680 Best Hotels in France

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We've compiled the best of the best in France - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Saint James Paris

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | 43 av. Bugeaud, Paris, 75116, France
Fodor's Choice
MisterTripper

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

This renovated, 19th-century mansion with a stone gateway and beautiful fountain feels like a countryside château nestled in the heart of the busy metropolis. A sybaritic spa, exercise room, and what is probably the city's most glorious hotel staircase forge a loyal following of guests who enjoy a clubby, upscale atmosphere day and night (it is also a private club). Belonging to the Relais & Châteaux collection of premium lodgings, the hotel is decorated in sumptuous fabrics, genteel antiques, and period furnishings. A quick 20-minute walk gets you to L'Arc de Triomphe.

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Pros

  • Beautiful decor and spacious rooms
  • Extravagant breakfast served in-room or in the restaurant
  • Fantastic wellness spa

Cons

  • Expensive rates
  • Residential area quiet at night
  • Far from all the major sights
43 av. Bugeaud, Paris, 75116, France
01–44–05–81–81
Hotel Details
46 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Shangri-La Paris Hotel

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | 10 av. Iéna, Paris, 75016, France
Fodor's Choice
Shangri-la Paris

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Displaying French elegance at its best, this impressively restored 19th-century mansion gazing across the Seine at the Eiffel Tower was once the stately home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, grandnephew of the emperor himself, and his gilded private apartments have been transformed into \"L'Appartement Prince Bonaparte. Many of the luxurious historical details were carefully restored or faithfully re-created for the property's transformation in 2010 into the first Shangri-La hotel in Europe. This hotel is now a classic, with half of the rooms smack-dab in front of the Eiffel Tower, and nearly two-thirds with their own balconies. All have ultraglamorous French and Asian touches and the latest technological amenities. Marble bathrooms have deep soaking bathtubs, heated floors, Guerlain toiletries, and TV screens embedded in the mirrors. Two highly rated restaurants (including one with a stunning atrium), a 24/7 fitness room, Paris's most beautiful indoor hotel pool (with an outdoor terrace), and a soothing wellness center with therapeutic facials, massages, and body treatments make it hard to ever leave.

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Pros

  • Some of the best views in Paris
  • Excellent dining
  • Fabulous pool

Cons

  • Astronomical rates
  • Pool open only until 9 pm
  • Expensive breakfast
10 av. Iéna, Paris, 75016, France
01–53–67–19–98
Hotel Details
100 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Hotel Adèle & Jules

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$ | 2 Cité Rougemont, Paris, 75009, France
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Set in a plum location on a quiet cul-de-sac, these twin Haussmannian buildings—one Adèle, the other Jules—each retains its historic charm (winding staircases, wrought-iron balconies) while offering thoughtful contemporary amenities (you won’t get a robe, but that’s in keeping with the hotel’s sustainable ethos). While operated with affordability in mind, the high quality of everything from the breakfast buffet served in a living room-like space to the cheerful rooms and spotless bathrooms are as comfortable as many more expensive boutique options and just as design-forward. Linen wallpaper, Ikat curtains, original artwork, and spotless white metro-tiled bathrooms add up to create chic, cozy abodes. Several rooms sport balconies overlooking the street and two rooms come with delightfully spacious balconies in the central courtyard. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to major department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette and the Opéra Garnier and five minutes from three of Paris’s loveliest historic covered galleries. No matter that the buildings are separated by a nondescript budget hotel—nothing can mar the charming ambience and sincere welcome you’ll receive at both.

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Pros

  • Three-minute walk to a central metro line
  • On a quiet cul-de-sac in a great part of town
  • Very well-priced for Paris

Cons

  • Buffet breakfast is expensive when booked with hotel reservation
  • No spa and tiny fitness room
  • Discernable noise in rooms close to the elevator
2 Cité Rougemont, Paris, 75009, France
01–48–24–60–70
Hotel Details
60 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Château de la Treyne

$$$ | Lacave, 46200, France
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Certainly the most spectacular château-hotel in the Dordogne, this Relais & Châteaux outpost sits amid Baroque gardens perched over the Dordogne River. Located in Lacave, 11 km (7 miles) northwest of Rocamadour, La Treyne was nearly destroyed in the 16th-century Wars of Religion but reconstructed under Louis XIII. Today the Michelin-starred restaurant (no lunch except Sunday) is a feast of crystal, Aubusson tapestries, and Louis XIII chairs with endless views over the river (breakfasts are served in the luminous Salon Vert). In warm weather, dining on the terrace with spectacular views of the Dordogne is not to be missed. Stylish guest rooms range from the stunning Prison Doreé (or \"Golden Prison,\" set atop the castle tower) and the hyper-charming Soleil Levant (the former chapel, now glowing in historic golds and yellows) to a deluxe suite with gorgeous antiques and views over the river.

