
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.
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Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
Le Grand Hotel Courchevel
(5 stars)Located just 50 metres from the foot of Tignes’ pistes with ski-in and ski-out facilities, Le Grand (previously known as Le Grand Hôtel au Rond-Point des Pistes) is a very modern affair. 38 rooms and suites offer warming yet soothing decor that echoes its surroundings with contemporary flair. Found in the heart of the 1850 village (shops and restaurants are minutes away), the four-star establishment offers incredible 180° views from the restaurant. The gym and spa feature a sauna, steam room, relaxation area and an elliptical bike which can be used to prepare leg and arm muscles ahead of a hard ski session.
Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
Hotel La Sivoliere
(5 stars)Ski-in and ski-out of Hotel La Sivoliere. Accessible accommodation is available with all 35 rooms, suites and apartments having been refurbished by interior designer Sara Copeland. It has earned Family Plus certification with Mini Sivo Captains on hand to entertain young ones in the Mini Sivo Room, and magical mini handcrafted wooden bunks in some rooms. Here, you can book a dog-sitter to walk your pooch – canines received a basket to match the room and their own meal menu. The hotel dates back to 1950 and is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and Savoyard speciality cuisine.
Burgundy, Dijon
Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon – MGallery
(5 stars)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.
Rhône-Alps, Lyon
Villa Florentine
(5 stars)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.
Rhône-Alps, Val dʼIsère
Hotel Village La Mourra
(5 stars)With just four private luxury chalets to choose from, guests at Hotel Village La Mourra can be sure that they will be treated to an intimate atmosphere and a personalised service. Indulging in treatments in the My Blend by Clarins is the perfect way to unwind after spending the day on the slopes, while guests are also treated to a sauna and steam room to unwind in. the hotel also comes complete with a seventeen-metre pool, while a team of physiotherapists and an osteopath are on hand to pamper guests from head to toe. The chalets feature beautiful marble bathrooms and large bathrooms, while the reclaimed wooden furniture features colourful and cosy touches. Lovers of Japanese cuisine are also sure to love the selection of dishes that are served in the cosy dining room.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Aix-en-Provence
Hôtel Le Pigonnet
(5 stars)Imagine starting your day with breakfast in rose gardens, shaded by chestnut trees, listening to the sounds of nature with a warm gentle breeze. This is morning at Hôtel Le Pigonnet. In the Aix-en-Provence area, the 45-room hotel is a converted 18th-century manor house with contemporary interior design. Its claim to fame is that it’s co-owned by Christophe Lambert, the French-American film star, best known for his role in Highlander. Chef Thierry Balligand produces elegant vegetarian and carnivorous menus, with pastry dishes being a particular speciality.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Èze
Château Eza
(5 stars)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.
Brittany, Quiberon
Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa
(5 stars)If you’re seeking to improve your sports performance or recover from an injury, come here to the Athletic Rehabilitation Center. The spa, which began offering Thalassa treatments in 2016 (having been a well-known wellness centre since 1964), provides a variety of seawater programmes for relaxation, improved health and appearance. Facing the ocean and rugged cliffs, the building enjoys a lot of natural light, with 126 bedrooms offering views of either the sea or land from their balconies. The restaurant, La Presqu’île, has a breathtaking outlook, enjoyed alongside organic Breton cuisine.
Ile de France, Paris, 3rd arr.
Hotel Experimental Marais
(5 stars)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.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
Four Seasons Hotel Megève
(5 stars)Positioned a little away from the centre of the village, the hotel is now the only one in Megève with ski-in, ski-out access and the 55 bedroom Four Seasons property, provides a secluded base surrounded by nature. However, there’s plenty going on within the resort. A great choice for families, it has a programme of activities and a club room for younger kids, a Teen Zone furnished with games and a screening room, plus an in-house ski teacher. The brand new 3,864sq.ft Mont Blanc suite has three connected bedrooms and two smaller suites so is ideal for families. Adults can enjoy wine tastings in the hotel’s 15,000 bottle-strong cellar, dinners at ‘’La Dame de Pic – Le 1920’ which will welcome Anne-Sophie Pic as she takes up her first winter residence this season and enjoy some down time in the tranquillity of the pure white spa.
Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Mériadeck
Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
(4 stars)Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers a hip, boutique experience in Bordeaux’s revitalised Mériadeck district. The hotel’s name reflects its artistic vibe and location, with the lobby resembling a vibrant art gallery showcasing works by contemporary French artists, curated by Nell Caritey-Hergué. The hotel features 61 rooms including Queen, King Deluxe, and Twin Deluxe, with some King Deluxe rooms offering private terraces. Interiors are stylish, with burnt orange or army green wood-panelled walls, midcentury furniture, and plush beds with Gervasoni upholstered headboards. Modern amenities include large-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers and Soin de Soi toiletries. Le Marty’s cocktail bar boasts a sophisticated aesthetic, a thoughtful wine list, and a diverse cocktail menu, complemented by a selection of shareable plates. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is a short walk from the city centre and close to the Bordeaux tram network.
Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
Hotel Des Trois Vallées
(4 stars)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.
