120 Best Hotels in France

An exceptional, adults-only splurge, this hotel is an oasis of elegant calm in the center of bustling Honfleur. The 17th-century building was once home to painter Henri de Saint-Delis; now it offers nine guestrooms, each overlooking an exquisite private garden. Though it does offer (a not cheap) breakfast buffet, meals and spa services are otherwise handled at Ferme Saint Simeon, its sister property. 

A glamorous centenary update added 21st-century luxuries while remaining true to the beautiful bones of this boutique hotel, which first opened in the waning years of the Belle Époque.

The urban-chic trendsetting Hoxton brand has transformed an 18th-century mansion in Paris's up-and-coming Sentier district into this hip hostelry with a chic restaurant, three cocktail bars—including the charming Jacques Bar tucked away on the second floor—and a welcoming community vibe. The sleek and contemporary room decor favors moody tones with classic chevron-pattern wooden floors and leather accents. Some upper-floor rooms offer balconies; some on the lower level have garden terraces. The surrounding neighborhood, once the city's old textile center and historic Little Egypt, offers much to explore.

This gargantuan hotel set in a majestic 17th-century building that once housed Lyon's maternity hospital (half the city's population was born here) benefits from soaring volume and gorgeous architectural details, though sometimes the contemporary decor feels dwarfed in comparison. Nevertheless, in typical InterContinental style, the hotel doesn't skimp on luxuries, including the lofty gastronomic restaurant Epona (also where breakfast is served) and the spectacular Le Dôme cocktail bar, the place in Lyon to see and be seen. There's also a Cinq Mondes spa, a 24-hour fitness room, and complimentary sauna and steam room. The hotel benefits from a prime placement on the city's western bank facing the Rhône River, as well as the upscale shopping and gastronomy all contained within the massive Hôtel Dieu complex.

There's something just a bit playful in the air at this sumptuously beautiful boutique hotel, thanks to its history as an 18th-century pavillon d'amour (inn for trysts) and as the place where Oscar Wilde died in 1900 (Room 16, to be exact). Today, the intimate bar allows you to mingle with the Parisian beau monde, and an exposed stone grotto holds a countercurrent pool and steam room. 

Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dandine’s transformation of a 200-year-old, tree-shaded auberge at the heart of a quaint village near Aix into a sleek boutique hotel bucks the trend toward Provençal charm in favor of a resolutely contemporary style, featuring creamy walls and terrazzo floors, giant backlit mirrors, minimalist-chic wooden furniture, dreamily colored velvet upholstery, and sizeable marble bathrooms with huge walk-in showers (some with tubs, too). Some the spacious rooms have outdoor terraces, and and a large suite has views of a medieval chapel on the opposite hillside. Bask in the sun around the swimming pool or enjoy a massage in the treatment room before indulging in a gastronomic lunch or dinner in Dandine’s Michelin-starred dining room, where dishes feature all-local ingredients, and the wines are sublime. A quick 10-minute drive from downtown Aix-en-Provence, this a good choice for a village getaway with easy access to cosmopolitan Aix.

This ocher mansion, once the home of an industrialist who hosted the Kennedys and the Rolling Stones, is now the Relais & Chateaux domain of celebrated chef Jacques Chibois, who welcomes you with old stone walls, shaded walkways, an enormous pool, and guest rooms that glossily mix Louis XVI, Provençal, and high-tech delights. The restaurant here is excellent but expensive (mains start at €65). Lunch is a relative bargain at €76 (not available Sunday). Reserve well in advance.

Featuring interior details like heavy old beams, a stone fireplace, and terra-cotta tiles, this graceful, shuttered, family-owned mas, set on manicured grounds dotted with tall pines, feels centuries old, but it was built to look that way some 30 years ago. The refined, modern guest rooms have air-conditioning, large bathrooms, and such charming touches as throws on the settees and comfy cushions on the bed. You can have a drink on the terrace and cool off in the olive tree–shaded pool, beside which dinner (the prix-fixe Provençal-Mediterranean menu is €70) is served.

Occupying an elegant 18th-century mansion that's topped by an impressive mansard roof and surrounded by cheerful gardens, this is a true oasis of peace—although located only a few miles inland from World War II sites like Omaha Beach, it feels light-years away. The super-stylish guest rooms are a fetching mix of Louis XVI chairs, gilded ormolu objects, modern photographs, and very chic fabrics. Overlooking the grand pool is La Chenevière's showpiece: a stunning, glassed-in modern conservatory with wicker furniture and abstract art. The opulent restaurant, with wood paneling and lordly fireplaces, serves cuisine appropriate to its surroundings.