Pros

  • Fascinating history
  • Modern amenities like Jacuzzis and minibars
  • Michelin-starred restaurant

Cons

  • Restaurant is pricey
  • Rooms with mind-blowing views are not cheap
  • Luxe old-world charm may not appeal to some
Lacave, 46200, France
05–65–27–60–60
Hotel Details
Closed Jan.–mid-Mar.
17 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Les Lumières

$$ | 5 rue Colbert, Versailles, 78000, France
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

A royal welcome awaits you at this shimmering lodging that merges two historic landmark mansions—once occupied by a marquis and a duke—via a glass atrium overlooking an interior garden. From the common areas to the guest rooms, the theme is luxurious elegance with a twist: downstairs, glittering chandeliers, a fabulous staircase, and gorgeously hued plush furniture give the lobby and lounges a palatial feel while the 31 guestrooms—some with views of Versailles—sport a contemporary style that makes for a cozier experience. Guests can linger over a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s handsome La Table des Lumières or enjoy a gourmet lunch or small dishes and drinks at the refined Bar des Philosophes. But the pièce de réstistance is Paris pastry star Pierre Hermé’s resplendent café, with soaring mirrors, glittering chandeliers, rosy banquettes, and high arched windows that face the palace. The serene spa offers a full range of treatments as well as a hammam, a sauna, and a small fitness room.

Pros

  • Just minutes from Versailles palace
  • Gorgeous decor
  • Excellent on-site dining, including a fabulous café

Cons

  • Only 31 rooms, so fills up quickly in every season
  • Expensive in high season
  • Breakfast not included
5 rue Colbert, Versailles, 78000, France
01–87–50–05–00
Hotel Details
31 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Petit Hotel Confidentiel

$$$ | 10 rue de la Trésorerie, Chambéry, 73000, France
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

This gem of a hotel on a pedestrian street in the heart of Chambéry’s historic center draws visitors from near and far for a luxurious moment out of time. Each of the 17 opulent rooms is unique, with deluxe details like fireplaces, private terraces and Jacuzzis, and gorgeous views. What the rooms do share is an air of bespoke luxury in contemporary furnishings, original artwork, big marble baths with showers and tubs, and romantic lighting. Though petite, the spa offers a curated choice of treatments, along with a small indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness studio. This irresistible package is completed by the gastronomic restaurant Folie; you can also relax by the fire at the delightfully cozy Mademoiselle Folie tearoom or sip a cocktail and enjoy live music at the bar. There’s a full breakfast, lunch, and tea menu too.

Pros

  • Great dining on-site
  • Butler service available
  • Small but wonderful spa and pool

Cons

  • Some rooms only reached by stairs
  • Lowest-category rooms small (by comparison)
  • Complicated to find by car
10 rue de la Trésorerie, Chambéry, 73000, France
04–79–26–24–17
Hotel Details
17 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN FRANCE

Le Refuge de Solaise

$$$$ | Téléphérique de Solaise, Val d'Isère, 73150, France

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

The expression sleeping on a cloud takes on new meaning at this contemporary alpine lodge set at the heights of Val d’Isère—literally: perched above 8,000 feet, it’s the highest hotel (and restaurant) in France. Being accessible solely by cable car or on skis only adds to the allure of these 16 suites, family apartments, and a dormitory all done up in chic wooden furniture and paneling with cozy touches and picture windows for optimal views. When the ski lift stops for the night—or in bad weather—you’ll lack for nothing, as everything you’ll need is on the premises: a gastronomic restaurant, a bistro for casual meals, a cozy bar, a spa with a pool, Jaccuzi, and fitness area, a library, a movie theater, a play area for kids, and a massive terrace. And that's not even mentioning the eye-popping 360° views of the Haute Tarentaise massif from your room and everywhere else.

