
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, 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.
Rhône-Alps, Megève
M de Megève
(5 stars)Enjoy all the cosiness of an Alpine chalet in full contemporary style at M de Megève. The design here is deeply sophisticated, befitting a sleek boutique establishment. A new wing was added in 2019, housing some of the hotel’s 42 bedrooms, and there’s a spa (with a counter-current pool) beneath the ground floor. Nothing says romance quite like a horse-drawn carriage rides around a snow-covered French chocolate box town – and this is something the hotel offers completely free of charge (although it must be pre-booked). It’s a perfect setting for a proposal or a memorable anniversary, followed by an exquisite French meal at Le M Restaurant.
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.
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.
Ile de France, Paris, 1st arr.
Hôtel Madame Rêve
(5 stars)Located in the iconic 19th-century Louvre post office building, the Madame Rêve Hotel boasts a great location and its 82 rooms and suites and public spaces offer guests a unique panorama over the Parisian cityscape. With a subtle design of precious woods and golden-brown fabrics, there is an understated vibe of luxury here. The five-star hotels presents guests with two culinary experiences Madame Rêve Café serves a taste of the Mediterranean and La Plume takes its menu inspiration from Japanese-influenced cuisine. For guests that need to recharge, the fitness room is equipped with the latest equipment and the sauna with breathtaking views is the perfect place to unwind or for full relaxation indulge in a treatment on one of the two calming treatment rooms.
Ile de France, Paris, 6th arr.
Relais Christine Paris
(5 stars)The chic and luxurious boutique Relais Christine is located in the heart of Paris, only a stone’s throw away from the Seine and some of Paris’ top attractions and restaurants. Relais Christine is the perfect choice for guests seeking an intimate hotel. The hotel’s 48 rooms and suites are decadent and sophisticated. They are enhanced by marble bathrooms, warm woodwork and valuable antiques which all pay homage to Frances’s rich history. The piece de resistance of the hotel is the Spa Guerlain which is situated under 13th century vaults. Its opulent and beautiful interiors only add to the indulgent spa experience which is one of Paris’s best. Whilst the Relais Christine does not have its own restaurant, it is situated close to some of Paris’s best restaurants and the dedicated concierge team is always at guest’s beck and call to help them arrange activities and find a place to dine.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Nice
Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice, France
(5 stars)Nestled in the heart of Nice and perched on the hillside of the old city, a convent built by the Clarisses in 1604 has been a place of tranquillity and reflection for centuries. Today, in collaboration with Studio Mumbai, Studio Méditerranée, and Festen Architecture, the convent has been restored to its former glory and transformed into Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Opening on 20 June 2024, Hôtel du Couvent offers 88 guestrooms and suites. These include peaceful monastic-style spaces ideal for solo travellers, sophisticated guestrooms with views of the Mediterranean Sea or a private garden, and spacious apartments with cooking and dining areas, perfect for extended stays and gatherings.
The hotel’s culinary offerings highlight the authentic flavours of Nice and its surrounding hills, with a strong emphasis on provenance. The refined dishes will be led by flavour, using produce sourced from the hotel’s own farm in Touët-sur-Var. The secular ritual of cooking and eating among loved ones will be revived in the cloister restaurant, the original refectory, the casual Guinguette café, and the bistro on Rue des Serruriers. The on-site bakery, located in the convent’s former bakery, will prepare freshly baked bread daily, using flour milled on-site in keeping with convent tradition. The wine cellar will offer a selection of 3,500 bottles. Nearby, Le Bar will provide a timeless space for guests to relax, either indoors or on the charming cloistered terrace.
The hotel’s 2.5-acre garden, almost completely hidden from the outside, provides a sanctuary for listening, relaxing, swimming, and meditating, surrounded by olive, apricot, and lemon trees, as well as over 300 other species that naturally scent the air. On Saturday mornings, the hotel will adopt a village square atmosphere, opening its courtyard to the local market, where guests and the public can purchase local products from producers and farmers from the Nice region.
Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice, France
SAVE FOR LATERAquitaine, Biarritz
The Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz
(4 stars)The Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz, MGallery Collection invites guests to experience timeless French seaside luxury. With 75 rooms and suites, this newly opened property sits in the heart of Biarritz, moments from the Atlantic shoreline and the town’s vibrant centre. The interiors draw inspiration from Basque heritage and coastal living, blending natural tones with contemporary finishes. Guests can dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant showcasing regional flavours or unwind with a drink in the stylish bar. The spa features treatment rooms, a wellness suite and a hammam, while a fitness centre caters to those wishing to maintain their routine. A heated outdoor pool with views of the ocean provides a serene retreat. Close to the Grand Plage and the town’s cultural landmarks, The Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz captures the essence of this celebrated destination while delivering modern comfort and service.
Ile de France, Paris, 2nd arr.
The Hoxton, Paris
(4 stars)One of Paris’s most stylish hotels, The Hoxton is the perfect place for guests who want to experience the relaxed luxury of modern Paris. Located a short walk away from Le Louvre and Le Marais, the Hoxton seamlessly blends the old with the new as it occupies an 18th-century Maison complete with preserved staircases, yet it brings it into the modern day with warm dark colours and exceptional lighting. The rooms and suites are cosy and inviting, complete with contemporary bathrooms and extremely comfortable beds. The Hoxton is home to many dining options like the Rivie, a chic all-day brasserie which offer modern French classics and also hosts events like DJ nights for guests. The Hoxton is also home to Jacques, one of Paris’s top cocktail bars, and Planche a casual outdoor wine bar.
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.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez
Hôtel Villa Marie Saint Tropez
(5 stars)Saint Tropez is arguably the most famous spot on the French Riviera. Tourists flock here to catch a glimpse of its superyachts and wealthy sun-worshippers. But you can escape the throng in style, at this bohemian hotel. In places, it’s evocative of 1950s Hollywood but also graced with upscale rustic room decor in peaceful tones. Found among the pine littered, picture-perfect hillsides of Ramatuelle, Villa Marie is ideal for couples. There are four-poster beds, open-plan bathrooms, a heated pool on the terrace, a heavenly Pure Altitude Spa, and Dolce Vita, the villa’s veranda restaurant, with cuisine by Chef Cédric Luisin.
Rhône-Alps, Annecy
Les Clos des Sens
(5 stars)Les Clos des Sens is an intimate and luxurious escape in the stunning surroundings of Annecy. Located close to the Lake of Annecy, this tranquil retreat boasts 10 beautifully appointed rooms offering spectacular lake and city views. The hotel displays simplistic and contemporary décor in every corner with an elegant and sophisticated ambience amidst the stunning landscapes of the area. Guests are invited to indulge in the gourmet dining from the on-site three-Michelin-starred kitchen which allows you to savour the gastronomic delights on offer in the cosy dining room or garden. The hotel offers a heated, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, lined with loungers, inviting you to soak up the summer sun in peace and in style. The hotel’s idyllic location provides easy access to the lake and the surrounding mountains, allowing you to make the most of your stay and see all that there is to see without having to go far.