Sitting pretty in the middle of manicured rows of Meursault vines, the Château de Citeaux provides a stately setting for this hotel and spa. The grand Napoléon III ballroom, with its monumental fireplace, creaky parquet floors, and ostentatiously decorated walls and ceiling, is the backdrop for breakfast. Or you can pull up a chair in the château's ancient kitchens, now a bistro, for lunchtime options. In the opposite wing, modern guest rooms with minimalist decor are easier on the eye; those on the first floor have private terraces with stunning views over the vineyards or village. After touring some world-class wine producers, take a plunge in the property’s indoor pool, or revive your body and soul in the hammam. For full-on pampering, book a Fruititherapy treatment at the spa, where options include a body scrub with black currant and grape seeds, a fruit-pulp wrap, and a seasonal-fruit face mask.

Outside the hustle of town and yet just five minutes from the Arènes, this luxurious Art Deco hôtel particulier has lots of charm—especially in its large, airy, individually decorated guest rooms. The scent of jasmine leads you out to the garden, where colorful bougainvilleas contrast with the deep blue of the pool. Drift back to the lovely sitting room in the early evening for a cup of tea or a glass of wine (a fridge is at your disposal), and then curl up with one of the many good books thoughtfully provided by your hosts.

An atmospheric indoor pool, relaxing sauna, and around-the-clock concierge are some of the reasons this jewel-box hotel is such a popular choice—add 18th-century charm, reasonable rates, good service, and beautifully decorated rooms, and it's no wonder why this hotel, named after the founders of the Comic Opera, pleases those who demand discreet elegance and creature comforts. Look for complimentary tea and coffee, refined fabrics, and furnishings that are a modern interpretation of traditional Parisian style.

Resident chineur (that’s fancy for "antiques hunter") Michel Montagnier decorated his 18th-century home in the heart of Arles with furniture and paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, creating a setting so flawless that it feels like a stage and enables you to relax in an arcaded courtyard, lounge in a library, or retire to a spacious and luxurious guest room. No detail has been overlooked—Quagliotti linens, Annick Goutal beauty products, and your choice of cashmere bedspreads by Oyuna. On a budget? One room with two twin beds goes for a lower rate. Breakfast is included, as are Wi-Fi access and access to two parking places (if available).

As you’d expect from L’Occitane, Provence’s leading skincare brand, the spa is the star at this opulent, country retreat in a restored 17th-century convent, where everything seems to shimmer—from the spacious rooms, done up in pale wood and creamy linen with designer furnishings and private garden terraces, to the elegant common areas. And you’ll shimmer, too, after a trip to the spa, fully equipped with a spacious pool as well as a menu of relaxing treatments. Two on-site restaurants, including Michelin-starred Le Feuillée, round out the offerings that make for a serene, splurge-worthy stay.

With four superb suites for the lucky first-comers, the Guérards' delightfully re-created old coaching inn, set at one end of their Prés d'Eugénie fiefdom, is meant to be a more rustic alternative to their main flagship. At the inn's restaurant, La Ferme aux Grives, grandmother's cooking is given a nouvelle spin, and nearly everything is authentique—even the suckling pig turns on a spit in the fireplace. Nature's bounty and la cuisine du terroir are the central themes. Inside, your eyes feast on the decor, too: a banquet table is laid out with vegetables and breads, darkened beams cast romantic shadows, and hunting paintings cover the walls.

A mix of southern-coast bourgeois and Provençal touches adds a splash of color to the sunlit, airy rooms of this family-owned hotel, where thoughtful service and absolute calm encourage relaxation. Private patios overlook a large secluded park bordered by eucalyptus, pink oleanders, and palm trees. You can hike through forests, swim in the pool, or simply sit on the flower-filled terrace. Diners come to the intimate, simply decorated restaurant from across the island to sample such delicious, hearty Provençal fare as smoked duck salad garnished with grilled tomatoes or rack of lamb with island herbs and ratatouille and to murmur comfortably over a final warmed brandy.

