214 Best Hotels in France

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

You’ll enjoy the warmest welcome at this cozy B&B set in an 18th-century mansion in the heart of the city and an easy walk to restaurants and all the major sights. Beamed ceilings, old-fashioned armoires, Oriental carpets, sumptuous wallpapers, and rich colors create an old-world atmosphere equipped with all the contemporary amenities. Rooms offer beautiful views over the old city and the countryside, with large, well-equipped bathrooms. A fresh and copious breakfast is included in the very reasonable price.

Small enough to feel like a home, stuffed with lovely 18th-century decor, and replete with a beautiful river terrace, this overlooked treasure provides an unforgettable experience in the Loire. Other château-hotels may have pomp, but this has something more precious: authenticité. Once the property of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, first French governor of Louisiana, it was purchased by the current owner’s family in 1779. At the end of a long allée, this "pavillon Mansart" embraces you in a semicircular layout (the collier, or necklace). Ten family descendants study you from gilded Charles-Dix frames in the comely main salon, a confectionery of white rococo moldings, glittering chandeliers, and furniture that Madame Bovary would have loved. The breakfast room is covered with quaint 16th-century Italian frescoes, and each guest room is a bouquet of antiques and comfy furniture.

A 15th-century jewel of a castle, once the favored retreat of kings François I and Henri IV, is today the luxurious country setting for the Prince de Broglie's hotel—a magnificent place that magically distills all the grace, warmth, and élan of la vie de châteaux as no other. Prince Louis-Albert is the scion of one of France's top families (two prime ministers and one Nobel Prize winner, at last count) and one of Paris's most famed biodiversity preservationists, who here cultivates 650 types of tomatoes in the château's potager (vegetable garden). It's not surprising, then, to find the three main public salons suavely done up in shades of tomato red, sumptuously offsetting such accents as an immense marble fireplace, majestic taxidermied animals (De Broglie own's Deyrolle, Paris's famed taxidermist), and curio cabinet objects collected by the prince. Inside the neo-Renaissance castle, guest rooms range from the grand—François-Premier is a timber-roof cottage blown up to ballroom dimensions—to more standard-issue, yet always stylish, salons. Cheaper rooms are found in the adjoining 17th-century "stables," fitted out with a gardening shop and a tiny eatery. And don't overlook the enormous secluded pool—a gift from above during hot summer days.

It's worth the drive 8 km (5 miles) south of Grenoble to this ivy-covered mansion-hotel, where elegant, spacious guest rooms overlook the meadows and forests that lie beyond the lush garden and pool. It's also home to a celebrated restaurant, where your rewards include a wonderfully wicked and wholly delicious lobster smothered in black truffles, or—once the watchful eye of the delightful Danièle Chavant sizes you up—perhaps the unforgettable civet de biche en robe d'automne (venison with apples, potatoes, and turnips in a daube sauce). The dining room is closed Monday, and there is no lunch on Saturday, no dinner on Sunday.

After braving the pilgrim-packed streets, this hotel—built in 1896 by one of Bernadette's nephews—may seem like the answer to your prayers; after all, it promises comfortable rooms, attentive service, and an excellent restaurant right in the center of everything. Now owned and managed by a fashionable couple with family ties to one of Lourdes's larger group travel companies, the hotel has been renovated but maintains its Belle Époque charm with mosaic tiled floors and solid wood bannisters on the stately spiral staircase. Splurge on a master suite with 180-degree views of the nightly candlelight procession—you'll get great seats without having to join the crowds.

With its ivy-covered stone, white shutters, mansard roof, dormer windows, and rococo spiral staircase, this hotel looks like an 18th-century François Boucher painting. Inside, the guest rooms (some with original architectural features) are spacious, and, while hardly modern, come with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of closet space. A lovely breakfast laden with local products is served in the beamed dining room by a roaring fireplace in winter or on the garden terrace in summer. All in all, this is an excellent value for the money.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a budget hotel this stylish anywhere in Paris, let alone in an upscale neighborhood close to many of the city's top attractions. This travel-themed boutique hotel boasts tasteful, riotously colorful rooms with luxe decor by Christian Lacroix. They come in XS, XM, and XL (for small, medium, and large), but none could be considered big. No matter, with everything else going for it, you won't miss the lack of extra legroom.

