
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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Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Lille, Lille Centre
L’hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection
(5 stars)Stay in a restored 15th-century building, transformed from a hospice into a five-star hotel in 2003. It’s just a few minute’s stroll from a metro station and handy for city attractions. Dine on northern French cuisine at restaurant l’Hermitage, eat Flemish food at its brasserie, l’Estaminet, or order room service at any time of the day or night. 88 rooms are arranged around an inner courtyard, with original features like stone walls and period fireplaces, bathrobes, air con and minibars. Take some time out, with access to the Spa by Hermitage Gantois, with its indoor swimming pool and hammam.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Lille, Lille Centre
Hôtel Barrière De Lille
(5 stars)This modern, glass-walled hotel sits beside a shopping mall, just yards from the mainline train station. The highlight is a huge in-house casino, reached through velvet drapes off a hotel corridor or directly from the street. Here you can try your luck at slots and table games and watch glamorous shows or cabarets in the 1200 seat theatre. Hôtel Barrière De Lille’s nine floors include 145 rooms (some of which are fully accessible) and two restaurants; while the fourth floor accommodates its spa, Escal’Bien-Etre. Pets and kids are welcome and there’s an excellent Sunday brunch accompanied by live tunes.
Alsace, Colmar
L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery
(5 stars)Surrounded by lush greenery, but just a short walk from Petite Venise, this MGallery property is a showcase for modern art and wellness. Its L’Esquisse Spa by Clarins is spread over 500 m² with a 15-metre sunlit pool and jacuzzi, overlooking the solarium patio. Bedrooms have balconies with views of Champ de Mars Park and come with Nespresso machines and Clarins bath products. There are accessible rooms and the huge penthouse suites are perfect for families. Its K Bar is the place for cocktails; the venue is characterised by an enormous hanging copper mask art installation.
Savoie, Val Thorens
Hôtel Le Pashmina
(5 stars)If you desire that true slice of Alpine life in Europe’s highest ski resort, surrounded by luscious views while in the comfort of your own room, then Hôtel Le Pashmina, Val Thorens, is made for you.
Find a mixture of colour and comfort while you take refuge in Hôtel Le Pashmina’s 43 rooms and suites, 8 ‘cosy homes’, 2 chalet apartments or even their Igloo Pod, located on their rooftop, where you can make yourself right at home. Accommodating anywhere between 1-10 people, their rooms and suites come with their own private balconies, minibars, and spacious bathroom set ups to ensure you are equipped with the small luxuries that complete your stay.
When you’re not relaxing in your homestead, hit Pashmina’s Base Camp to discover the delights of bistronomic cuisine while soaking in the sound of live music, or experience Michelin-star quality while embarking on an incredible culinary odyssey at Les Explorateurs. And when all is said and done, recharge your batteries in Hôtel Le Pashmina’s pool and sauna facilities where their Spa by L’Occitane offers treatments and massages to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Prioritise comfort and leave your worries at home by choosing peak luxury at Hôtel Le Pashmina during your trip to the stunning slopes of Val Thorens. A mountainous escape for every kind of traveller.
Savoie, Tarentaise Valley
Chalet Hôtel Kaya
(4 stars)Unlock some of your most precious memories at an altitude of 2000m while the largest ski area in the world is at your fingertips, by choosing the Chalet Hôtel Kaya as the starting point of your adventure.
Embodying the feeling of childhood nostalgia and happy reminiscences, the Chalet Hôtel Kaya’s 50 warm rooms and suites provide the comfort and privacy needed to recharge everyone’s batteries. Adorned with ethnic decorations from all around the world and beautiful mountain views, you are invited to journey to your dreamscape as you find the perfect cocoon to fit all your needs.
When not out making memories ski-ing the slopes, Chalet Hôtel Kaya offers activities for every member of the family: from the indoor pool and tailored spa treatments in their luxurious wellness area to an adventure-filled Kids’ Camp during the French school holidays to take the weight off you during your stay. And for that lover’s romantic meal or energy-fuelling family feast, the Chalet Hôtel Kaya have various restaurant options where they pride themselves in bringing ‘conviviality to the table’.
For that full-scale exploration while staying in the 3 Vallées, France, prioritise your comfort and luxury by staying at the Chalet Hotel Kaya, a 4-star hotel and spa.
Savoie, Val Thorens
Hôtel Koh-I Nor by Les Etincelles
(5 stars)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.
