Best Luxury Hotels in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Perched above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, this Belle Époque landmark opened its doors in 1914 and quickly established itself as one of the Riviera’s most fashionable retreats, attracting some of the 20th century’s most recognisable names, including Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn. More than a century later, the property has entered a new chapter with the opening of COMO Le Beauvallon, a carefully restored luxury retreat that brings fresh energy to one of the Côte d’Azur’s most storied addresses.

Located by the beautiful blue waters of the Côte d’Azur, Hôtel Belles Rives was and still is one of the Riviera’s most historic and romantic addresses. Once a private villa rented by F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald in the mid-1920s (and the place where the author began Tender is the Night) it reopened in 1929 as a hotel and remains family owned. The boutique hotel comprises 43 individually designed rooms with an art deco vibe flowing throughout the property. The hotel’s private beach, jetty and Water Sports Club offer guests plenty of space to relax with loungers and beach huts available to hire whilst water skiing, pedalos, paddleboards and banana boats will appeal to those seeking something more active. Guests also have access to fitness facilities and a swimming pool at sister property Hôtel Juana, just 200 metres away.

Waterside dining can be enjoyed at Plage Belles Rives which serves light and delicious Provencal cuisine and La Passagère is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant led by culinary maestro Aurélien Véquaud. For something more relaxed, lunches and classic cocktails can be found at the newly renovated Bar Fitzgerald, named after the property’s former resident.

We suggest heading to the hotel’s Beauty Corner For the ultimate in pampering where personalised treatments designed in partnership with Swiss anti-aging expert, Valmont and organic skincare brand La Canopée will leave guests feeling beautifully revived.
The hotel is a short stroll from the centre of Juan-les-Pins, with a good choice of restaurants, bars and of course the summer jazz festival and is approx. 25 minutes by car from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Hôtel Belles Rives is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

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.

Boasting an elegant yet simple style, Domaine de Fontenille is set in palatial grounds with several different gardens for guests to explore at their leisure. A number of walking trails wind their way through the grape vines, while the area is also set with a large swimming pool, a boules pitch and a spa that comes complete with a Turkish bath and massage room. Guests can take their pick from 18 luxurious bedrooms and suites, each of which faces the gardens and is decorated in a classic French style with plenty of decadent touches.

Just outside Avignon lies this charming village-like hotel complex. Eight restored stone houses are connected by a series of alleyways and courtyards, including a vaulted terraced restaurant, bistro with pretty views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux and an outdoor heated pool with sundeck. Rooms feature Provençal features such as exposed beams, terracotta floors and antique furniture. The on-site Spa des Ecuries offers restorative treatments using dreamy Bamford products, from its converted stable home. It’s also pet-friendly and has a superb fine-dining restaurant La Madeleine.

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.

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.

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.

Home of the iconic film festival, Cannes is another magnet for celebrities. Hyatt’s Green Globe-certified Riviera property has 409 room, ten of which are accessible. There’s an art deco theme to its swish design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, with colours echoing those found in the local coastal scenery. Culinary artistry comes from Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Sinicropi, in the hotel’s three upmarket eateries. The finest – La Palme d’Or, overlooks the Bay of Cannes and features crockery designed by Sinicropi and his wife. There’s also a spa, kids’ club, beach and plenty of meeting facilities (all buzzing with famous faces and press during the film festival)

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.

As part of the Four Seasons group, you can expect high-end understated luxury as standard at Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Set on a peninsula enclave, by a small fishing village, this area has long been popular for famous faces seeking an escape from the limelight, in the lap of luxury. The award-winning spa’s hydrotherapy circuit is a great way to unwind and begin your holiday, before sampling Michelin-starred cuisine at the Chef’s Table in Salon des Collections. For 360 degree views, steam bath, hot tub and a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel, book the Suite Cocteau Penthouse, one of its 74 rooms. Families can take advantage of the kids’ club and there are indoor and outdoor pools for year-round swims.

Set in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this 18th century hospital has been extensively renovated to create a luxurious five star hotel. The onsite bar and brasserie is one of the best in the whole of Marseille and is a popular haunt among local people who have a taste for the finer things in life. While the suites that boast Old Port views are impressive, those who want to splurge should select one of the 33 rooms that come complete with a private loggia gallery overlooking the Notre Dame de la Garde.