Overlooking the Mediterranean from a medieval village, this exquisite hotel, resembling a castle, offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
Château de la Chèvre d'Or: A Culinary and Cultural Gem on the French Riviera
Nestled in the heart of the medieval village of Èze, high atop a mountain at an altitude of 239 meters, lies the Château de la Chèvre d'Or, a Relais & Châteaux hotel that offers an extraordinary blend of history, luxury, and breathtaking panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
This iconic establishment, renowned for its unique cliffside location, combines historic architecture with refined luxury, boasting elegantly appointed rooms and suites, terraced gardens, and multiple scenic dining venues.
The hotel's namesake restaurant, La Chèvre d'Or, serves inventive French cuisine focused on local seasonal ingredients, earning it a coveted three-star Michelin rating. Tom Meyer, a 29-year-old chef, has been at the helm of the Château de la Chèvre d'Or's gastronomy since July 2024. Meyer's culinary style is characterized as spicy and rich, with a focus on accompaniments rather than proteins, and his dishes are heavily influenced by the varieties of citrus plants found in the hotel's garden.
Meyer's desserts are not the only offerings at the Château de la Chèvre d'Or that are citrus-infused. Florent Margaillan, the hotel's pastry chef, also draws inspiration from the garden's bounty, creating desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
The hotel's terraced gardens cascade down the cliffside, allowing guests to stroll amid lush greenery while enjoying sweeping sea views. The gardens create a serene atmosphere enhanced by the historic village setting, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a romantic dinner.
In addition to its Michelin-starred dining, the Château de la Chèvre d'Or offers other dining options, such as Les Remparts, an outdoor spot ideal for lunch with impressive vistas, and Le Café du Jardin, a more casual outdoor restaurant also with elevated offerings.
The Château de la Chèvre d'Or's allure extends beyond its culinary offerings. The hotel is perched within Èze, a preserved medieval village with winding cobblestone streets and heritage buildings, offering guests an immersive cultural experience that blends history, nature, and luxury. The hotel occupies more than a third of the buildings in the village, forming an arc around the famous panorama.
The hotel has also partnered with the NGO Ethic Ocean to promote sustainable fishing and avoid endangered species. Tom Meyer and Elisabeth Vallet, director of Ethic Ocean, work together to ensure sustainable practices in the Château de la Chèvre d'Or's kitchen. The hotel prioritizes the short circuit in its menus, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
The Château de la Chèvre d'Or's commitment to sustainability is evident in its garden, which is home to over 200 citrus plants, including Cedrat, Caviar Lemon, Bergamot, and Clementine of Eze. The hotel has avoided serving European eel, Atlantic salmon, spider crab, European hake, and common mackerel due to their endangered status since 2009.
The hotel's lush garden, hidden passages, and giant animal sculptures contribute to an enchanting, magical setting. Over the years, the Château de la Chèvre d'Or has hosted notable personalities such as Walt Disney, Friedrich Nietzsche, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, and Michelle and Barack Obama.
In summary, the Château de la Chèvre d'Or's allure lies in its combination of medieval charm, stunning coastal panoramas, exceptional Michelin-starred gastronomy, and lush terraced gardens, making it an extraordinary destination on the French Riviera. The hotel's partnership with Ethic Ocean further solidifies its commitment to sustainability, making it a must-visit for travellers seeking a luxurious, culturally rich, and environmentally conscious experience.
References:
[1] Château de la Chèvre d'Or. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chateau-de-la-chevre-dor.com/
[2] La Chèvre d'Or. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chateau-de-la-chevre-dor.com/restaurant/
[3] Ethic Ocean. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ethicocean.org/
[4] Relais & Châteaux. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.relaischateaux.com/en/home
While exploring the Château de la Chèvre d'Or, guests can delve into the hotel's magazine, published quarterly, featuring articles on travel, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and culinary experiences - enriching in-flight reading for those journeying to this French Riviera gem. Upon returning home, the magazine offers continued inspiration for recreating some of the Château's signature dishes in their own kitchens.