One of the many advantages of this small but stately historic château-hotel is its setting between the town and the lovely Dordogne countryside. Here you'll find all the amenities of a luxury hotel—a pool, two top-notch restaurants with outdoor terraces, a bar, excellent service, and a pleasing decor—with a welcoming vibe and attractive prices. Rooms are clean and bright with modern bathrooms and charming views of the countryside. The delicious, and hearty, breakfast is a big plus, and both the bistro and the gastronomic restaurants are tops in town, if not the region.

In 1878, what was a stately home owned by a noble French family was converted to an intimate hotel favored by aristocrats and, later, fashion icons. Decor boasts a contemporary, understated allure, and many rooms have a classic Parisian feel, with French windows under the eaves overlooking the street below.

Expect a warm welcome and loads of charm at this recently refurbished boutique hotel set in Chantilly's old coach house, an excellent alternative to the pricier offerings in town. Charming beamed ceilings are your only clue that the fully modernized building dates back to 1722. Everything else, including the comfy beds and spacious bathrooms, are fully in the 21st century.

A centrally located budget hotel just a short walk from the château, Hôtel Okko Château is ultramodern without sacrificing warmth, comfort, or amenities. Rooms may be compact, but they are also functional, cozy, and immaculate. In the welcoming "club" room, guests can browse the Internet on a Mac while imbibing unlimited free soft drinks, tea, or coffee. At cocktail hour, predinner gourmet appetizers and your first cocktail or glass of wine are on the house. If that's not enough of a welcome, the staff goes out of its way to make your stay at the hotel, and in Nantes, an all-around pleasure.

In the 1800s, Pau became home to a colony of elite British expats (including famed climber Henry Russell), who were drawn by the mountains and climate, and evidence of that era remains at Villa Navarre: built in the second half of the 19th century, it’s the only English manor in Pau open to overnight guests and one of only two hotels in town with views of the High Pyrénées. You can almost see Russell’s ghost (with a drink in hand) haunting the estate's grand gardens and refined common areas. Rooms are spacious with an understated English influence (picture classic plaid upholstery and stately antiques, or gray-and-black-tone furnishings). The genteel setting also comes with an on-site restaurant that offers typically French haute cuisine and a spa with a heated indoor pool.

A registered historic monument, this 17th-century, Basque-style building was once a staging post on the fabled pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela, and today it still makes a fitting resting spot if you're doing a modern version of the pilgrimage or just need a stopover on your way deeper into the mountains. Comfy bedrooms are complemented by wood beams and antique accents, and the lovely garden and outdoor pool are just right for relaxing. The rustic dining room combines inland game and fresh seafood from the Basque Coast in creative ways.

Conveniently located on the main shopping street in Orléans, this charming family-run hotel a block from the train/tram station welcomes guests in rooms with fresh floral wall coverings, parquet flooring, and immaculate tiled bathrooms (many as large as the rooms). A rooftop garden terrace offers sweeping views of the city in warmer months, while the lounge is a comfy place for a coffee while perusing L'Abeille's collection of historic books and Joan of Arc memorabilia. The artworks in the rooms comes from the owner's father's family collection, a nice touch in a hotel full of soul.

A few miles west of Obernai, this white-shuttered, flower-bedecked, 18th-century house treats diners to fine meals and accommodates overnight guests in impeccable rooms with sleek contemporary furnishings (opt for one in the main building, not the annex). Hotel amenities include a sauna and heated outdoor pool. The restaurant (reservations essential; closed to nonguests Wednesday) is one of the region's top attractions. Here you can savor Patrick Fritz's sophisticated twists on regional specialties, including a delicate choucroute with fresh and smoked fish in beurre blanc. Don't miss the fruity red wine, an Ottrott exclusive.

