
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.
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.
Europe, France
L’apogée Courchevel
(5 stars)This hotel has a unique position on top of what was once an Olympic ski jump. Part of the Oetker Collection, it’s palatial, with a resort feel – there’s a beauty and hair salon, La Prairie spa, pool, salt sauna, boutiques, a smoking room and the largest children’s club in Courchevel. L’apogée has 53 guest rooms, a penthouse and two private chalets. Sushi is prepared in its restaurant, Koori (meaning ‘ice’ in Japanese), with French fare at Le Comptoir L’Apogée. By day Le Bar de L’Apogée serves light lunches, while by night the venue becomes a cocktail lounge accompanied by the sounds of live singers and DJs.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
Flocons de Sel
(5 stars)Featuring one of the best restaurants, not only in the region but the world, Flocons de Sel has been awarded a rare three Michelin stars for its cuisine. Chef Emmanuel Renaut – himself indigenous to the Haute-Savoie area – is at the helm and invites guests to join him on nearby forest walks, to experience foraging for mushrooms and medicinal plants, while learning more about sustainability. Initially designed to be a family home, this 5-star Relais & Châteaux property is set high up overlooking the village. The hotel incorporates a spa and three restaurants. Bedrooms and suites are spacious, all with either terraces or balconies, some with open fires or wood-burning stoves.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
Zannier Le Chalet
(5 stars)With just 12 suites and a three-bedroom private cottage set across three chalets, Zannier Hotels Le Chalet creates an intimate environment for its residents. Each residence has its own balcony or terrace and suits longer stays – the hotel can be booked in its entirety for extra exclusivity. And with fewer guests, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a little solitude in the sleek spa, or indulge in a quiet meal. It has ski-in and ski-out access and a dedicated ski concierge, with Patisserie Buffets, served every morning to set guests up for a day on the slopes. Apres-ski, those staying at the hotel can feast on French-style tapas, Alpine gastronomic creations and attend ‘Bistronomique’ evenings.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
L’Alpaga, Megève, a Beaumier Hotel
(5 stars)If you’re travelling with a larger group, take a look at Alpaga. Its three-storey chalets can sleep up to 20, with apartments catering for 6, as well as rooms for singles, couples and families. The restaurant, La Table de l’Alpaga, has been recognised with two Michelin stars and specialises in fine plant-based cuisine and there’s a bistro, L’Onyx, as well as lighter food served in the lobby-side bar. Spa de l’Alpaga offers a little hydro adventure, with an in-pool bubble couch and massage jets, all moodily lit and clad in dark grey stone for atmosphere. Alpaga may be a high-end hotel, but it suits those who prefer a relaxed approach to finery.
