by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: March 01, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2009

Imagine a seductive blend of classic luxury and old-world charm, of quaint cobbled lanes and around-every-corner views of the sea. Your romantic getaway to Eze, France, assumes a blind eye to the budget and an investment in forever memories.

Your personal sanctuary is none other than Chateau Eza on the French Riviera, a boutique five-star hotel without equal, poised in a lovely hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean. Let's choose a time in the shoulder season, late March or early April, before the chill is entirely gone and well before the tourists arrive.

Step through the ancient narrow lane, past petite galleries and cave-snug fabric boutiques to the chateau steps. You enter the most enchanting world you've ever seen with astonishing views of the Cote d'Azur and dozens of details to cushion your stay.

Whether you selected a standard room or deluxe suite, you'll discover that "standard" at Chateau Eza redefines the word. Natural stone accents elegant toile-draped walls, canopied beds and wood arches. Balconies lure you for a glass of wine or a sun-drenched breakfast for two overlooking the Mediterranean. And, of course, you must have one of the rooms with your own intimate fireplace.

Don't believe me. Words cannot capture the character of your romantic getaway. Visit the chateau website and see for yourself, before judging me for exaggerating the pluses of this no-other-like-it-in-the-world retreat.

Once you've settled in, it's time to explore the medieval village with its' ochre colored chapel serving as a sentinel over the sea and countryside. Just 7 kilometers from Monaco, Eze is a small Provencal village filled with hushed walkways (NO cars in the village), petite fountains, window boxes teeming with colorful flowers and stone houses and shops. It is fascinating, tranquil and seductive.

The exterior of the ceramique shop is decorated with colorful tiles, the forerunner to rich, hand painted selections inside. You'll discover tiny galleries with richly textured landscapes, small boutiques with French silk scarves, blown glass and gourmet selections of Provencal spices, pesto and more. Stop for a coffee and dessert at any of the unique dining spots in the village, where many overlook the coast and all offer slices of life in Eze.

History certainly is not forsaken here. Once home to Romans, Eze rises above the sea on Mount Bastide, where the Moors, Turks and Spanish fought for her charm, until the French finally said "Enough!" The architecture whispers old

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