Best Luxury Hotels in France

Found between the Garden of Versailles and the Grand Triano, the neoclassical Trianon Palace was built at the turn of the 20th century. An enormous Guerlain Spa surrounded by mature gardens is a highlight here, along with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s own Michelin starred fine dining restaurant proffering views over the palace. 199 guest rooms are decorated in harmony with the hotel’s grand environs, adding in some contemporary styling. Onsite leisure amenities include two tennis courts, a large Grecian-inspired indoor pool, hammam, a relaxed brasserie and a bar. Family and pet-friendly rooms are available at this Waldorf Astoria owned property.

The Royal-Riviera Hotel is a prestigious five-star retreat located on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, perfectly positioned between Nice and Monaco. This elegant hotel, originally established in 1904, offers 96 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, blending classic Belle Époque architecture with modern luxury. The accommodations range from sea-view rooms to spacious suites, many with private terraces or balconies. The hotel’s dining experience includes “La Table du Royal,” a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients. The dining room features panoramic sea views, enhancing the culinary experience. There’s also a poolside restaurant, “Jasmin Grill & Lounge,” offering more casual fare with an Asian twist, all while overlooking the Mediterranean. The property’s private sandy beach is one of its standout features, providing an exclusive area for guests to relax by the azure waters of the Côte d’Azur. The hotel also boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens, open year-round, and a wellness centre offering a variety of treatments, a fitness room, and a sauna.Renowned for its personalised service, combining the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the facilities of a grand resort. Its location offers easy access to the attractions of the French Riviera, including the charming towns of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze, while still offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.

This hotel is located within the Lavezzi archipelago on the small, privately owned Cavallo Island. Its architecture blends into the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic stone walls and pastel shutters. Suites have terraces suspended over the water and sleep up to four guests (double and single rooms can also be booked). There’s an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, perched beside a marina and an indoor pool within the spa. Dine at the hotel’s waterside Restaurant des Pêcheurs with views of the Straight of Bonifacio, or at the new Antica Pesa Mare with a focus on sustainable seafood.

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.

Built just a year behind the other two hotels on our list, this palatial seven-floor residence looks right onto the beach. At the rear, a sunny terrace has a kidney-shaped pool as a focal point, with plush loungers and parasols. 259 bedrooms – some with sea-facing iron balconies – including a suite named after the screen legend Liz Taylor. All of the interior spaces are lavishly decorated, with the prolific use of royal red, chandeliers and heavy drapes with tiebacks. There are two restaurants, the larger and grander Cote Royal and the cosier, more intimate l’Etriet. Those wishing to get active can hire bikes for free or play tennis, and those wishing to relax can make use of the spa.

Delivering sensational panoramic sea views, the light and breezy Les Bords de Mer is perched directly on the coast and provides guests with plenty of pampering. Guests are treated to private beach access as well as an excellent restaurant where freshly caught seafood is highlighted to mouth-watering effect. This impressive establishment features just 19 rooms and each faces the ocean. Guests will either be provided with their own terrace or balcony to unwind on and this is the perfect place to linger over morning coffee and perhaps a few treats provided by room service before getting ready to explore this stunning seaside paradise.

This boutique hotel and restaurant has been enchanting guests for decades with its unique character and views of the Med. Step into a world of timeless beauty as you enter the historic building, where each room exudes a sense of understated luxury. Situated just steps away from the vibrant Old Port and cobbled streets, the setting invites guests to bask in the sunshine on nearby sandy beaches, explore the markets, or simply relax. For those seeking a little tranquil among St Tropez’s high-octane glamour, the hotel has a serene courtyard where you can unwind amidst greenery and the soothing sound of a trickling fountain. Indulge in a pampering massage, tuck into Provencal cuisine, or take a leisurely dip in the secluded pool to complete your relaxation.

Stay right on the Rhône at this grand 144 bedroomed establishment. It only opened in 2019 – but has a stunning 18th century facade – a hotly anticipated arrival to the city’s wining and dining scene. There’s a sense of drama in the design. The building’s domed ceiling is 32 metres in height, with breathtaking floral displays in the lobby, gold-leaf finishings, sumptuous silk textiles and contemporary artworks adorning the walls. Guests have access to Spa le Tigre, a 24 hour fitness room, Epona restaurant and a cloistered courtyard with its own magnolia tree.

The Canopy by Hilton Cannes enhances the city’s skyline with its exceptional rooftop terrace offering panoramic Mediterranean views and interiors by the acclaimed designer Ramy Fischer. This launch signifies Hilton’s debut in Cannes and expands the Canopy by Hilton portfolio in Europe. The hotel boasts a prime location near the port, featuring 129 rooms and suites, plus 12 apartments, many with stunning views of the old harbour and La Croisette. Unique artworks by young artists adorn each room, complementing the brand’s luxurious amenities. Guests can enjoy an indoor-outdoor heated pool, a fitness centre, and an upcoming spa. Dining options include Marea Rooftop Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, offering a menu by Chef Alexander Douglas Burger, and Café Crème Brunch Club, a Californian eatery. Canopy by Hilton Cannes serves as a communal space, and complimentary bikes encourage exploration of the glamorous city of Cannes.

The Rivage Hôtel & Spa sits on the banks of the picturesque Lake Annecy. There is a selection of modern guestrooms, suites and penthouses with expansive windows providing splendid views over the lake or the surrounding mountains. The hotel’s finest offering is the spacious Privilege Suite with a lakeside terrace and a grand bathtub. There is the on-site Lôna Restaurant serving local and seasonal cuisine. The NUXE Spa is spread over more than 1,000m2 and offers a wide range of state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities. There is a Hammam, a sauna and a cold water well for hydrotherapy. The facilities also include a fully equipped fitness centre, yoga studio and a herbal tea room. There is a 16m indoor swimming pool as well as a children’s pool and a relaxing outdoor terrace area. This hotel is ideal for a relaxing getaway with plenty of amenities specifically for pampering yourself and escaping reality.