Europe 2004 winner of the Best European Waterside Location" award.

In modern times the Château Eza was one of the residents of the Prince William of Sweden. From 1923 to 1953, as an author, he did much of his writing in this location. His father Gustav V, and his brother, Gustav Adolf, were both kings of Sweden. The King of Sweden now a days Carl Gustav, is Prince William's nephew.

The modern comforts of Château Eza did not come easily or inexpensively. André Rochat, the Swiss owner from 1976 until the end of 1993, did not simply put out an "open for business" sign. Before he opened his private residence to guests in 1985, he completely modernized and renovated the premises. All the construction materials had to be brought up the steep winding streets, 1300 feet above the sea, by donkeys which are still present to greet guests. The result was truly a masterpiece for all to enjoy.

The refurbishing by "Enchanted Escapes" was being done with the intention of preserving and honoring the many centuries of history and hard work preceding us. The next page in the history of Château Eza is now being written...

Today, Château Eza belongs to The Stein Group. It is also the site of an award-winning restaurant where our chef’s culinary delights are rivalled only by the stunning panoramic views.

Hotel/Restaurant Château Eza
Rue de la Pise
F-06360 Eze Village, France
Tel. +33 (0)4 93 41 12 24
Fax. +33 (0)4 93 41 16 64
e-mail: info@chateaueza.com
www.chateaueza.com

To get to Eze Village, take the "Moyenne Corniche". When you arrive at the village, you will see the walled town. Tell the policeman who guards the road up to the village that you are registered guests of the hotel. You only drive about 100 feet up the hill and just before the first switchback, you will see the Valet Parking office on the right (the donkey stables occupy the left office). Here you will unload your luggage. It will be delivered to your room for you. The walk (light hike) up through this ancient medieval village is the best way to discover its charms and secrets. Just go on up to the village walled entrance and follow the signs (overhead gold on black) to the hotel reception at the far end of the village; sort of up and over.