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, Èze
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.
Aquitaine, Saint-Émilion
Château Grand Barrail Hotel
Set right on the bank of the gently flowing Dordogne River, this five-star hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a little pampering in between taking trips to explore the area. The large onsite spa features four different beauty cabins as well as a sauna and Turkish hammam, while the outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by sun loungers where guests can top up their tans. Each room has been decorated in a different style fit for royalty with adjoining balconies and palatial en suite bathrooms, while gourmet cuisine is provided in the large and impressive onsite restaurant.
France, Cognac
Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa
Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa offers a luxurious gateway to France’s Cognac region, housed within a sensitively restored 19th-century trading house. Comprising 92 rooms and suites, the property balances understated design with local character, using soft timbers, warm neutral textiles, and subtle nods to the area’s namesake spirit. The setting stretches across nearly five acres, blending historic industrial buildings with a sleek modern glass pavilion, and is just a short stroll from some of the world’s most prestigious Cognac houses.
Michelin-starred Les Foudres offers an atmospheric fine-dining experience. For more casual moments, the rooftop terrace and Le 1838 Jazz Bar showcase regional ingredients and a remarkable collection of over 330 Cognac labels. The wellness offering includes a serene spa, hammam, and a generously proportioned indoor-outdoor pool. Guests are invited to explore the surrounding countryside via curated experiences, from vintage Citroën drives through vineyards to market visits and countryside picnics. The hotel’s quiet elegance and immersive local connections make it a standout destination in south-western France.
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.
Rhône-Alps, Méribel
Hôtel Le Savoy Méribel
Guests are greeted at this homely venue, nestled in Méribel village, by a large green topiary bear. Inside, is cosy and bright, with plenty of contemporary Alpine style touches. Guests can sip on drinks and listen to music by the fireside in the bar, or retreat to the calmer library (also with a roaring fire). 37 rooms come with iPads and south-facing views, while the dining room provides gourmet cuisine (including a weekly Savoyarde night), under the direction of Michelin star chef Stéphane Froidevaux. Spa Temea offers therapies calling on homoeopathic, ayurvedic and shiatsu traditions, as well as beauty treatments.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
La Réserve de Beaulieu & Spa
Originally a seafood restaurant popular with the well-heeled, you can still enjoy the wonderful culinary fare at La Réserve de Beaulieu, but with the added benefit of a fantastic spa and hotel on site. Found between Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This has the air of an aristocratic residence, with Riviera glamour. Decorated in soft pastel tones, the hotel is furnished with delicate baroque antiques and objets d’art. Many rooms offer terraces with sea views. There are two chic beachfront restaurants to choose from, as well as a lounge-style bar.
Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Bordeaux City-Centre
InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel, an IHG Hotel
The timeless InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel is included in IHG Hotels’ exquisite portfolio and is located in Place de la Comédie. Each of the lavish guestrooms and suites feature upholstery designed by Jacques Garcia and exude the elegance of time gone by while boasting modern amenities and comfort. A stay in one of the hotel’s suites may include a stunning view of the Opera or a spacious outdoor living area. Guests can opt to dine alfresco in the Rooftop Bar or take part in a gastronomic experience at the Michelin-starred Le Pressoir D’Argent Gordon Ramsay. Le Bordeaux serves local and region French specialities while The Orangerie Bar offers gourmet delights in a warm, inviting setting. The rooftop Guerlain Spa is a getaway in itself and has a serene indoor pool offering panoramic views of the city. There is also a fully equipped fitness centre.
InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel, an IHG Hotel
SAVE FOR LATERSavoie, Tarentaise Valley
Chalet Hôtel Kaya
Unlock some of your most precious memories at an altitude of 2000m while the largest ski area in the world is at your fingertips, by choosing the Chalet Hôtel Kaya as the starting point of your adventure.
Embodying the feeling of childhood nostalgia and happy reminiscences, the Chalet Hôtel Kaya’s 50 warm rooms and suites provide the comfort and privacy needed to recharge everyone’s batteries. Adorned with ethnic decorations from all around the world and beautiful mountain views, you are invited to journey to your dreamscape as you find the perfect cocoon to fit all your needs.
When not out making memories ski-ing the slopes, Chalet Hôtel Kaya offers activities for every member of the family: from the indoor pool and tailored spa treatments in their luxurious wellness area to an adventure-filled Kids’ Camp during the French school holidays to take the weight off you during your stay. And for that lover’s romantic meal or energy-fuelling family feast, the Chalet Hôtel Kaya have various restaurant options where they pride themselves in bringing ‘conviviality to the table’.
For that full-scale exploration while staying in the 3 Vallées, France, prioritise your comfort and luxury by staying at the Chalet Hotel Kaya, a 4-star hotel and spa.
Languedoc-Roussillon, Capestang
Château Les Carrasses
Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills near Béziers, Château Les Carrasses offers 30 stylish suites, apartments and villas set within a beautiful 19th-century wine domaine. Offering classic French charm with contemporary design, this boutique estate blends the grandeur of its château heritage with the relaxed sophistication of modern Mediterranean living.
The estate’s brasserie-style restaurant La Serre serves fresh, seasonal cuisine overlooking the infinity pool and vines, while the bar and terrace provide perfect spots for rosé-fuelled sunsets. Guests can unwind at the spa, enjoy tastings in the wine cellar, play tennis, cycle through the vineyards, or explore the nearby Canal du Midi.
Each self-contained residence features fully equipped kitchens, terraces or gardens, and some with private pools—ideal for families, couples, or groups seeking refined rural tranquillity in the heart of the Languedoc.
Burgundy, Dijon
Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon – MGallery
This has been a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2018 and while the building has roots dating back as far as the 15th century, it was transformed into guest accommodation in the late 1790s. It has since received several makeovers, under the ownership of Sofitel. Now it’s a sophisticated designer property with 88 bedrooms ranging from singles to a prestige suite. This Grand Dame also includes the blissful Spa by La Cloche with products from Carita and Vinésime, Les Jardins restaurant housed in a glass atrium and Le Bar, with its enviable wine list.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Tourrettes
Terre Blanche
The perfect place for a countryside break, this hotel is known for being one of the most prestigious golf resorts in the world. Terre Blanche is set inland, in huge lush grounds with beautiful woodland on the doorstep. Wander the gardens’ paths and you’ll be greeted by the gentle floral and pine aromas of this nature haven. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a 3200m² spa with a hot tub and a steam bath, two 18-hole golf courses, two tennis courts, a fitness centre and a kid’s club – ensuring the whole family is fully catered for. In high season you’ll have a choice of four restaurants and a wealth of activities, sights and tourist attractions to explore nearby.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Monte Carlo Beach
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.