Pros

  • Incredible views
  • Spacious rooms
  • Prices surprisingly not sky high (for this region)

Cons

  • Lift stops in bad weather
  • Service uneven
  • Dormitory is very dark
Téléphérique de Solaise, Val d'Isère, 73150, France
04–58–83–00–90
Hotel Details
20 units
No Meals

Quick Facts

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SO/ Paris

$$$$ | 10 rue Agrippa d'Aubigné, Paris, 75004, France Fodor's Choice
Gaëlle Le Boulicaut

A behemoth 1960s administrative building has become one of Paris's hottest hotels, sought after for its glam interiors, fashion credentials, and show-stealing views that are second only to the Eiffel Tower. Set across from the Île St-Louis, the hotel has stunning vistas that encompass all of Paris, depending on the exact location of your room. Luxe, streamlined guest rooms show a midcentury modern elegance, highlighting natural materials (leather, lustrous wood, wool carpets), plush furnishings, and marble baths. Take in breathtaking 360-degree panoramas from the 16th-floor bar, or have breakfast at the in-hotel restaurant Bonnie with its stunning vistas by day (with outdoor seating in summer). It's so glamorous even Emily in Paris had a romantic fling here.

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Pros

  • Excellent on-site restaurant
  • Unprecedented views
  • Great spa, fitness room, and big pool

Cons

  • A pricey option for the area
  • Oh-so-chic bar can get crowded
  • Restaurant doesn't prioritize hotel guests
10 rue Agrippa d'Aubigné, Paris, 75004, France
01–78–90–74–00
Hotel Details
162 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Villa-des-Prés

$$$$ | 29 rue de Buci, Paris, 75006, France

This exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of St-Germain-des-Prés is ultrachic and offers a quiet haven from the exciting surrounding neighborhood. It features original artwork, custom-made furniture, a lively bar, and an excellent spa. The friendly staff is eager to make your stay comfortable, which is to be expected at these prices. 

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Pros

  • Beautiful decor
  • Central location
  • Luxurious spa and pool

Cons

  • Steep prices
  • No restaurant on-site
  • Breakfast not included
29 rue de Buci, Paris, 75006, France
1–89–40–05–00
Hotel Details
34 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Auberge du Jeu de Paume

$$$ | 4 rue du Connétable, Chantilly, 60500, France Fodor's Choice
Auberge du Jeu de Paume, Versailles
Courtesy of Auberge du Jeu de Paume

Set within the Domaine de Chantilly, the largest princely estate in France, Auberge du Jeu de Paume combines its stunning setting with old-world elegance and modern comforts to create a deluxe country retreat. All of the beautifully appointed guest rooms have elegant furnishings, spacious marble baths, and floor-to-ceiling windows—the last being particularly appreciated because many accommodations overlook the château grounds, the historic Grand Stables, and Le Nôtre–designed gardens. For dining, look no further than the hotel's gastronomic Table du Connétable or the Jardin d'Hiver bistro, both featuring the ambitious cuisine of chef Clément Le Norcy, in whose expert hands dishes like succulent lamb with parsnip and black truffle, or crayfish with egg ravioli, chervil, and sweet onion are raised to an art form. There's also a cozy bar for a snack, teatime, or just an apéro. Other on-site perks include a spa, pool, and steam room.

Pros

  • Proximity to all the sights
  • Pretty setting abutting the palace grounds
  • Luxe amenities

Cons

  • Dining room could be more intimate
  • Some common areas feel corporate
  • Garden-view rooms expensive
4 rue du Connétable, Chantilly, 60500, France
03–44–65–50–00
Hotel Details
92 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Four Seasons Hôtel George V Paris

$$$$ | 31 av. George V, Paris, 75008, France Fodor's Choice
Four Seasons Hôtel George V Paris, The Champs-Élysées
Courtesy Four Seasons Hôtel George V Paris

As poised and polished as the day it opened in 1928, this superb hotel's original plaster detailing and 17th-century tapestries have been restored, the bas-reliefs regilded, and the marble-floor mosaics rebuilt tile by tile, adding up to an opulence rarely equaled in the city. Rooms have sumptuous fabrics and Louis XVI trimmings, consistent with the franchise's ultraluxe standards. Stocked with Hermès toiletries, bathrooms are marble-trimmed and have TVs hidden behind the mirrors. Book a table at award-winning Le Cinq, one of Paris's gastronomic jewels. The low-lit spa and fitness center pampers you with 11 treatment rooms, walls covered in toile de Jouy fabrics, and an indoor swimming pool. Don't be surprised if you rub elbows with show-business elite; the hotel remains a magnet for those in search of reliable creature comforts and who don't blink an eye at the price tag.

