679 Best Hotels in France

This hotel wins points for modern, comfortable rooms, most with views of a pretty courtyard garden, and an excellent location in the heart of historic Bayeux. The Phytomer spa offers a hammam, sauna, and a four-seasons shower, along with massages and treatments; hotel guests can access the spa facilities for a €25 fee (or for free, for 90 minutes, with the purchase of a treatment). 

A feel of traditional France in the Louis XVI furniture and the general ambience of the place makes the pretty Gallia, not far from the sanctuaries and the grotto, something of a retreat within a retreat. Guest rooms are comfortable, and the wood-paneled dining room is a handsome setting for creditable local fare.

There's not much lacking in this handsome, centrally located hotel. Though modern in every way, the service remains of the old-fashioned type—friendly, efficient, discreet. Rooms are quiet, comfortable, and pleasantly unfussy, with spacious modern bathrooms. The hotel's location, two minutes from the covered market on the Place Grenette, the Musée de Grenoble, and the city's best restaurants, is a big plus. For the price, this hotel can't be beat.

At this luxurious, 19th-century grand hotel, ask for one of the large, plush guest rooms overlooking the tiny, tranquil back garden and its reflecting pool. The garden is also the backdrop for the stylish restaurant, Les Jardins de la Cloche, and there's a swanky spa in the vaulted cellars.

At one of Chamonix's most desirable hotels, most of the beautifully furnished guest rooms have private balconies, with many (such as Suite Martine) offering unsurpassed views of Mont Blanc. Choose between rooms in the original building or the Alpine lodge-style accommodations—with touches of contemporary rustic elegance—in the complex known as Le Hameau. A dip in the indoor-outdoor pool in the snow is a must, as is an après-ski massage in the superb hotel spa. In the dining room, Damien Leveau's cuisine is as memorable as the marvelous mountain vista. Expect perfectly prepared and presented classical fare based on exquisite ingredients—from white truffles in season to impeccable game or seafood delicacies. The cozy Quartz bar features live music most nights and a delightful afternoon tea.

The rough-hewn wood facade heralds the eco-friendly theme of this under-the-radar boutique hotel a block from the Arc de Triomphe, and the interior follows through with handcrafted glass, wood, stone, and ceramic decor. Chic rooms overlook a quiet street, have open-plan bathrooms in black slate and marble, and feature organic Coco-Mat bed mattresses topped with pure linen sheets. Friendly and professional down-to-earth service, cozy-and-cool first-floor sitting areas, and a health-oriented breakfast buffet have given this hotel a loyal following of hip, young design and media types looking for something original.

This idyllic Relais & Châteaux property—a gracious country manor, smartly run by Séverine Pétilaire-Bellet and Axel Nérin—enchants on many levels, from its unique fleur-de-lis topiary and its superb restaurant to its wood-beamed cathedral guest rooms. The cuisine, under chef Philippe Augé, is of the highest standard and has earned the restaurant a Michelin star (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays except in July and August). A bistro offering more reasonably priced menus is open daily for lunch and dinner each day.

Rooms at this moderately priced inn are simply, yet smartly, decorated; most people, however, come for the cooking, which is some of the best in the region. Signature dishes include foie gras ravioli and fillet of Charolais steak with a Pinot Noir sauce.

Colorful, well-appointed rooms display charm and designer chic at the “Red Hat,” where the pleasant surroundings are complemented by the fine fare at William Frachot's on-site restaurant. Renowned for classic cuisine laced with inventive counterpoints, the eponymous eatery (closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday) offers dishes showcasing local seasonal game and an impressive cheese board selection.

Sarlat is not overly blessed with beautiful historic hotels, so this one stands out—literally—thanks to its massive crenellated tower (an imposing structure that held off besieging forces during the Wars of Religion). Originally part of the town's ancient ramparts, the hotel is a short stroll from Sarlat's Cité Médiévale. Inside, the atmosphere is richest in the restaurant: a vast half-timber, 13th-century stone hall where the town council once presided; today, a menu of classic dishes reflect the area's rich gastronomic tradition. Guest rooms are simply but nicely furnished and vary widely in size, from teensy to spacious. The showpiece is the tower room, complete with a crenellated Cinerama view out the windows. Be aware that some rooms have stairs so book accordingly.

In the heart of this famous Grand Cru wine-producing town is this lovely hotel and spa housed in a former 17th-century trading house. It sits right on the main square and has a pretty view of the town hall. Leather, marble, exposed oak beams, stone walls, and velvet furnishings deck out the guest rooms and public spaces. There is also a reasonably-priced, upmarket restaurant, a wine bar, an airy lounge, an outdoor lap pool, and a spa in the vaulted cellars. 

