220 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.

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.

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.

Among the orchards and vineyards in the countryside surrounding Perpignan sits Casa 9, a 15th-century mas (farm) with a barn that’s been converted into lavish lodgings. Architectural elements like the mangeoires (feeding stalls) and exposed barn beams attest to its original function, and the clean-lined decor includes pieces signed by French designer Philippe Starck. Look for Dalí-esque features such as miniature doorways and eye-level views onto the pool. Rustic stone, red brick, and ironwork give the whole property a genuine Catalan feel.

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.

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, set on lovely grounds, is its setting between the town and the Dordogne countryside. Here you'll find all the amenities of a luxury hotel—a pool, a top-notch restaurant with outdoor terraces, a bar, excellent service, and pleasing decor—with a welcoming vibe and attractive prices. Rooms are spotless and bright with modern bathrooms and charming views and the spa is a delight, especially followed by a dip in the pool or a drink on the terrace.

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 splashy, stylish property, Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert pays tribute to the town's titular native son, born in Rouen in 1821. The property takes its literary heritage seriously, with the author's face appearing on its coffee mugs, regular lecture events, and lines from Madame Bovary printed on the beds' headboards. 

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.

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 blue-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 an indoor pool. The restaurant (reservations essential; closed 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.

Home to one of France's most beauteous châteaux, Azay should rightly have a hotel that befits the town jewel, and this landmark—a three-minute walk from the château gates—nicely fits the bill. Some complain that its fame brings a captive audience, which can result in offhand service. However, guest rooms, which vary in size and style, have character; most are simple, with an antique or two, and many have exposed beams. Public salons are elegant and comfortable, and the excellent wine bar offers gourmet snacks (heavy on the charcuterie, but salads are available too) to accompany two dozen wines by the glass and more by the bottle. Though opening hours are brief (6:30 pm until 8 pm seven days a week), you can order everything from the wine bar menu, plus some hot meals to enjoy in your room until 9:30 pm. 

Your hosts at this welcoming \"chambre d'hôtes\" (basically a charming bed-and-breakfast), set in an 18th-century stone farmhouse, go the extra mile to make an already delightful place completely enchanting. The three guest rooms, two with private terraces overflowing with flowers and greenery, are done up in an pleasing contemporary style all with unique features and lovely views. If your room doesn't have a terrace, you can still take in the scenery: the grounds and gardens—complete with a lovely pool—are at your disposal. The copious homemade breakfast served on the terrace is a particular treat. There is no formal restaurant; your hosts can recommend a terrific place or prepare a cold gourmet plate for you with a few hours' advance notice.

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.

English expatriates Rob and Jason have lovingly turned this 19th-century maison vigneronne into a calm, airy retreat where the subtle color scheme of blues and grays 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 Mèze'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.

A mix of old-world Lyon elegance and edgy urban decor, this well-located hotel, housed in a stately 18th-century mansion, has the double advantage of putting you at the center of the action in comfort and style. The upscale Okko chain is known for its functional, fully automated lifestyle, but that doesn't translate to coldness; common areas are beautifully decorated with plenty of little perks, including cozy nooks for relaxing with free iMacs (and printers), art books, tons of free snacks and drinks (including wine) available 24/7, and a fitness area. High ceilings and windows, smart layouts, and comfy beds make up for the small-scale rooms. The above-average in-hotel lunch and dinner service is great in a pinch, but no substitute for Lyon's unparalleled dining scene.

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.

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.

A few of the city's most prestigious hotels face the Tuileries or Place de la Concorde, but the 19th-century Brighton occupies the same prime real estate and offers a privileged stay for a less daunting price. Rooms exude a classic elegance, blending antiques with comfortable square footage. The smallest rooms overlook the courtyard; larger ones have a magnificent view of the gardens. Nearly all have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and heated towel racks in spacious bathrooms. Relax in the first-floor bar and lounge surrounded by marble columns, mirrored walls, and contemporary furnishings.