Pros

  • Some of the best dining in the city
  • Courtyard dining in summer
  • Indoor swimming pool

Cons

  • Several blocks from the nearest métro
  • Definitely for the 1%
  • Lacks the intimacy of smaller boutique hotels
31 av. George V, Paris, 75008, France
01–49–52–70–00
Hotel Details
244 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de La Celle

$$$ | 10 pl. du Général-de-Gaulle, Brignoles, 83170, France Fodor's Choice
Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de La Celle, Brignoles
David Bordes

Chef Alain Ducasse put this beautifully restored property—part of a convent once charged with shaping the future queens of Provence—on the map when he took over both the restaurant (now headed by chef Nicolas Pierantoni) and the inn, where guest rooms mix Louis XVI furnishings with regional accents, and the grounds have private gardens and vineyard views. The kitchen is still formidable, with creations that superbly balance flavor and texture—perhaps hake with sweet-almond puree and gnocchi or saddle of lamb with squash and fried chickpea panisse.

Pros

  • Excellent restaurant
  • Lovely views
  • True Provençal experience, with all the glamour minus the glitz

Cons

  • Restaurant service can be spotty
  • Expensive
  • No elevator in hotel
10 pl. du Général-de-Gaulle, Brignoles, 83170, France
04–98–05–14–14
Hotel Details
Restaurant closed Tues. and Wed. mid-Oct.–mid-Apr. and Jan.
10 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel Le Meurice

$$$$ | 228 rue de Rivoli, Paris, 75001, France Fodor's Choice
Hôtel Meurice, Louvre/Tuileries
Guillaume de Laubier

Since 1835, Paris's first palace hotel has welcomed royalty and celebrities from the Duchess of Windsor to Salvador Dalí and continues to enchant with service, style, and views. Le Meurice also appeals to art-history aficionados: contemporary sculpture, antiques, and attractive murals adorn rooms, corridors, and sumptuous dining areas. Classic rooms have a gilded Napoleonic Empire style, with antique furnishings covered in elegant French and Italian brocades. The modern spa includes Swiss Valmont facials, Thermes Marins de St-Malo body treatments, and "By Terry" makeovers. Expect children to be pampered with their own Meurice teddy bear called Pistache, tot-size slippers and bathrobe, and sweet treats. There's even a premium pet service that provides a VIP welcome for furry family members. The three-star Michelin restaurant run by chef Amaury Bouhours on behalf of Alain Ducasse serves gastronomic menus in one of the most beautiful grand siècle settings in the city, with a design by Philippe Starck and pastries from superstar pâtissier Cédric Grolet.

Pros

  • Stunning art and architecture
  • Views over the Tuileries gardens
  • Michelin-starred dining

Cons

  • Some amenities lacking like in-room coffee machine
  • Front-desk service at times inattentive
  • Very expensive
228 rue de Rivoli, Paris, 75001, France
01–44–58–10–09
Hotel Details
208 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel Plaza Athénée

$$$$ | 25 av. Montaigne, Paris, 75008, France Fodor's Choice
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, The Champs-Élysées
Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Distinguished by the scarlet flowers cascading over its elegant facade, this glamorous landmark hotel sits on one of the most expensive avenues in Paris. The suites' interior design expertly places contemporary pieces in a luxe traditional setting, culminating in the two quintessentially Parisian Eiffel suites, where the looming tower is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Sumptuous rooms enchant with designer furnishings and luxurious conveniences, like state-of-the-art controls, compact sound systems, and all the latest technology discreetly tucked away. On the handsomely renovated seventh floor, Room 750's spacious terrace offers panoramas of tout Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur. Downstairs, the glittering gastronomic dining room is helmed by chef Jean Imbert, who projects star wattage both in and out of the kitchen. For a less extravagant experience, join the locals at Le Relais Plaza (also helmed by Imbert), a beloved neighborhood outpost known for its gourmet brasserie fare served under elegant Art Deco murals that are listed historic monuments. Another star in the Plaza firmament: the gorgeously revamped Dior Spa, specializing in luxe custom-designed treatments, introduces the Light Suite, an exclusive therapy that relieves stress, resets your circadian rhythms, and stimulates skin regeneration.

