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.
Champagne - Ardenne, Sacy
Château De Sacy
Indulge in a opulent break at this hilltop boutique hotel set in a village among the vineyards of Champagne, a 20-minute drive from Reims. Each of its 12 individually designed rooms are named after iconic historical figures and take on a Napoleonic style with antiques and chandeliers. Outside, you can take in the views as you dine on the terrace, soak in Norwegian hot tubs, or work up a sweat in the sauna. Inside the glamorous chateau, is the Les Vignes bar and restaurant, with cheese, charcuterie and lighter bites delivered to rooms on request.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Nice
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel
The Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel is a historic and luxurious property located on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France. Originally established in 1848, this landmark hotel has been meticulously restored to blend its Belle Époque charm with modern elegance. The hotel boasts 151 rooms and suites, many offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea or the verdant Albert 1er gardens.
The rooms and suites are designed with a blend of contemporary style and classic sophistication, featuring plush furnishings, high ceilings, and large windows that flood the spaces with natural light. Many rooms include balconies or terraces, allowing guests to fully appreciate the stunning coastal views.
Dining at the Anantara Plaza Nice is an experience in itself, with the hotel’s signature restaurant, SEEN by Olivier, located on the rooftop. This vibrant dining venue offers a fusion of Mediterranean and international cuisine crafted by renowned chef Olivier da Costa. The restaurant is complemented by a chic rooftop bar, which provides panoramic views of the Baie des Anges, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails.
The hotel offers a range of luxurious amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The Anantara Spa provides a serene retreat where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments inspired by both local traditions and global wellness practices. The fitness centre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routines while travelling.
Its prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Nice and the broader Côte d’Azur region. It is situated near popular attractions such as the historic Old Town, the Place Masséna, and the vibrant Marché aux Fleurs. Additionally, guests have easy access to the famous Ruhl Plage, one of the city’s most popular beaches.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Aix-en-Provence
La Villa Gallici – Relais & Châteaux
This elegant villa is sure to satisfy the wildest dreams of those who love to surround themselves with luxury. Every inch of this establishment has been created with luxury and style firmly in mind and there are plenty of places to unwind in style here. Taking a stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens while taking in the distant ocean views is the perfect way to unwind in style. Guests will also find a large swimming pool set in a beautiful courtyard and a dining experience that will delight even the most demanding gourmet.
Rhône-Alps, Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Palace de Menthon
Overlooking Lake Annecy, nestled in the verdant mountains, the Palace de Menthon offers unique and sophisticated 5-star accommodation in a scenic setting. This one-of-a-kind hotel boasts 66 well-appointed rooms and spacious suites as well as a private waterfront villa. There is an on-site restaurant serving gourmet cuisine in a stunning Art Deco style setting with panoramic lake views from the bay window. The restaurant offers an exceptional wine selection to enhance your luxurious experience while you can opt to reserve this location for an unforgettable private dining experience. There is a cocktail bar for guests to enjoy and the seasonal La Plage area for alfresco enjoyment. The relaxing spa and wellness facilities feature a Hammam, swimming pool and waterfront solarium while there is also a fitness centre. There is a host of sophisticated event spaces on offer to host any type of gathering, be it for a professional seminar or an extravagant wedding celebration.
Centre, Saint-Patrice
Château de Rochecotte
Want the chance to enjoy fine dining at its best while taking in enchanting views of the Loire Valley you will be sure to love staying at Chateau de Rochecotte. There are several dining rooms to choose from, each serving classic French dishes from the region with a few modern touches. Each of the spacious rooms and suites are sumptuously decorated in French Renaissance style and boasts huge picture windows overlooking the formal gardens, while the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind.
Savoie, Val Thorens
Hôtel Koh-I Nor by Les Etincelles
Like the shining diamond atop the Royal Families’ crown, choose divine excellence and luxury on your next trip to Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens, by staying at the beautiful 5-star Hôtel Koh-I Nor.
Its ideal location and uninterrupted view over the entirety of the snowy village is not the only excellent quality of the hotel, as its public areas, rooms, and suites are designed with comfort in mind. Its 63 rooms and suites, as well as its 35 apartments, are embellished with the same wood and soft furnishings one can expect from Alpine luxury, while created with the desire to bring light, energy, and fullness to your stay. Enjoy a private balcony, minibar, and welcome products if you choose one of their many suite options.
In addition to its many shining points, the Hôtel Koh-I Nor prioritises sweet relaxation and calmness to create the perfect haven of peace after a full day spent on Val Thorens’ winding slopes. You can enjoy access to its two swimming pools, fitness centre, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, salt wall, relaxation lounge and spa where you can find a treatment tailored exactly to your needs.
Whether ski-ing solo or soaking in every moment with your loved ones, let the light in and indulge in luxury during your next retreat to the Alpine mountains by choosing to stay at the breathtaking 5-star Hôtel Koh-I Nor.
Aquitaine, Biarritz
Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz – In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
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).
Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz – In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
SAVE FOR LATERAquitaine, 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.
Rhône-Alps, Lyon
Villa Florentine
Get a taste of Italy, right in the heart of France. This villa’s building design echoes the Renaissance style found peppered through the Old Town. Inside there’s a mix of modern and period furnishings with 18th-century frescoes, large french windows, and 32 rooms. Outside, there’s a sleek pool and large jacuzzi with loungers (from here you can take in the surrounding panorama, from the hillside vantage point). Part of the Relais and Chateaux portfolio, the residence is refined and elegant, committed to fine food that’s crafted using the freshest produce. Les Terrasses de Lyon has a Michelin star, along with some of the best views in town.
Normandy, Honfleur
Hôtel Saint-Delis – La Maison du Peintre
Now a five-star ultra-boutique hotel, this was once the home of painter Henri de Saint-Delis, and dates back to the 17th century. It houses just nine very special rooms, which, despite the building’s heritage, boast a sleek contemporary style. Each comes with a steam shower, some have balneotherapy bathtubs. Gourmet breakfasts can be taken in your room, on the patio, with meals served in the dining room and picnics available on request – the culinary emphasis is on homemade and organic dishes at Hôtel Saint-Delis. The attentive staff will be happy to arrange treatments from a French massage champion, horse and carriage rides, kite-surfing and painting lessons.
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.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez
Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière
This former wedding gift became a hotel in 1904, sought after by the Parisian Aristocracy during the 1920s. Now the 12-acre resort boasts 99 bedrooms, a relaxing pool terrace, a kids’ pool (part of their Summer Camp complex), an indoor pool (in the Valmont Spa) and a lane swimming pool for sportier types. There are five restaurants onsite, serving everything from Peruvian-Asian fusion food to Mediterranean buffets and antipasti. As well as a 1000 square metres spa, tennis courts, boules green and a private beach — Jardin Tropézina.