my girlfriend and I are stopping in Nice for a day and then traveling on to Cinque Terre. But we have about 2 days in between that we would like to stop off in other towns or cities on the way to La Spezia. Would anyone have any suggestions on nice romantic and beautiful spots to visit... places to eat... and breathtaking views of the coutryside or ruins? It would be fun to know of a few secluded romantic spots to surprise her with!

Hi,
We made exactly the same trip as you last year in September. We loved Eze a very "perched" village with spellbinding coastal views, climb up to the gardens for the best views.
Roquebrune Cap Martin is gorgeous or we thought so anyway. Another beautiful "perched" ancient village with a very good hotel and restaurant Les Deux Freres, www.lesdeuxfreres.com at modest prices.
No modest prices in Monaco or monte Carlo but both are must sees. The views are superb and we had a lovely afternoon in the old town where we visited the aquarium. That doesn't sound very romantic but go up onto the roof for even better views. Don't forget the corniche roads, we recommend the middle or highest.
Portofino is VERY romantic. It is well worth making the effort to vist but prices are probably higher here than anywhere else in Italy.
I hope that makes a good start for your plans,
Wendy

I'm also a big fan of Eze. A friend of ours lived there and the views from atop the little picturesque village were absolutely breaktaking! Here's a link where you can learn more about it: http://www.eze-riviera.com/ Our friend used to pick us up at the train station but I believe there is a shuttle that runs from the train station up to the village.

When you cross over into Italy, two of my favorite places along the coast are Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure. Both towns have harbors and are very scenic, with several restaurants and shops to explore. Both areas are accessible by foot from their respective train stations.

Jody

Hi Jody,
That's a super link you posted thank you. I have much enjoyed lokking at it and in particular the wonderful seascape photographs. Do you have any inside knowledge about the 2 hotels, ie which is the better/nice by any chance ?
Wendy

Wendy, our last trip to Eze was in '99, but each time we visited we actually stayed at an apartment complex overlooking a harbor in Nice - which our friend had arranged for us. From there would train down and meet her in Eze.

The only hotel I'm familiar with in Eze is the Château de La Chèvre d'Or: http://www.chevredor.com/ .

As a thanks to our friend for arranging our apartment on our first visit there we took her to Château de La Chèvre's restaurant for lunch. Well, they sat the 3 of us out on our own private balcony, perched high on the cliff, overlooking the entire Mediterranean coastline! It was a jaw dropping view and the most *expensive* lunch we've ever had - but also probably the most memorable. The food was outstanding, the staff was very attentive without being overbearing, and the view was something my husband and I will never, ever forget! After lunch we peeked into a couple of the rooms there and they did not disappoint - top drawer, but very attractive; not gawdy .... but again, very very pricey!

Jody

Hi Jody,
Many thanks for the info. I don't know why I thought there were 2 hotels. I am tempted by the Chevre D'or very tempted for a special anniversary in September but we are supposed to be going to New England in the fall not back to France.
So many places so little time...!
Wendy