Pros

  • Panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris
  • Great restaurants and bar
  • Exquisite Dior spa

Cons

  • Attracts oligarchs
  • Eye-popping prices
  • Compact fitness room
25 av. Montaigne, Paris, 75008, France
01–53–67–66–65
Hotel Details
208 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Le Citizen Hôtel

$ | 96 quai de Jemmapes, Paris, 75010, France Fodor's Choice
Le Citizen Hôtel, Canal St-Martin
Courtesy of Le Citizen Hotel

With direct views over the historic Canal St-Martin and also close to the Marais, Le Citizen melds minimalist-chic decor and high-tech touches like loaner iPads with a modern ethos that captures the cool eastern Paris vibe. The focus is urban and eco-friendly, with creative use of modern design elements like light wood and ambient lighting to make the most of small spaces. All but the tiniest "City" rooms are quite spacious for Paris, with walk-in showers, Omnisens toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and coffee and tea machines for a homey feel. The views are lovely, but light sleepers may need to use the thoughtfully provided ear plugs for the active nightlife in the vicinity.

Pros

  • Trendy neighborhood
  • Cool perks for the price
  • Friendly, attentive staff

Cons

  • The smallest rooms are best for one person
  • Noisy street
  • About 20 minutes by métro from top attractions
96 quai de Jemmapes, Paris, 75010, France
01–83–62–55–50
Hotel Details
12 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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Mama Shelter Paris East

$ | 109 rue de Bagnolet, Paris, 75020, France Fodor's Choice
Hôtel Mama Shelter, Bastille
Francis Amiand

Close to Père-Lachaise in the up-and-coming 20e arrondissement, this large hotel is an experiment in quirky postmodern countercultural cool, with a fun and funky interior designed by Philippe Starck. Rooms are stylishly lighted, include their own kitchenettes, are stocked with Kiehl's toiletries, and have flat-screen TVs. Many also have huge balconies. The spacious restaurant-bar-lounge attracts an international mix of hip young people.

Pros

  • Trendy design without designer prices
  • Fun vibe with hip bar on-site
  • Entertainment center in each room

Cons

  • 10-minute walk to métro
  • Nearby club can be noisy
  • Small rooms
109 rue de Bagnolet, Paris, 75020, France
01–43–48–48–48
Hotel Details
172 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme

$$$$ | 3–5 rue de la Paix, Paris, 75002, France Fodor's Choice
Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme, Les Grands Boulevards
Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Understated luxury with a contemporary Zen vibe differentiates this Hyatt from its more classic neighbors between Place Vendôme and Opéra Garnier, and it's also distinguished by its designation as one of Paris's 12 "palace" hotels, meaning it reaches a certain level of luxury, service, and amenities beyond even a five-star hotel. Five Haussmann-era buildings were converted into a showcase of handsome polished beige limestone, mahogany-veneer surfaces, and bronze sculptures. The luxe minimalist vibe in the contemporary rooms extends to the Japanese-inspired baths, underfloor heating, and spacious dressing areas. Spa treatments feature French La Mer products. Head to elegant Michelin-starred Pur for a gastronomic feast with an open kitchen within view of the dining room rotunda, or chic Le Café Jeanne. Afternoon tea in La Cheminée or after-hours cocktails in artsy Le Bar are perfect treats.

Pros

  • Stylish urban-chic design
  • The latest technology
  • Only in-suite spa tubs in Paris

Cons

  • As part of a chain, it can feel anonymous
  • Many corporate events held here
  • Very expensive
3–5 rue de la Paix, Paris, 75002, France
01–58–71–12–34
Hotel Details
148 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Airelles

$$$$ | Rue du Jardin Alpin, Courchevel, 73120, France Fodor's Choice

Luxury, coziness, and charm seamlessly align at this gracious palace hotel where fulfilling guests' every desire is not just a point of pride but a mandate. Need more water? Four bottles magically appear. Feel like a dogsled ride over the snowy peaks? The concierge will arrange it, Champagne included. With four restaurants and two bars on the premises, and a bistro on the nearby slopes, there's no lack of variety, especially at the Table des Airelles, whose cornucopia buffet proffers every imaginable delicacy, from the freshest sushi to a cheeseburger grilled to order, with a magical dessert table brimming with every sweet you could desire. Rooms are luxe chalet-style, with elegant wood moulding, plush jewel-toned furniture, and Oriental carpets. The in-hotel ski shop will outfit you in the finest gear so you can glide onto the pistes in style. Après ski, enjoy a swim in the spacious pool or a treatment at the La Mer spa. Teatime or an apéro by the fire is a ritual. Several private apartment suites are perfect for families and those who prefer more privacy.