Perfectly placed within the city's ramparts (so be prepared for crowds of visitors in the daytime), this quaint, half-timber, ocher-front hotel offers traditional Alsace decor. Inside the 16th-century building, you'll find polished wood floors, folksy fabrics, and dark-timber ceilings, which all create a homey vibe. The pretty courtyard, bounded by wooden galleries, is a secluded hideaway perfect for a drink or breakfast when the weather is warm.

On a small street famous for its nearby historic art studio, this 54-room hotel gives a distinct bow to modern art and its different movements. The cheerful, pastel-hue breakfast room opens onto a garden terrace. The hotel also has a room specially designed for guests with disabilities. 

The building may seem undistinguished, but its bright and cheerful guest rooms are spacious (especially the older ones with giant fireplaces), and the location is central to everything; it's the personable owner, however, who really sets this hotel apart. Look for two new pop-up shops flanking the hotel and offering Toulousian artisanal products.

This family-owned-and-run hotel at the heights of Courchevel has upheld a vision of hospitality, elegance, and a love of winter sports since opening in the 1970s. It certainly has its place among Courchevel’s elite hotels, but it's set apart by its lack of pretension, family atmosphere, ravishing decor, and location at the top the village. Light-flooded room with balconies and giant bay windows offer every comfort and unobstructed mountain views. Professionals are on hand to equip you for the slopes outside the door, and après ski is enjoyed by a roaring fire, at the chic cozy bar, or in the gaming room. Go seamlessly from skiing to the shimmering Codage spa, with indoor and outdoor pools, a panoramic sauna, fitness room (with physiotherapy if desired), and Jacuzzi. All of this is rounded out by three dining choices: intimate Michelin-starred Alpurna, a French gastronomic restaurant, and a casual eatery serving Alpine favorites.

The cobbled streets of the Vieille Ville are visible from this comfortable 18th-century hotel directly across from the town theater. Guest rooms are bright and modern with stylish bathroom; Rooms 11 and 21 are largest, with pleasing views over the Old Town. Tall patrons take note: rooms on the top floor have sloping ceilings. Service is personable and friendly, and parking is reasonable (€10 per day), a real plus in the busy town center.

All of the small, delicately contemporary rooms at this four-story charmer overlook the Citadelle's green park, some from tiny balconies. If there are more than two of you, ask for the pretty loft with an extra cot and a private spiral-stair entrance. Continental breakfast is served on the petite terrasse outside. The cozy Barock bar is open April to October.

This lustrous Relais & Château property, set on a quiet street two minutes from the Champs-Élysées, has been newly restored to the highest standard. In winter, a roaring fire warms the plush lobby from breakfast until after-dinner drinks in the adjoining wood-paneled cocktail bar, while upstairs guests lounge on bespoke furnishings in spacious rooms that mix Japanese simplicity with Parisian elegance, some with terraces (of all sizes) and stellar views of the Eiffel Tower. Huge marble bathrooms, many with walk-in showers and separate tubs, easily accommodate two people, and the hushed Japanese-style Ikoi spa offers a small pool, sauna, fitness room, and a menu of luxury treatments. Though there’s no on-site restaurant, high-quality bar snacks can be sufficient for lunch or dinner.

This interesting hotel with tasteful, elegant rooms is in a stately, early-20th-century bank building in the heart of the Opéra district, which is full of shops and theaters. The imposing domed lobby hosts an eclectic restaurant and tapas bar on either side. Each room has parquet floors, custom furniture, leather-weave headboards, and marble or green mosaic tiles in the bathrooms. The Spanish-owned hotel doubles as a museum, with the owner's jewelry collection on display on each floor.

Located just behind the train station, this glass, triangular hotel designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon is hard to miss, especially at night when it's bathed in blue light. Modern rooms and suites are sleek and sparse, with floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in closets. The hotel's two restaurants and three bars serve fine northern European fare. In-house entertainment includes a casino with more than 300 slot machines and 20 gaming tables, as well as a 1,200-seat theater. The hotel is a stone's throw from the Eurostar Terminal and close to Lille Flandres station. It's also withing walking distance to the old city center. The neighboring Parc de Dondaines provides a pretty backdrop for many room views and pleasant grounds for a postmeal stroll.