Savoie, Val Thorens
Le Fitz Roy, Val Thorens, a Beaumier Hotel & Spa
(5 stars)Soak in the astonishing panoramic views of Europe’s highest ski resort while the winding lifts and stretched-out slopes melt around you in true Alpine style at Le Fitz Roy, a Beaumier Hotel & Spa. A paragon of luxury and refined hospitality, elegance has never been this easy to reach.
Situated at the heart of the breathtaking Val Thorens village, this ski-in, ski-out hotel draws in the lovers of the slopes where they can find comfort and refinery at their fingertips after a full day of activity. With 72 rooms across their space, they boast a refuge adorned with softness to help you feel at home during your stay. You can choose the room that best suits your needs while customising it with the view you desire – village or slopes.
During your visit, you can press pause on life’s responsibilities and unwind with the variety of amenities and experiences on offer at Le Fitz Roy. Recharge your body and mind with their very own yoga classes, leave your body’s tension at the door with the sauna and specialised spa menu, or indulge in the tastes of Savoy with fresh Alpine produce prepared into gastronomic delights at their very own restaurant. Its immersive experience makes Le Fitz Roy the ideal base for your next trip.
For that extra spoonful of pleasure during your next encounter with the beautiful snowy slopes of Val Thorens, choose what you deserve – a stay in Le Fitz Roy, a Beaumier Hotel & Spa.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
Les Fermes de Marie
(5 stars)Guests here are housed in one of 70 bedrooms, some in chalets and ‘mazots’ (a kind of Savoyard mountain hut). Les Fermes de Marie came into being in the 1980s but now has a classic chalet feel (think Game of Thrones-style; wood panelling, fur throws, sheepskin cushions and rustic four-poster beds). Its new-look Pure Altitude Spa was launched in 2019, with 17 treatment cabins, hot and cold ceder ofuro soaking tubs, a child-friendly indoor-outdoor swimming pool and an adults-only indoor pool. There’s also a hot tub on the terrace, the Traditionnel restaurant and two further eateries that open during high season.
Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Bacalan
Renaissance Bordeaux
(4 stars)Known as Bordeaux’s trendy district, The Old Docks, is home to this unique and inviting 4-star hotel. Conveniently located to explore the region, the hotel comprises stylishly appointed 149 rooms each with oversized windows from which guests can take in the local area below. Guests can enjoy a swim with a city view at the indoor pool on one of the highest rooftops of Bordeaux or relax with a drink or two in the upscale bar whilst all-day authentic Italian cuisine is served at the Gina Restaurant & Bar.
Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Chartrons
Villas Foch
(5 stars)Located 5km from the centre, Villas Foch is made up of two private 17th and 18th-century mansions. While the building may be old, the hotel is brand new, having recently opened in the summer of 2021. Just 20 bedrooms and eight suites ensure an intimate atmosphere in this sumptuous period property that’s adopted sophisticated modern decor touches. Each room is soundproofed with a free minibar and use of an espresso machine, but guests can also buy snacks at the in-house deli, or in the bar lounge. Accessible and family-friendly, the hotel also features a full-service spa and swimming pool set in a stone-arched cellar.
Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
Aman Le Mélézin
(5 stars)More Asian fortress than French ski lodge in its aesthetic, the architecture of this hotel stands out in Courchevel 1850. Perched on the Bellecôte piste, Aman Le Melezin offers ski-in/ski-out facilities. Once inside you’ll find that familiar Alpine vibe. There are 31 bedrooms and suites, some of which have balconies, private hot tubs and fireplaces. There’s much to keep you onsite apres-ski, with a cigar bar, fine Japanese dining (think sushi, sashimi and Wagyu beef) at Aman’s Nama restaurant and a two-storey spa with a columned indoor pool made from Capri stone.
Rhône-Alps, Courchevel
Six Senses Residences Courchevel
(4 stars)A short stroll from the heart of 1850 lies this collection of apartments. Sleeping between two and five in each suite, the resort caters to a wide range of parties. Eschewing the more traditional Alpine cuisine, this hotel serves exquisite sushi in its Japanese restaurant, Sumosan. The Six Senses Spa’s encompasses 7,500 sqft of treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub, a juice bar and Kneipp foot bath therapy – with rituals accompanied by Organic Pharmacy products. There’s also an on-site ski rental shop and boutique, so you can pack lightly for inbound travel.
