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.
Ile de France, Paris, 3rd arr.
Hotel Experimental Marais
Located in the vibrant Haut Marais district, Hotel Experimental Marais is the new flagship from the Experimental Group, marking its third hotel in Paris. Housed in a reimagined neo-Gothic building designed by Tristan Auer, the five-star boutique property offers 43 rooms and suites, a luxurious spa in collaboration with Susanne Kaufmann, an indoor pool, and a cocktail bar inspired by iconic New York speakeasies. The hotel’s restaurant Temple & Chapon, a 100-seat restaurant led by acclaimed French chef Mélanie Serre, serves a menu inspired by 1950s Manhattan chophouses with French finesse. The interiors are infused with theatrical flair and eclectic charm, reflecting the story of an imaginary well-travelled aesthete, with features such as stained-glass windows, vaulted arches, and curated artwork. Rooted in Experimental’s Parisian origins and global hospitality acclaim, the hotel combines bold design with immersive experiences, all just moments from the Marais’ galleries, boutiques, and historic landmarks.
Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Chartrons
Villas Foch
Located 5km from the centre, Villas Foch is made up of two private 17th and 18th-century mansions. While the building may be old, the hotel is brand new, having recently opened in the summer of 2021. Just 20 bedrooms and eight suites ensure an intimate atmosphere in this sumptuous period property that’s adopted sophisticated modern decor touches. Each room is soundproofed with a free minibar and use of an espresso machine, but guests can also buy snacks at the in-house deli, or in the bar lounge. Accessible and family-friendly, the hotel also features a full-service spa and swimming pool set in a stone-arched cellar.
Rhône-Alps, Val dʼIsère
Hôtel les Barmes de l’Ours
Set between the entrance to the exclusive Les Carats luxury chalets and the foot of the Bellevarde de Face slope, Les Barmes de l’Ours is perfectly positioned for people who want to take to the slopes and enjoy the area’s vibrant nightlife scene. This luxury hotel is set high on the slope and provides pretty views down the valley to the village of Val-d’Isère. In addition to forty-nine guestrooms there are twenty-seven spacious suites to choose from that have been decorated in a range of styles from the classic American lodge style to modern contemporary charm. A 1,000 square metre wellness sanctuary is the perfect place to revitalise and refresh the mind and body. This impressive establishment is also packed with amenities such as a fully loaded gym, several saunas, a steam room, hairdressing salons and eleven different treatment booths.
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, Courchevel
Hotel Des Trois Vallées
Providing a distinct and different aesthetic to many of the other hotels in the region, Hotel Des Trois Vallées has a post-war and mid-century interior style. Room types are titled: Comfort, Privilege, or Suite, with a Nespresso machine, minibar and balcony in each. Dine on authentic local table d’hôte menus while seated at rustic trestle tables in L’Épicerie. Slow down at the Spa des 3 Vallées, with its Turkish Bath, sauna and Grand Jacuzzi. And escape the crowds in a setting that’s far enough of the beaten track, yet still in the heart of Alpine activity.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Cannes, Cannes City-Centre
Canopy by Hilton Cannes
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.
Ile de France, Paris, 9th arr.
Hôtel de NELL
Located in the centre of Paris’s 9th arrondissement close to the Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, the Hotel de Nell is an exclusive arts hotel. Designed by Jean Michel Wilmotte the hotel’s interior is adorned with incredible artworks making it feel sophisticated and charming. The hotel’s 33 rooms and suites are modern and light, their warm and light colour scheme renders them exceptionally inviting and homely. The hotel is home to its own private library and treatment rooms so that guests can relax after exploring Paris. The library is separated from the restaurant by a beautiful glass wine cellar. The restaurant, the Phenice, serves seasonal Mediterranean food in a friendly and chic environment. The hotel’s exquisite bar has a glass ceiling and a fireplace making it a refuge for those wishing to withdraw to privacy after a day of exploration.
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.