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.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez
Hôtel Villa Marie Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is arguably the most famous spot on the French Riviera. Tourists flock here to catch a glimpse of its superyachts and wealthy sun-worshippers. But you can escape the throng in style, at this bohemian hotel. In places, it’s evocative of 1950s Hollywood but also graced with upscale rustic room decor in peaceful tones. Found among the pine littered, picture-perfect hillsides of Ramatuelle, Villa Marie is ideal for couples. There are four-poster beds, open-plan bathrooms, a heated pool on the terrace, a heavenly Pure Altitude Spa, and Dolce Vita, the villa’s veranda restaurant, with cuisine by Chef Cédric Luisin.
Ile de France, Paris, 8th arr.
La Demeure Montaigne
This five-star spa hotel located perfectly encapsulates contemporary luxury with Parisian spirit and flair. Located at 18 rue Clément Marot, a few steps from Avenue Montaigne, La Demeure Montaigne, offers guests an intimate experience in which they can make the charming private mansion their home from home during their stay. No detail is overlooked at this exquisite abode, which is also home to a gastronomic restaurant, hidden bar and Thalgo Institute. Its 93 rooms and suites are just as stylish as the rest of the hotel and the Eiffel Suite has a confidential location offering guests the utmost in privacy. Gourmet and seasonal dishes are served at the discreet restaurant whilst guests can enjoy fine wine, champagne and cocktails in a relaxed yet trendy atmosphere. The spa is a collaboration with the marine cosmetics brand Thalgo and is a cocoon of tranquillity in the heart of bustling Paris. This beautiful city bolthole offers unassuming luxury and high-class service right in the heart of Paris.
Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Bordeaux City-Centre
Hotel Le Palais Gallien
Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa is a luxurious, five-star getaway in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic centre. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the hotel is comprised of 28 guestrooms and suites with private terraces fitted with Jacuzzis and features the lavish Montesquieu Suite with its private elevator, starry-sky cinema room and Hammam. Guests are invited to dine in the 30’s private club inspired Le Cercle de Montaigne restaurant serving innovative gourmet cuisine. The on-site Spa Nuxe offers total relaxation and a treat for all the senses thanks to its treatments and wellness facilities. The Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa boasts a tranquil garden with a poolside lounging area.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois
The hotel is made up of three large Savoyard‑style chalets, each with its own personality. They’re named Ève, Noémie and Alice in homage to the Rothschild family, who collaborated with Four Seasons on both this property and Hotel Megève. Many of the Rothschild’s own antiquities have been included in the design and buildings, which encompass a total of 41 rooms. The hotel runs a shuttle to the slopes and village, there’s a dog walking service for those visiting with pets and in the winter holidays, Chalet des Enfants provides activities for younger guests. Guests can enjoy a super dining service at the recently opened restaurant, called ‘La table de Noémie’, either on the terrace, or as room service with dishes crafted from locally sourced mountain‑grown ingredients.
Rhône-Alps, Val dʼIsère
Hotel Village La Mourra
With just four private luxury chalets to choose from, guests at Hotel Village La Mourra can be sure that they will be treated to an intimate atmosphere and a personalised service. Indulging in treatments in the My Blend by Clarins is the perfect way to unwind after spending the day on the slopes, while guests are also treated to a sauna and steam room to unwind in. the hotel also comes complete with a seventeen-metre pool, while a team of physiotherapists and an osteopath are on hand to pamper guests from head to toe. The chalets feature beautiful marble bathrooms and large bathrooms, while the reclaimed wooden furniture features colourful and cosy touches. Lovers of Japanese cuisine are also sure to love the selection of dishes that are served in the cosy dining room.
Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
L’apogée Courchevel
This hotel has a unique position on top of what was once an Olympic ski jump. Part of the Oetker Collection, it’s palatial, with a resort feel – there’s a beauty and hair salon, La Prairie spa, pool, salt sauna, boutiques, a smoking room and the largest children’s club in Courchevel. L’apogée has 53 guest rooms, a penthouse and two private chalets. Sushi is prepared in its restaurant, Koori (meaning ‘ice’ in Japanese), with French fare at Le Comptoir L’Apogée. By day Le Bar de L’Apogée serves light lunches, while by night the venue becomes a cocktail lounge accompanied by the sounds of live singers and DJs.
Ile de France, Paris, 16th arr.