Set smack dab on the famous Croisette, facing the Palais des Festivals, this stately hotel is the perfect high-end pleasure, thanks to soaring suites and unparalleled views of the Mediterranean—and, during the film festival, of the iconic red carpet. The elegant Fouquet’s restaurant and bar adds a touch of film star glamour. Mediterranean menus and refreshing cocktails are stars of the show at Ciro’s Cannes and its stylish private beach. Included in the rates is Studio by Petit VIP, a varied program of kids activities from art to baking and language classes. Meanwhile parents can relax by the outdoor pool or enjoy the Spa Diane Barrière by Parisian brand Biologique Recherche. Splash on a sea view room designed by Isabelle Stanislas. There’s even a pillow menu for a perfect night’s sleep.

Set in a handsome 19th-century stone mansion smack-dab in the center of bustling Rocamadour, this hotel has charm to spare and a very good gastronomic restaurant. At this Best Western hotel, guests enjoy the romance (and quiet) of a historic setting with bright, ample rooms and every modern convenience. The restaurant is easily the best in town, offering a menu of French classics—foie gras, duck breast, Quercy lamb, and the local cabécou cheese—along with great views from the town heights; there's also a lower-priced bistro if you're in a hurry.

The service, amenities, and petit déjeuner (breakfast) may be far from luxurious at this unpretentious family-owned-and-operated hotel, but the location in the heart of St-Germain is fabulous. The relatively spacious rooms are comfortable, with old-fashioned wood furnishings, renovated bathrooms, and neutral white and beige upholstery. Wi-Fi access is free. Children are welcome; baby cribs and high chairs are even available.

You might not guess that this friendly, family-run, shabby-chic hotel, convenient to both the train station and the Palais des Papes, is a budget option. It's full of welcoming touches like vintage art and colorful linens, and it's comfortable, functional, and easy on the wallet.

The lobby of this Belle Époque extravaganza feels otherworldly (think the white-on-white, Rococo-ed rooms at the end of Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey), and the white-and-cream guest rooms have things like cascading, diamondlike ceiling lights, sculpted rose door handles, and the very latest in push-button luxury. The hotel's Italian restaurant can be hit and miss, but it has a great terrace, and the basement contains one of the most striking spas around (there are even plasma TVs in the saunas, though you don't get to pick the channel).

Once a convent, a theater, and a brothel (not at the same time), this chic boutique hotel is not shy about mixing the metaphors of its colorful past. Eve’s sinful snake emblazoned on the carpet points you to your petit boudoir, where buttoned-up tweed banquettes and headboards contrast with bright plush velvet chairs and throw pillows. Sexy original photographs spice up the rooms, the on-site bar, and private pool “salons,” where guests can reserve a one-hour private swim—with champagne and pastries, if so desired—in a spacious whirlpool equipped with a shower, dressing area, and velvet chaises. The glamorous bar hosts DJ sets, sexy shows, and ateliers, accompanied by creative craft cocktails and a menu of surprisingly excellent bar snacks. Just around the corner from the Marché des Enfants Rouge in the heart of the Marais, the hotel perfectly reflects this epicenter of fashion.

Subdued lighting and rich jewel tones announce the blend of romance and chic cultivated by the Hôtel Bourg Tibourg, designed by Paris superstar Jacques Garcia. Royal-blue walls and red velvet line the claustrophobic halls, and Byzantine alcoves hold mosaic-tile tubs. Rooms are barely bigger than the beds, and every inch has been upholstered, tasseled, and draped in a cacophony of stripes, florals, and medieval motifs. A pocket garden has room for three tables, leafy plants, and a swath of stars above. Loaner iPads and flat-screen TVs are among the creature comforts. 

Built in the early 19th century and converted into a hotel in 1903, this little gem exudes old-school charm, with spacious airy rooms, an intimate atmosphere, and a sunny winter garden with a terrace bar that is delightful in spring and summer. While there's no pool, spa, or fine dining restaurant, but is still a lovely hotel that has been sensitively modernized without trying too hard for the boutique hotel label. Breakfast (which must be reserved the night before) is well-presented with an excellent choice of high-quality cold cuts, cheeses, croissants, breads, and fresh-pressed juices.

Open since 1861, just a stone's throw from the Louvre and the banks of the Seine, the romantic Britannique blends courteous English service with old-fashioned French elegance. Take the winding staircase to reach the well-maintained rooms done up in a mix of attractive reproductions and antiques. Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs lend a touch of modernity.

This eccentric and slightly threadbare inn in an elegant 18th-century house is the antithesis of slick, which, coupled with the location in the Quartier Mazarin, makes it a favorite with writers, artists, and musicians at festival time—and at any time with guests who appreciate the charm of novel furnishings and the music of the bells of St-Jean-de-Malte. Its large rooms are furnished gracefully enough with secondhand finds; some rooms even have original 18th-century painted door panels. The hotel also has six kitchenette suites; the two across from the Musée Granet and the one on the ground floor with a private garden are the best.