On a meandering cobbled street in the heart of Sarlat's Cité Médiévale, La Villa des Consuls lets you bed down in either four guest rooms or nine self-service apartments; some are on two floors, and all boast soaring beamed ceilings, modern bathrooms, and charming views over the Old City's rooftops. Most apartments also have furnished private terraces, fireplaces, and well-appointed kitchens—a distinct advantage when you’re just steps from Sarlat's farmers' market and artisanal bakeries. Added perks like the free laundry area and affordable parking (€12 for your stay) make the package hard to resist.

Although it's within easy walking distance of the town, this intimate spot is pleasantly removed from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist center. Composed of three 17th-century buildings—including a converted post office and a barn with hand-hewn beams—the lodgings, surrounding garden, and on-site restaurant create a peaceful, self-contained enclave. Quiet, air-conditioned guest rooms have quality furnishings, luxe linens, and sleek, modern bathrooms; most have a private terrace. In the cheerfully elegant dining room, the chefs offer French classics and recipes brought back from their many travels, like Asian duck salad made with local ingredients and paired with wines from small producers. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes can be created upon request. You don't have to be a guest in the hotel to dine here, but be sure to reserve a table, as this is a popular spot.

Using local materials and furnishings, Anna and Abel (a Franco-British husband-and-wife team) have spent more than a dozen years gracefully restoring the 19th-century stone farm buildings on their 10-acre parcel of quietude; in the process, they've brought this refined, family-friendly manor into the 21st century—soothing earth tones set the scene, with light oak floors matching the sand-colored stone walls, which in turn match the blond house dogs. The beautiful barn renovation, comprising more than 1,200 square feet, is a light, ultramodern, self-contained apartment suitable for an entire family. The theme throughout is the art of good living, with Abel providing personalized meals and Anna helping guests drop their city postures as a massage and physical therapist. The hand-picked wine list, television-free rooms, and wide open spaces should appeal to anyone wishing to turn the rest of the world off for a while.

English expatriates Rob and Jason have lovingly turned this 19th-century vignonniere into a calm, airy retreat where the subtle color scheme of blues and greys echoes nearby seascapes over the Bassin de Thau. A stone staircase leads to just four air-conditioned bedrooms (one with a sunny penthouse terrace and two with free-standing tubs while the others with walk-in showers) over two upper floors. High-thread count Egyptian cotton linens ensure a cool sleep. Gilt-framed mirrors, original artwork, chandeliers, and big table lamps offset rooms with dark wooden beams. There's a quirky intellectual library of high-brow paperbacks in the open-plan kitchen-lounge, where a rather lavish breakfast of fresh fruit and freshly-pressed juices, bread, croissants, and cold cuts is served. Jason can be persuaded to provide eggs to your liking after his morning visit to Meze's local produce market. There's no bar, but free water and soft drinks are provided in a shared fridge, which you're welcome to stock with drinks of your choice.

Constructed in the 19th century, this elegant stone building, just north of the Old Town, offers extras like a pool, Turkish bath, and spa. Decorated in pastel colors, rooms are small but cozy, with floral quilts and modern bathrooms; three have balconies.

With a perfect perch overlooking the harbor from the cliffs south of town, this hotel enjoys vistas that are priceless—which is the main reason why staying here is pricey. Guest rooms are small overall but interestingly furnished (headboards, for example, have delightful wooden motifs), and some come with balconies or terraces. Below is a pebbled beach, though you may prefer the small pool (hewn from rock) or the huge Jacuzzi. Meals at Michelin-starred chef Laurent Lemal's La Balette restaurant (closed Monday and Tuesday) can be eaten on the terrace or in one of the two small dining rooms overlooking the harbor.

At the very epicenter of historic Saumur, this little 15th- to 17th-century house is hidden beneath the medieval walls of the church of St-Pierre—look for its entrance on one of the pedestrian passages that circle the nave. After being graciously greeted in the sweet reception area, you’ll be ushered up the Renaissance corkscrew staircase (or modern mini-elevator) to a refined guest room. Designer fabrics, antique pont cabinets (forming a "bridge" over bed headboards), elegant wainscoting, Persian rugs, tuffeau fireplaces, and bathrooms replete with Paloma Picasso designs make this a favored home-away-from-home for Saumur's most savvy visitors. The rooms facing the church, although smaller, are quieter than those overlooking the road leading up to the castle.