The Best Hotels in Èze, France, for Every Traveller

The Gothic typeface on the hanging shield that greets guests gives the first hint of the medieval tales to be told within Château Eza. Once owned by the Prince of Sweden, it has since been ambitiously renovated to incorporate 14 elegantly decorated rooms, including deluxe suites that dare to veer away from the Middle Ages with outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the Med.

There are distinct Bel Air vibes coming from this five-star mansion covertly located on Èze’s southern tip. Six kilometres (4mi) from the historic village, you’ll find no steep steps here at sea level. The swaying palms, Florentine balconies and gleaming pastel shades nod to the elegance that once made this hotel a favourite for the likes of President Kennedy and the Beatles. Unwind at the wellness spa and heated infinity pool – or spend the evening in the cinema room.

Handily located between Èze village and the beach at the Baie des Fourmis, the 24 rooms at the Hôtel Hermitage come with balconies, granting views over the alpine mountains of the Mercantour National Park. Before donning the hiking boots, enjoy the decadent breakfast options, including sturgeon caviar blinis and champagne, at the in-house Gaston restaurant.

Walt Disney is the man credited with persuading owner Robert Wolf to convert his restaurant into a hotel in the 1950s. There’s an element of family fantasy at this 45-room hotel in the heart of the village. Take a walk through its pristine private gardens and spot sculptures of elephants, giraffes, deer and the eponymous golden goat, which stands regally at the cliff’s edge keeping watch over passing yachts. With two Michelin stars, its world-class eatery is a must-try.

With a burnt orange and baby blue façade that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson movie, the Welcome Hotel crackles with energy and personality. Writer and artist Jean Cocteau lived in the village and even left the hotel family some of his drawings. Set on the western shoreline of Villefranche-sur-Mer, its eye-catching rooms – each with its own striking style – make for an ideal stopover destination on the journey from Nice to Èze.

This 19th-century Italian villa, complete with frescoes and flowers, is a gentle reminder of the proximity of France’s Mediterranean neighbours. Thanks to its position on the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula, the Ligurian Sea is in full view from the hotel’s sun-drenched terrace. Rooms include air-con, while those looking to splash out can rent the standalone studio with its own kitchen and garden.

To explore the coastal glamour of nearby Villefranche sur Mer and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, seek out La Résidence de la Réserve. A short walk from the beach, this luxury, modern aparthotel offers suites with kitchenettes and dishwashers for a home-from-home feel. Though with dozens of restaurants and bars surrounding the port, parents might also be tempted to take advantage of the hotel’s babysitting service.

English-speaking owners Marie-José and Philippe will provide a warm welcome to their eagle’s nest B&B, especially if you ask them about their favourite eateries in the region. They’ll be only too happy to use their vantage point to pick out their favourite places between Cannes and Menton. Best of all, in the morning you’ll enjoy the same view, while tucking in to Marie-José’s apricot pie and orange blossom pancakes. Each room is uniquely decorated with vintage furniture and white bed linen – opt for Le Village with its rainfall shower and private garden.