
Best Luxury Hotels in France
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.
Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
Hotel Barrière Les Neiges

Taking its name from the surrounding snows, this mountain chalet gives direct access to the slopes. This Hotel Barrière has 20 guest rooms, 22 suites and a penthouse, all draped in sumptuous cream and silky white fabrics with strewn faux furs, offsetting the natural wood structure. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Les Neiges has two restaurants, a bar, a cigar lounge and a pretty terrace for exterior dining accompanied by the DJ’s beats. And in the Diane Barrière Spa, guests will find six treatment booths, a hammam, sauna, cold bath, swimming pool and aquatic course, all spread across 1,000 m2 of pampering space.
Burgundy, Saulon-la-Rue
Chateau De Saulon

Found to the south of Dijon, surrounded by 67 acres of land and peaceful verdant vineyards beyond, this ancestral property prides itself in maintaining a culinary heritage. An outdoor swimming pool with an expansive sun terrace, tennis court and fishing lake makes it perfect for those seeking a little activity and fresh air. Dogs are welcomed and there’s onsite parking, as well as accessible facilities. The decor exudes French contemporary chic, contrasting and complementing 17th-century architecture. Unmissable seasonal farm to table cuisine is served under the vaults of Deux Rivières restaurant and in the courtyard during the summer months.
Europe
Les Sources De Caudalie

Take a five-star spa holiday at Les Sources De Caudalie. Set beside a peaceful lake, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in the countryside, yet it’s just a 20-minute taxi hop back to the city centre. The hotel’s menu of ‘vinotherapy’ treatments has been inspired by the region’s produce and there are both indoor and outdoor pools. Additional alfresco amenities include a tennis court, a 3-hole pitch and putt golf course and free bike hire to explore the surrounding Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. The building is grand, but it was crafted using reclaimed materials from local farms. And, combined with its own kitchen garden, Les Sources De Caudalie boasts an excellent carbon footprint.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
M de Megève

Enjoy all the cosiness of an Alpine chalet in full contemporary style at M de Megève. The design here is deeply sophisticated, befitting a sleek boutique establishment. A new wing was added in 2019, housing some of the hotel’s 42 bedrooms, and there’s a spa (with a counter-current pool) beneath the ground floor. Nothing says romance quite like a horse-drawn carriage rides around a snow-covered French chocolate box town – and this is something the hotel offers completely free of charge (although it must be pre-booked). It’s a perfect setting for a proposal or a memorable anniversary, followed by an exquisite French meal at Le M Restaurant.
Rhône-Alps, Annecy
Hebe Hotel

The Hébé Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Annecy. The hotel is comprised of six floors, filled with stunning guestrooms and suites including options for people with reduced mobility and featuring the spacious Suite Hébé and the stunning Balcony Room with a terrace overlooking the quaint street below. The hotel is home to a sheltered terrace where guests can relax all throughout the day and enjoy a continental breakfast or choose from the tempting à la carte menu. There is also the option of an in-room breakfast for days when all you want to do is relax. The bar is open all day serving hot and cold drinks to help you start the day right and offering a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the night. The hotel offers electric bike rentals to allow you to explore Annecy, the lake, the mountains, and the surrounding areas with ease.
Rhône-Alps, Annecy
Le Pelican

Housed in a sophisticated listed heritage building from 1820, Le Pélican is situated in the heart of Annecy. Between the entrance to the old town and the spectacular Lake Annecy, you’ll find this luxurious retreat that has transformed a historic hospital into a combination of new and old, especially with the recent addition of a new structure. There are 100 lavish guestrooms and suites to choose from featuring the exceptional Pélican Lake Suite which boasts a 650sqft terrace fitted with a Nordic bath. There is a gourmet bistro restaurant with a glass ceiling and an expansive terrace overlooking the natural wonders of the mountains and the lake. In the lobby you’ll find Bakery Ô Bon Pain serving French delicacies. The hotel offers guests a relaxing heated outdoor pool with a pool bar. There are also weekly live music performances at Le Pélican depending on the time of year. This hotel is pet friendly.
Ile de France, Paris, 8th arr.
Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris

The Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Paris, is an iconic 5-star masterpiece of the Parisian Art Deco era. Since opening its doors in 1929, the Prince de Galles has stood as a beacon of elegance and refinement in Paris, France. The hotel offers 159 rooms, including 43 suites, providing a luxurious retreat. Situated on Avenue George V, it is just a 5-minute stroll from the Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne, and renowned landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The hotel’s new Parisian cocktail bar, 19.20, offers a sophisticated and exclusive setting to enjoy cocktails inspired by Paris, explore the world of cognac, and sample some of the finest wines and champagnes from local producers.
Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris
Ile de France, Paris, 8th arr.
Hôtel San Régis

A boutique hotel in a 19th-century mansion, the San Régis enjoys a secluded setting, on a quiet rue in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the exclusive 8th arrondissement neighbourhood. Owned by the Georges family, its atmosphere is homely, yet opulent. 30 bedrooms and 12 suites have all been individually decorated; a selection of fine fabrics, oil paintings and antique furnishings have been painstakingly curated to create a unique impression. And its restaurant, Les Confidences, takes its cue from nature, with a garden-inspired dining room and a living wall. Hôtel San Régis’ discreet entrance, unique styling and personalised service combine to ensure it’s popular with celebrities and VIPs.
Ile de France, Paris, 8th arr.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée

If you saw the final episodes of HBO’s Sex and the City TV series, you’ll recognise Hôtel Plaza Athénée as the splendid establishment in which Carrie Bradshaw stayed. The character was wowed by the view from her suite balcony, and you will be too as it’s opposite the capital’s most iconic emblem. The front elevation features wrought-iron balconies planted with colourful flowers and is found on Avenue Montaigne, close to designer boutiques. After a spot of nearby shopping, you can unwind in the hotel’s Dior spa and dine in its Michelin-starred restaurant.
Centre, Saint-Patrice
Château de Rochecotte

Want the chance to enjoy fine dining at its best while taking in enchanting views of the Loire Valley you will be sure to love staying at Chateau de Rochecotte. There are several dining rooms to choose from, each serving classic French dishes from the region with a few modern touches. Each of the spacious rooms and suites are sumptuously decorated in French Renaissance style and boasts huge picture windows overlooking the formal gardens, while the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind.
Languedoc-Roussillon, Puissalicon
Château St Pierre de Serjac

This enchanting 19th-century Chateau Pierre de Serjac is the first word in luxury and style and boasts eight elegant rooms for guests to choose from nestled in a traditional wine estate. The city of Montpellier can be found just an hour away and for people who want to be surrounded by nature while enjoying first-class amenities such as a spa and outdoor infinity pool, this is the perfect place to stay. Guests will be able to spend their days cycling through the countryside or playing tennis on the onsite court before enjoying fine dining in the hotel’s restaurant.
Midi-Pyrénées, Mercuès
Chateau De Mercues

This classic 13th-century castle is the perfect place for lovers of luxury to stay while exploring the picturesque Lot Valley. The chateau is surrounded by vineyards and guests will want to make sure that they sample a glass or two of the house wine while enjoying a gourmet feast in the evening. The chateau comes complete with impressive crenulated walkways as well as towering turrets, flags and drawbridge, to help set the scene for a romantic getaway and following the walking trails through the surrounding forest to admire the beehives and pretty gardens is an experience that is sure to stir the spirits.