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, 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.
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.
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, 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.
Alsace, Colmar
Hôtel Le Maréchal
This hotel was actually constructed on the city’s fortified walls in the pretty Little Venice district. Rooms have a grand or cosy style, featuring brocades, wooden beams, classic four-poster beds with drapes and gilt-covered antique furnishings, all very conducive to a flamboyantly romantic getaway. Some bedrooms are more modern in design, with a simpler aesthetic catering to those less keen on the more fussy traditional look — so be sure to request a category that suits your personal fancy. Guests can book a table at the theatrical A l’Echevin restaurant, for gourmet meals. And in summer, there’s a sheltered riverside terrace for alfresco dining.
Normandy, Trouville-sur-Mer
Cures Marines Hotel & Spa Trouville MGallery Collection
This hotel opened in the same year as Hotel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville – its main restaurant is named 1912 to commemorate this history and holds a Michelin star. Housed in a long, three-storey neo-classical white building, it includes a thalassotherapy spa, specialising in forward-thinking treatments like cryotherapy, with a heated seawater pool. 103 bedrooms are decorated in neutral tones, some featuring century-old frescoes, with fluffy robes and Nespresso machines – book a duplex for a mezzanine bedroom and a downstairs living space with gorgeous views. Cures Marines’ bar is named after painter Eugène Boudin and there’s an excellent bistro.
Cures Marines Hotel & Spa Trouville MGallery Collection
SAVE FOR LATERAquitaine, 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 LATERRhône-Alps, Méribel
Hotel Le Coucou Méribel
Found at Rond Point, this is an uber-stylish five-star boutique property with direct ski-in/ski-out access. Family-owned (it’s part of a small chain) a Parisian architect, Pierre Yovanovavich, was brought in to create a mid-century feel, that stands apart from the region’s Alpine themed hotels. 54 forms of accommodation make use of a retro palette, such as mustard yellows, salmon pinks, moss greens and burnt terracottas. Elsewhere, it has a boot room, a Tata Harper spa, gym, yoga studio, indoor-outdoor pool, kids’ club and the Beef Bar diner with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as lots of succulent red meat.
Ile de France, Paris, 1st arr.
Cheval Blanc Paris
Just moments away from the Louvre and the Marais, the Cheval Blanc Paris gracefully rises out of the Seine. Occupying a historic yet beautifully renovated Maison, the Cheval Blanc’s interior – designed by Peter Marino- is playful and distinctly French. The hotel’s 72 rooms and suites are intimate and luxurious, many also boast commanding views of the city. Many of the hotel’s exclusive suites even have some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine to be found anywhere in Paris. The Cheval is home to the Dior Spa and Rossano Ferretti salon and thus it meets every beauty and wellness need of its guests. The Cheval is home to Hakuba, a stylish Japanese restaurant, and Le Tout-Paris a Michelin-starred brasserie and cocktail bar which gazes out over Paris. For a true culinary experience, guests can also dine at Plenitude, a three Michelin star restaurant which serves some of the best food to be found anywhere in France.
Rhône-Alps, Sévrier
Black Bass
The Black Bass Hotel is a magnificent 5-star escape by the shores of Lake Annecy. The hotel is in an ideal location for exploring the surrounding areas, taking in endless views of unspoiled scenery or simple escaping from day-to-day duties. There are 25 comfortable and contemporary rooms and suites on offer with expansive windows boasting spectacular lake and forest views. The Lake View Suites are complete with spacious terraces and panoramic vistas. There is an excellent on-site restaurant serving a delightful lunch and dinner and a bar which overlook the lake in all its glory. The hotel’s blissful spa and wellness facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a rejuvenating Hammam. Guests are also invited to take advantage of the fitness centre. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with remarkable lake views. This hotel is pet friendly.
Savoie, 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.
Aquitaine, Le Bouscat
Maison Pavlov
The five-star Maison Pavlov is a luxurious boutique hotel, situated mere minutes from the historical centre of Bordeaux. Each of the eight guestrooms and suites have been uniquely decorated with modern and abstract furnishings and offer guests a comfortable stay in a stylish setting. The on-site dining options are the Bistronomic restaurant, serving lunchtime delights, and the Gastronomic restaurant, serving an exquisite seasonal menu for dinner. Guests are welcome to enjoy this beautiful and lively setting for a meal or by enjoying a cocktail or something from the wine & champagne menu. The hotel boasts a verdant garden and a seasonal outdoor pool ideal for relaxing and allowing you to escape city life while there are private yoga classes available in and out of the hotel. The hotel prides itself on being family friendly and accessible to those with reduced mobility. Concierge services are available to help you make the most of your stay through planning unforgettable trips and experiences.