Pros

  • Friendly and welcoming staff who ensure every wish is fulfilled
  • Excellent dining, spa, and skiing amenities
  • Huge pool

Cons

  • Beyond expensive
  • Traditional decor not to everyone's taste
  • Snob appeal
Rue du Jardin Alpin, Courchevel, 73120, France
04–79–00–38–38
Hotel Details
Closed May–Nov.
44 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Airelles Gordes La Bastide

$$$$ | 61 rue de la Combe, Gordes, 84220, France Fodor's Choice

Spectacularly perched on Gordes's hilltop, the 16th-century Bastide has both old-world charm and old-world elegance—it's also one of the few properties in Provence to have earned Palace status, meaning that it's among the best of the country's five-star hotels. Along with a trove of 18th-century antiques, designers brought in 4,000 paintings for the guest rooms. It has several restaurants, including the exceptional La Bastide. Manicured lawns and a broad shaded terrace are geared to relaxation, as is the luxe Airelles Spa, which includes a hammam, a sauna, and an indoor pool with breathtaking views of the Vallée de Gordes. In summer, the hotel has special activities programs for children and teens.

Pros

  • Views are unmatched in the area
  • Impeccable service
  • Excellent dining

Cons

  • €50 for breakfast
  • Very expensive
  • Street-side rooms disappointing considering views from other rooms
61 rue de la Combe, Gordes, 84220, France
04–90–72–12–12
Hotel Details
Closed Jan. and Feb.
42 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Alchimy

$ | 10–12 pl. du Palais, Albi, 81000, France Fodor's Choice

At Albi's smallest hotel, everything feels built to last, perhaps because local artisans were used for the overhaul of this previously derelict building. The result is rooms where comfort runs deeper than designer veneer, with over-the-top details like toilet-seat warmers and floor-to-ceiling sliding mirror doors. Located in the old town center (steps from shops, cafés, and the famed brick cathedral), this boutique hotel is outfitted with its own refined brasserie serving typical fare with a twist. Never fear, this stately establishment is not pretentious; the owner has recruited his hardworking niece and nephew to run the show, which infuses the place with a youthful refinement, where comfort and quality are prominent.

Pros

  • Hip, young vibe
  • Perfectly located for exploring on foot
  • Nice brasserie on-site

Cons

  • Least-expensive rooms not full suites
  • Often fully booked months ahead in summer
  • Breakfast not included
10–12 pl. du Palais, Albi, 81000, France
05–63–76–18–18
Hotel Details
10 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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AREV St-Tropez

$$$$ | 8 chemin des Vendanges, St-Tropez, 83990, France Fodor's Choice

Forget about check-in desks and other formalities at this effortlessly cool Tropezian hideaway—surrounded by lush lemon and olive gardens—where you’re welcomed like a friend, and luxurious amenities and cutting-edge tech are hallmarks. Everything from dinner reservations to room requests is handled via WhatsApp. Your phone will charge wirelessly, and you'll find Dyson hair dryers in the bathrooms and Peloton bikes in the gym. Sip a Tomatini poolside, play padel, or book a state-of-the-art light-therapy treatment in the spa. You can explore St-Tropez via a complimentary electric bike or a shuttle van, but the iconic Méhari beach buggy is the most fun way to get around. The decor blends a très français red, white, and blue palette with nautical nods to the town’s yachting heritage. Impeccable service and thoughtful touches make this feel like St-Tropez as it should be—glamorous, intimate, and unforgettable.

Pros

  • Open year-round
  • Large heated pool and luxurious spa with a hammam
  • Lavish breakfast

Cons

  • Strict cancellation policy
  • No kids club
  • WhatsApp communication with the staff might take getting used to
8 chemin des Vendanges, St-Tropez, 83990, France
04–22–54–06–40
Hotel Details
35 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Auberge du Bon Laboureur

$$ | 6 rue Bretonneau, Chenonceaux, 37150, France Fodor's Choice

In 1882 this ivy-covered inn won Henry James's praise, and, thanks to four generations of the Jeudi family, the author might be even more impressed today—this remains one of the Loire's most wonderful auberges, with guest rooms enchantingly accented in toile de Jouy fabrics and Redouté pink-and-blue pastels. Rooms in the main house are comfortably sized; those in the former stables are larger (some overlook a spacious kitchen garden) and more recently renovated, but the best rooms are the quaint quarters in the separate patio cottage near the terrace. Guests are encouraged to relax among the roses in several charming garden areas or lounge around the outdoor heated pool. After an apéro on the garden terrace, settle in at a table in the \"old\" dining room for one of the best gastronomic meals around, where the wood-beam ceiling, glazed terra-cotta walls, and Louis XVI chairs are almost as elegant as chef Antoine Jeudi's entrées. 

