Best Beach Hotels in France

The Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz, MGallery Collection invites guests to experience timeless French seaside luxury. With 75 rooms and suites, this newly opened property sits in the heart of Biarritz, moments from the Atlantic shoreline and the town’s vibrant centre. The interiors draw inspiration from Basque heritage and coastal living, blending natural tones with contemporary finishes. Guests can dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant showcasing regional flavours or unwind with a drink in the stylish bar. The spa features treatment rooms, a wellness suite and a hammam, while a fitness centre caters to those wishing to maintain their routine. A heated outdoor pool with views of the ocean provides a serene retreat. Close to the Grand Plage and the town’s cultural landmarks, The Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz captures the essence of this celebrated destination while delivering modern comfort and service.

This hotel is located within the Lavezzi archipelago on the small, privately owned Cavallo Island. Its architecture blends into the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic stone walls and pastel shutters. Suites have terraces suspended over the water and sleep up to four guests (double and single rooms can also be booked). There’s an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, perched beside a marina and an indoor pool within the spa. Dine at the hotel’s waterside Restaurant des Pêcheurs with views of the Straight of Bonifacio, or at the new Antica Pesa Mare with a focus on sustainable seafood.

In a prime position right on the promenade (Boulevard de la Croisette), the JW Marriott faces onto the beach. Bedrooms pay homage to the city’s Hollywood heritage, with black and white photographs of big screen icons from the golden era of cinema, along with Bvlgari products, spa baths and hi-tech gadgets to ensure you too feel like a star. There’s a grill restaurant, a lobby lounge and a rooftop bar and cafe to take in those views over a snack. You can rent a bicycle from the hotel for a greener way of exploring the locale, swim in the pool and workout in the Marriott fitness centre.

The Monte-Carlo Beach serves as a meeting point for lovers of glamour in the Riviera, and immensely benefits from its close-to-sea location. Situated between a pine forest and the sea, It provides a serene atmosphere. The luxury resort overlooks the azure horizon of the Mediterranean Sea and has rooms whose décor is a mix of contemporary notes, and the spirit of the roaring twenties. Visitors also get to swim in the saltwater Olympic pool overlooking the beach.

The Royal-Riviera Hotel is a prestigious five-star retreat located on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, perfectly positioned between Nice and Monaco. This elegant hotel, originally established in 1904, offers 96 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, blending classic Belle Époque architecture with modern luxury. The accommodations range from sea-view rooms to spacious suites, many with private terraces or balconies. The hotel’s dining experience includes “La Table du Royal,” a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients. The dining room features panoramic sea views, enhancing the culinary experience. There’s also a poolside restaurant, “Jasmin Grill & Lounge,” offering more casual fare with an Asian twist, all while overlooking the Mediterranean. The property’s private sandy beach is one of its standout features, providing an exclusive area for guests to relax by the azure waters of the Côte d’Azur. The hotel also boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens, open year-round, and a wellness centre offering a variety of treatments, a fitness room, and a sauna.Renowned for its personalised service, combining the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the facilities of a grand resort. Its location offers easy access to the attractions of the French Riviera, including the charming towns of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze, while still offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.

Once an actual palace, this impressive residence facing onto Grande Plage, was erected on the orders of Napoleon III. It is every bit as palatial by nature as by name, with high ceilings, antique artworks, ornate detailing, chandeliers and regal furnishings. But floral prints, mod cons like blackout shutters and high-quality textiles ensure the 153 bedrooms also feel cosy. Amenities at this historic landmark residence include the Guerlain spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a playground, an outdoor eatery and the one Michelin-starred silver service restaurant Villa Eugénie (named after the wife for whom Napolean had this property built).

Ideally located beside the bay, this five-star resort has amenities for those of all ages: a kids club, water sports, hair and beauty treatments, a boutique, outdoor and indoor heated saltwater swimming pools and four restaurants. Designed in the Belle Époque style it has plenty of original features and panoramic sea views. The Thalasso Spa is perhaps Le Grand Hôtel des Thermes’ highlight, with sea-themed treatments, a hammam, sauna and a toasty seawater labyrinth which can be walked or swum through via 194 underwater jets, currents, counter-currents, showers and bubble baths.

The Canopy by Hilton Cannes enhances the city’s skyline with its exceptional rooftop terrace offering panoramic Mediterranean views and interiors by the acclaimed designer Ramy Fischer. This launch signifies Hilton’s debut in Cannes and expands the Canopy by Hilton portfolio in Europe. The hotel boasts a prime location near the port, featuring 129 rooms and suites, plus 12 apartments, many with stunning views of the old harbour and La Croisette. Unique artworks by young artists adorn each room, complementing the brand’s luxurious amenities. Guests can enjoy an indoor-outdoor heated pool, a fitness centre, and an upcoming spa. Dining options include Marea Rooftop Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, offering a menu by Chef Alexander Douglas Burger, and Café Crème Brunch Club, a Californian eatery. Canopy by Hilton Cannes serves as a communal space, and complimentary bikes encourage exploration of the glamorous city of Cannes.

The Hotel le Negresco has been an iconic destination on the French Riviera for more than a century. The hotel boasts some of the best rooms that Nice has to offer and features trendy and modern yet elegant decor. You will be able to unwind and relax completely in the tranquil surroundings of this hotel as you overlook the Mediterranean Sea from your suite. Le Negresco has been a favourite spot of many artists and other famous people since its opening more than 100 years ago, you can stay in the same rooms as these people and experience the Louis XIV-style decor of the exceptional suites which reminds you of a time gone by.

Home of the iconic film festival, Cannes is another magnet for celebrities. Hyatt’s Green Globe-certified Riviera property has 409 room, ten of which are accessible. There’s an art deco theme to its swish design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, with colours echoing those found in the local coastal scenery. Culinary artistry comes from Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Sinicropi, in the hotel’s three upmarket eateries. The finest – La Palme d’Or, overlooks the Bay of Cannes and features crockery designed by Sinicropi and his wife. There’s also a spa, kids’ club, beach and plenty of meeting facilities (all buzzing with famous faces and press during the film festival)

As part of the Four Seasons group, you can expect high-end understated luxury as standard at Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Set on a peninsula enclave, by a small fishing village, this area has long been popular for famous faces seeking an escape from the limelight, in the lap of luxury. The award-winning spa’s hydrotherapy circuit is a great way to unwind and begin your holiday, before sampling Michelin-starred cuisine at the Chef’s Table in Salon des Collections. For 360 degree views, steam bath, hot tub and a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel, book the Suite Cocteau Penthouse, one of its 74 rooms. Families can take advantage of the kids’ club and there are indoor and outdoor pools for year-round swims.

Delivering sensational panoramic sea views, the light and breezy Les Bords de Mer is perched directly on the coast and provides guests with plenty of pampering. Guests are treated to private beach access as well as an excellent restaurant where freshly caught seafood is highlighted to mouth-watering effect. This impressive establishment features just 19 rooms and each faces the ocean. Guests will either be provided with their own terrace or balcony to unwind on and this is the perfect place to linger over morning coffee and perhaps a few treats provided by room service before getting ready to explore this stunning seaside paradise.