Château de la Chèvre d'Or Hôtel

France
Europe

The Experience

With its artsy boutiques, charming cafés, narrow streets and commanding view from the crest of a rocky pinnacle overlooking the Riviera, the Château de la Chèvre d'Or offers the best of old and new. Step into the stone-walled lobby and you are transported to the medieval village of Eze. The town, just 20 minutes from Nice, is wonderfully wrapped in the past, by design, with its steep, car-free village pathways, and some rooms of the château open right onto those paths, while many feature a balcony or terrace that takes in the breathtaking sweep of the Côte d'Azur far below.

The Rooms

Built into the village's ancient houses, each guest room is different in decor and location. Some look out over the pool and gardens, but skip those; a large part of the appeal here is the view. Go with one of the rooms set on the cliff edge, with vistas of Cap d'Antibes and, on a clear day, St. Tropez in the distance. The aesthetic is traditional French--with updates. Beds might sport toile du Jouy baldaquins, but the best marble bathrooms have whirlpool tubs. The Presidential Suite has its own infinity pool surrounded by Corinthian columns, which goes down well with the rock and film stars who book it.

The Service

Cars can't enter the narrow village streets, but the moment you alight from your vehicle, a fleet of helpful young men appears to park your car, tote your bags and guide you on foot through fragrant terraced gardens to reception. And you'll find no snooty French attitudes here—everyone seems glad to see you and happy to show you around.

The Highlights

There may be busloads of tourists scrambling up and down the narrow footpaths outside the heavy wood doors, but inside there is total tranquility among the garden paths, where archways of jasmine scent the air. Everything here is designed to take advantage of the spectacular views—even the fitness room next to the pool has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Mediterranean and an outdoor Jacuzzi. The patio, clinging to the hillside, is a perfect place for lunch or drinks before dinner, and the restaurant--the two-Michelin-star La Terrasse des Remparts—is similarly perched on the hillside for sea views to go with your grilled branzino.

 

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