Pros

  • Charming decor
  • Outstanding food
  • Historic atmosphere

Cons

  • Small bathrooms
  • Some rooms overlook busy road
  • Service can be indifferent
6 rue Bretonneau, Chenonceaux, 37150, France
02–47–23–90–02
Hotel Details
Closed 1st wk of Jan.–mid-Feb.
29 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Auberge St-Pierre

$$ | Grande Rue, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, 50170, France Fodor's Choice

This inn is a popular spot due to the fact that it’s in a half-timber 15th-century building adjacent to the ramparts and has its own garden restaurant (half-board rates are available). The adjoining Croix Blanche has another nine rooms and dining patio with awesome views.

Pros

  • Great location
  • Good dining options
  • Historic decor

Cons

  • Not all rooms have views
  • No elevator
  • Rooms on the small side
Grande Rue, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, 50170, France
02–33–60–14–03
Hotel Details
23 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Babel

$ | 3 rue Lemon, Paris, 75020, France Fodor's Choice

In a neighborhood lacking in chic lodging choices, this boutique hotel couldn't be more welcome thanks to its ability to provide quintessential style on a budget. The alluring Silk-Road-meets-vintage-Paris decor extends from the welcoming lounges, bar, and restaurant to each of the 31 cozy guestrooms, where everything you could possibly need is right at your fingertips. A thrilling spice-route menu at the restaurant and the convivial cocktail bar keeps guests and locals happy, as does a popular Sunday brunch.

Pros

  • Budget prices but plenty of style
  • Great neighborhood
  • Fun on-site dining options

Cons

  • Not centrally located
  • No spa
  • Rooms are small
3 rue Lemon, Paris, 75020, France
01–87–53–62–32
Hotel Details
31 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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Balthazar Hotel & Spa

$ | 19 rue Maréchal Joffre, Rennes, 35000, France Fodor's Choice

If you're enticed by all the perks of a five-star hotel—full spa and fitness room, on-site bar and restaurant, top-notch service—then this centrally located lodging is your best bet in town. Rooms are modern, spacious (especially the two suites complete with lovely terraces and views of Rennes), and very quiet. The hotel boasts a spa by Nuxe, one of France's most beloved natural cosmetics brands, with sauna and steam rooms and a small pool. The on-site restaurant (with an outdoor terrace) is one of the nicer tables in town, and the bar-lounge features live music on some weekends.

Pros

  • Best hotel in Rennes
  • Gym open 24/7
  • Luxury linens

Cons

  • Parking costs extra
  • Some rooms quite cozy
  • Hard to find by car
19 rue Maréchal Joffre, Rennes, 35000, France
02–99–32–32–32
Hotel Details
56 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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Baumanière Hôtel

$$$$ | D27, Mas de Baumanière, Les Baux-de-Provence, 13520, France Fodor's Choice

Just outside the village, amid terraces and formal gardens sheltered by rocky cliffs, the five buildings of this fabled hotel contain guest rooms that are breezy, private, and chic. It seems as if everyone who's anyone—from Queen Elizabeth to Elizabeth Taylor—has headed to this oasis for some luxe Provençal pampering. The rooms are regularly refurbished, and the property also has villas that are more contemporary but still sumptuous. At the three-Michelin-star L'Oustau restaurant, chef Glen Viel attracts culinary pilgrims who revel in his updated classics. The food is also fine at the Cabro d'Or bistro, a more casual and affordable option. Unwind with a massage at the spa, enjoy a swim in one of the three pools, or play a round of golf. Other on-site activities include cooking classes, wine or olive oil tastings, and tours of the kitchen garden, where 40% of the restaurant ingredients are grown.