Le Metropolitan, Paris Tour Eiffel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
In the 16th arrondissement, this property has Eiffel views. Le Metropolitan is cosy and quiet, with an almost museum-like feel and 19th-century architecture designed by François Champsaur. The decor is simple and calming; true Parisian chic. The super comfy beds are the kind you sink into after a long day’s sightseeing — some are housed in uber-contemporary minimalist four-posters and bathrooms have been crafted using Capri marble and Zimbabwe granite as feature materials. The hotel’s restaurant is seductive and alluring, displaying understated luxury, while the bar (open all day for morning coffee through to late-night cocktails – is entered via two works of art.
Le Metropolitan, Paris Tour Eiffel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
SAVE FOR LATERIle de France, Paris, 1st arr.
Castille Paris
Castille Paris, a five-star boutique hotel by Starhotels Collezione, offers 108 rooms and suites within a 17th-century residence on Rue Cambon, neighbouring the legendary House of Chanel. Combining French classicism with Italian flair, its interiors feature refined textiles, bespoke furnishings, and elegant marble bathrooms, creating a chic, artful retreat.
Dining is at L’Assaggio, where contemporary Italian cuisine is served in a courtyard adorned with a Renaissance-inspired fountain. Enjoy an intimate cocktail bar, a tea lounge, and 24-hour room service. A compact fitness room caters to wellness needs, while concierge services ensure seamless access to Parisian experiences.
Located moments from Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Gardens, Castille Paris blends old-world sophistication with contemporary comfort, ideal for travellers seeking luxury and authenticity in the city’s most fashionable district.
Ile de France, Paris, 16th arr.
Majestic Hôtel – SPA Champs Elysées
Found in the same neighbourhood as Le Metropolitan, the Majestic Hôtel epitomises timeless French elegance. It’s a spa hotel with a huge swimming pool in which you can take aqua-biking classes; a gym in which you can book personal training sessions and treatment rooms for a therapeutic experience like its hammam ritual. Each of the 57 bedrooms has heavy drapes and artwork specifically chosen to complement the space, while one and two-bedroom suites provide kitchenettes for those wanting to do a little home cooking. But there is a restaurant within the hotel, and a bar serving chic afternoon tea. Another highlight of Majestic is its top-class Les Clefs d’Or concierge.
Ile de France, Paris, 6th arr.
Hôtel d’Aubusson
Located in the centre of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Hotel d’Aubusson is the perfect place for guests who wish to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the area. The hotel occupies a stunningly renovated 17th-century mansion which seamlessly blends modern comforts with a historic charm. The hotel’s 50 rooms and suites are spacious yet cosy as they use dark colours to create an inviting atmosphere. The hotel is home to the Café Laurent, a distinctly Parisian bar due to its characterful interior and refined elegance. It is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee in the day or reminisce over cocktails with friends at night. The Café Laurent also hosts exceptionally fun jazz nights which bring locals and guests together in a shared love of music. For guests wishing to relax the hotel also boasts its own Spa, which is equipped with a steam room, sauna, Scandinavian shower, ice fountain and balneotherapy bench.
Normandy, Honfleur
La Ferme Saint Siméon – Relais & Châteaux
A short walk from the beach and town, this peaceful 17th-century inn and apple farm is now a five-star hotel, incorporating the original farmhouse, a pavilion, a tower and a thatched cottage (the latter was painted by Monet and serves as the main restaurant). La Ferme Saint Siméon was once a favourite of impressionist painters who adored the sweeping Seine views; a heritage that is maintained by an artist in residence. Many of the original features remain too, with beamed ceilings, wood-panelled walls, oil paintings and large open fires. The hotel provides watercolour classes, horse-drawn carriage rides and boat trips and has an in-house spa.
Ile de France, Versailles
Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace
Found between the Garden of Versailles and the Grand Triano, the neoclassical Trianon Palace was built at the turn of the 20th century. An enormous Guerlain Spa surrounded by mature gardens is a highlight here, along with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s own Michelin starred fine dining restaurant proffering views over the palace. 199 guest rooms are decorated in harmony with the hotel’s grand environs, adding in some contemporary styling. Onsite leisure amenities include two tennis courts, a large Grecian-inspired indoor pool, hammam, a relaxed brasserie and a bar. Family and pet-friendly rooms are available at this Waldorf Astoria owned property.