Hotel Château Eza: A Hidden Gem Above the French Riviera
Photos: Château Eza
Hotel Château Eza is a luxyury boutique hotel in the medieval village of Èze on the French Riviera. The hotel’s main building is over 400 years old, sitting above the Mediterranean Sea with views of the Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat peninsula.
One of the most exclusive areas on the French Riviera, the place is easily accessible from both Nice and Monaco. It attracts a prestigious clientele, including celebrities and sports icons.
The site was originally part of several individual homes which were consolidated by Prince William of Sweden in the 1920s, who used it as his winter residence. After the prince’s departure in 1953, the property was returned to individual units.
In the late 1970s, André Rochat, a general delegate of the Red Cross, began restoring the property, eventually opening it as a bed and breakfast in 1982. It became a full-fledged hotel in 1987.
The village of Èze itself is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets full of medieval architecture. Because it’s pedestrian-only, getting to the hotel involves a bit of a hike up steep cobblestone paths. It’s not the easiest walk, but the effort is worth it – the hotel offers assistance to help carry your luggage.
Château Eza has 14 unique rooms and suites, each with distinct features. The Presidential Suite offers a private terrace with a plunge pool and sea views. Junior Suites include separate sitting areas, while Deluxe Rooms have private balconies with partial sea views. Some suites also have fireplaces or hillside views.
The hotel houses a Michelin-starred restaurant serving Mediterranean and classic French cuisine. The 50-seat restaurant has large windows that provide an open, semi-al fresco dining experience, especially in the summer. The restaurant is praised for its exceptional service and stunning views over the Côte d’Azur.
The culinary tradition of the restaurant was built on a legacy of world-class chefs, including Dominique le Stanc, Bruno Cirino, and Axel Wagner, and most recently, Justin Schmitt, who brought the restaurant back into the Michelin Guide in 2023. Schmitt’s previously held prestigious roles in Hôtel de Crillon and Laurent in Paris.
An impressive wine cave completes the fine dining experience.
The hotel also offers a lounge bar with a outdoor terrace and amazing views of the Riviera. The bar serves handcrafted cocktails, teas, coffees, and snacks in a comfy atmosphere with cobblestone walls. The dress code is casual.
Château Eza is just a short walk away from the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a botanical garden with spectacular views perched on the edge of the hill. Another must-see nearby is the Fragonard Perfumery, one of the oldest perfume houses in France, where you can learn about the art of fragrance creation.
If you’re up for some adventure, you can hike the Chemin de Nietzsche, a trail that connects the village to the seaside below. The trail winds through abundant vegetation with some of the most breathtaking coastal views you can find in the area.
You can also take day trips to nearby Monaco or Nice or enjoy some downtime at the private beach near Monaco, or rent a boat at the hotel to explore the coastline. They an also arrange a tee time at the Monte Carlo Golf Club.