Pros

  • Two of the great restaurants in Provence
  • Full-service spa
  • Three pools

Cons

  • A bit of a snobby atmosphere
  • Lapses in service for out-of-the-way rooms
  • Extremely expensive
D27, Mas de Baumanière, Les Baux-de-Provence, 13520, France
04–90–54–33–07
Hotel Details
Closed early Jan.–early Mar.
53 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Brach Paris

$$$$ | 1–7 rue Jean Richepin, Paris, 75016, France Fodor's Choice

It may be a tad off the beaten path, but it's safe to say this is the only hotel in Paris where the eggs for your breakfast omelet come fresh from the rooftop chicken coop—just one of the things that sets this superchic Philippe Starck–designed hotel apart. Besides unusually spacious art-centric rooms (some with balconies), guests can enjoy the heated rooftop terrace with Eiffel Tower views and a sizable gym, a tiny gem of a spa, and two (small) pools. On the ground floor, the sleek cocktail bar, café (with delicious pastries by Best Craftsman of France Yann Brys), and restaurant benefit from rooftop garden seating.

Pros

  • Dog- and family-friendly
  • Stunning classic contemporary decor
  • Lots of amenities

Cons

  • Out-of-the-way location
  • Staff still working out some kinks
  • Expensive for this neighborhood
1–7 rue Jean Richepin, Paris, 75016, France
01–44–30–10–00
Hotel Details
52 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Cacharel Hôtel

$$ | Rte. de Cacharel, Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer, 13460, France Fodor's Choice

Nestled in the middle of 170 acres of private marshland, this quiet, laid-back retreat has simple whitewashed buildings with equally simple guest rooms that feature terra-cotta tiles, jute rugs, white cotton throws, and large picture windows with hauntingly beautiful views of of rose-color reeds. Technology has found its way here, too, as each room has a TV and Wi-Fi. The cavernous dining hall with Provençal chairs and an enormous hand-carved fireplace is a great place to share stories while enjoying local wine and a hearty plate of selected meats, fresh tomatoes, and regional goat cheese.

Pros

  • Can view flamingos from your window
  • Scintillating taste of the real Camargue in a beautiful wild setting
  • Fabulous pool

Cons

  • Rooms are very sparse, almost monastic
  • Not much to do
  • A drive into town
Rte. de Cacharel, Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer, 13460, France
04–90–97–95–44
Hotel Details
16 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Capelongue

$$$ | 550 chemin des Cabanes, Bonnieux, 84480, France Fodor's Choice

At the heights of Bonnieux, amid beautifully landscaped gardens set between the cedar forest and the village, Capelongue's converted stone farmhouses and cottages harmonize with the landscape and capitalize on sweeping Luberon views. Interiors mix contemporary elegance with smart details, like a cleverly built-in desks and minibars and relaxing lighting that recreates the warm Provençal sunlight. Lodging choices include rooms in the main farmhouse; stone cottages with garden terraces; duplex suites with balconies (some with kitchens); and the Pigeonnier, a gorgeously appointed private lodging with panoramic views. Relax by one of the two outdoor pools, and enjoy meals in the gastronomic dining room or the bistro, both with jaw-dropping views. The spa, which has a Roman bath and a hammam, offers cryotherapy as well as beauty treatments featuring products from the French luxury brand Biologique Recherche.

Pros

  • Fabulous spa
  • Top-quality buffet breakfasts
  • Walking distance to Bonnieux with views all the way

Cons

  • Some terraces not totally private
  • Spa opens at 10 am
  • Bathrooms could use more shelf space
550 chemin des Cabanes, Bonnieux, 84480, France
04–90–75–89–78
Hotel Details
57 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel

$$$$ | 58 bd. de la Croisette, Cannes, 06414, France Fodor's Choice

A stay at the grande dame of La Croisette (since 1913) gets you access to the largest infinity pool in Cannes, an inner-courtyard garden paradise, and the Carlton Beach Club—the city's first beach club—which opened in 1928. For longer stays, book one of the luxury residences in the two large newer wings. For a truly private green space, though, opt for the very spacious penthouse, which has a landscaped rooftop garden. The Riviera restaurant is complemented by the Camelia Tea Lounge and Bar 58.

Pros

  • Historic spot with high-tech fitness club
  • Exquisitely restored
  • Room 623, the Alfred Hitchcock Suite, where Grace Kelly kissed Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief

Cons

  • €30 cocktails
  • Deposit for entire stay is due at time of booking
  • No business center
58 bd. de la Croisette, Cannes, 06414, France
04–93–06–40–06
Hotel Details
332 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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