France – sometimes dubbed ‘l’hexagone’ due to its six-sided shape – is home to what is arguably the most romantic city in the world, and the glitziest rivieras in Europe. The varying climates here will suit all types of traveller – from the cooler north to the sun-soaked south, balmy interior regions and snowy Alpine reaches. Our European neighbour is just a ferry hop, Eurostar ride, tunnel drive, or short flight away. And it provides internationally acclaimed gourmet foods, indigenous cheeses and fine wines – so much so, that French gastronomy has even been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Paris
Hotel Raphael
Tradition has a lot to do with the city of love, and there is no better place to get totally immersed in tradition than the 5-star Hotel Raphael. Operated by the same family for four generations, the hotel maintains the highest of time-honoured, traditional standards. Situated in the city’s business centre, close to the Arc de Triomphe, each room is as unique as the hotel itself. With its large collection of lovingly restored antiques and traditional décor and furnishings, it is the ideal place to base yourself, for a little Parisian amour.
The Peninsula
Located on the Avenue Kleber, just a few hundred yards from the Arc de Triomphe and close to Montaigne with its chic designer boutiques, The Peninsula is central for those days out, wherever you’re headed. Traditional blends with contemporary in this opulent 200 room hotel. A-listers from stage and screen, and international sports stars are frequent visitors to enjoy the sumptuous rooms, and suites displaying expensive artworks and traditional dark woods with contemporary fittings. Bathrooms have marble floors and walls, deep luxurious bathtubs, and double sinks. Every convenience you can imagine is included in the rooms – and some. A 5-star hotel with a ‘Palace’ reputation.
Le Bristol
Sitting in the centre of old historical Paris, on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, The Bristol was the first hotel to be labelled a ‘Palace’ (French terminology for a hotel a cut above five-star). Opened in 1925, and now one of the Oetker group hotels, its marble foyer, crystal chandeliers, 17th century tapestries, and Louis XV and XVI style furnishings, resonate affluence. The hotel has an award winning spa, a sixth floor swimming pool with panoramic views across Paris, and two Michelin starred restaurants. Just 14 miles from Orly Airport and 18.5 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport, the hotel also offers charging points for electric vehicles, should you decide to hire a car during your stay.
Park Hyatt Vendôme
Centrally placed, and close to the Place Vendôme and Palais Garnier, many of the big Paris attractions can be reached in a pleasant 15 minute stroll from the hotel. When you wish to explore further afield, a number of Metro stations are just metres away. A magnet for many A-list celebrities, from tennis grand-slam winners to chart topping singers, the hotel offers the very best of five-star accommodation, dining and amenities. Rooms and suites are set off in pleasing contemporary styling with attractive, elegant adornments. The main restaurant has a one-star Michelin rating, while breakfast and brunch can be enjoyed in the glass ceilinged Les Orchidées, or the relaxing La Cheminée.
Le Roch Hotel & Spa
For those who prefer elegant, contemporary styling, with a refined, casual, homely ambience, the 37 room, five-star boutique Le Roch Hotel and Spa, will meet all your requirements. Situated in a quiet part of old Paris, between the Opera, Louvre, and Place Vendôme, the hotel offers a unique Parisian atmosphere, combined with the technological needs of modern living. Rooms and suites are a good size, with pleasing, modern styling by native Parisian, Sarah Lavoine. Along with its innovative restaurant, the hotel also boasts an excellent, well stocked bar, pool, spa facilities, and pleasant sun terrace to enjoy an early evening aperitif.
La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa
When you pay four figures a night for your accommodation, you expect nothing less than the very best of five-star everything. At La Reserve Paris Hotel and Spa, you get just that. Situated on the fashionable Avenue Gabriel, the hotel verges on the ambience of a private gentleman’s club. Built during the 1800s, and providing stunning views across the Paris skyline, the interior was completely redesigned by hotel designer Jacques Garcia. With its modern feel, yet traditional look, the décor and furnishings allude to the personal service which is so much a feature of the hotel.
Provence
Hôtel Crillon le Brave
Just outside Avignon lies this charming village-like hotel complex. Eight restored stone houses are connected by a series of alleyways and courtyards, including a vaulted terraced restaurant, bistro with pretty views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux and an outdoor heated pool with sundeck. Rooms feature Provençal features such as exposed beams, terracotta floors and antique furniture. The on-site Spa des Ecuries offers restorative treatments using dreamy Bamford products, from its converted stable home. It’s also pet-friendly and has a superb fine-dining restaurant La Madeleine.
La Villa Gallici – Relais & Châteaux
If you like your hotels lavish, this is the place to be. Close to Aix-en-Provence, La Villa Gallici is a flamboyant experience. The interiors are by British-based designer Yvette Taylor, in Provençal’s meets Italian style, with exteriors dating back to the 18th century. Some of the furniture looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in Louis XIV’s palace, yet there’s a cosiness to the place. Cypress trees bring welcome shade to the pool area, in a fragrant garden setting, also home to a decadent spa. Explore the wine cellar, housed in an elegant pavilion, and feast on fine food at the restaurant’s romantic terrace.
Hotel Royal-Riviera
A hotspot for the beau monde since 1904, this 94 room seafront hotel is located between Monaco and Nice in the exclusive Cap-Ferrat area – playground of the rich and famous. With panoramic peninsula views, access to a private seasonal beach in high season, heated pool, sauna, hammam, fitness room, gourmet restaurant and grill, you can enjoy the ultimate in French coastal sophistication. Colour schemes of olive-green, amber and sienna brown reflect the Mediterranean landscapes, while colonial grandeur and informal elegance evoke a neo-Hellenistic villa feel, fused with its historic old Belle Epoque style.
Château Eza
Perched on a hillside, nestled among medieval buildings, lies this 400-year-old chateau in the south-eastern part of Provence. This is a dream for couples seeking authentic period features and intimacy. Expect stone walls, four-poster beds and fireplaces. It’s almost like holidaying in a fantasy Disney movie. There are just twelve rooms (half with epic sea views), all unique and in different parts of the building. Each turn and flight of stone steps feels like a mini adventure of discovery. In the restaurant and bar, you’ll be treated to Michelin-starred cuisine from chef Axel Wagner, created from local market ingredients – during the day meals can be taken alfresco.
Hôtel Le Pigonnet
Imagine starting your day with breakfast in rose gardens, shaded by chestnut trees, listening to the sounds of nature with a warm gentle breeze.