Set atop a small wooded hill 200 yards from the sea, this gorgeous half-timber, dormer-roof manor has a pretty green-and-white facade in the Anglo-Norman style, plus accommodations that promise sweeping views. Guest rooms are traditionally and tastefully furnished, and all have attractive modern marble bathrooms; the first-floor room has a four-poster bed and its own balcony. There's also a spa suite that sleeps two, and a beachside residence in traditional Norman style that sleeps 12. The atmospheric restaurant presents a seasonal range of gastronomic dishes. 

Heavenly peace is the theme at this lovely five-star hotel, tucked away behind the walls of a medieval convent amid enchanting gardens, with a pool, shady terraces, and a highly regarded restaurant all of which have undergone a top-to-toe renovation. Spread across three buildings, the rooms are a handsome mix of contemporary luxe accented with elegant Provençal antiques. Some rooms have private terraces; the best accommodations tend to be those in the ancient priory. This sheltered oasis feels worlds away from Avignon's crowds and bustle, but it's close enough to easily come and go.

On the main drag running through Méribel, Le Savoy has a traditional stone-and-wood facade that leads to a rustic restaurant with wide-plank floors and rough-hewn beams that call to mind an old-time ski lodge. That's where things take an unexpected turn, with a bar where the furnishings are every bit as brightly colored as the creative cocktails. The guest rooms are completely contemporary, with nice details like bedside alcoves where you can leave the book you're reading or charge your iPhone. Each room has a private locker in the ski room where your boots are kept nice and toasty. The sauna and steam room are great places to relax after you hit the slopes.

In an unlikely but intriguing series of events, the hoteliers behind the trendy Les Bains hotel and club in Paris acquired this deeply Camarguian property in the heart of the national park and transformed it into a fashionable resort. The local spirit remains in traditional cottages—once housing for the local gardians—that have stylishly rustic interiors, small terraces, and thatched roofs that have been restored to better withstand ferocious winds off the sea. The main building houses a restaurant and cocktail bar (with a mixologist, of course), and the grounds contain two lovely pools and a spa. Resident horses grazing among the scenic marshlands are available for guided tours to spot flamingos and other wildlife inhabiting the surrounding park. For nightlife, lacking in this desolate part of the world, the resort features performances, dances, live music, and DJ nights.

A stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe, Maison Elle revolves around the three principles that guide the international magazine that is its namesake: "the French art of living" (seen in the crisp black, white, and chrome decor littered with Parisian fashion shots); "smiling beauty" (its wellness area, yoga classes, and organic Dr. Hauschka toiletries and beauty products); and a feminine-centric spirit, inspired by the nearby Parisian fashion addresses beloved by stylish women. They could've added "coziness," as the hotel's 25 rooms range from small to minuscule. Still, its style, friendliness, top-notch amenities, in-hotel shop, and undeniable charm make it a good choice in a neighborhood short on chic and (comparatively) affordable lodging.

With stylish rooms and luxurious balconies that overlook a beautiful lagoon, this upscale converted farmhouse, just 2 km (1 mile) from deserted beaches, is a perfect escape from the rigors of horseback riding and bird-watching. Outside are acres of sculpted land, inside is comfort personified: cool elegance, plush carpets, large baths, and efficient service. Every Saturday night Roma musicians play flamenco in the lovely bar area. Sprawl out in front of the large stone fireplace and drink in the splendid views over the Camargue. Dive into a mean leg of roasted lamb or savor the tender catch of the day after a refreshing dip in the large heated pool. And all the while, you can feel consciously green: the Mas is fully equipped with state-of-the-art solar panels and geothermal power.

This elegantly modern hotel in Garavan, east of the town center next to Italy, is hard to beat when it comes to value, given that attentive service, a fitness room overlooking a solar-heated swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings all make it feel like a luxury hotel even though it's not. Although you can have the squeeze-your-own-OJ breakfast from the buffet served in your room (€14), if you want an early start, opt for the express breakfast bar (€6).

Sleek, with stunning 360-degree views of the bay and the islands, this white-on-white hotel features designs by Starck, Zanotta, and Emu. The huge windows make for a light-filled reception area, the saltwater pool is fed by a natural spring, and the rooms are up-to-the-minute in style. Specialties of the good modern restaurant include rack of lamb basted with olive tapenade and black grain mustard and sea bass baked with Provençal vegetables.

As much a resort as a hotel, this modern waterfront complex with soundproofed rooms has deluxe comforts and amenities, including a broad beach terrace, and outdoor (unheated) pool, a casino, a restaurant, and access to the Old Course golf club next door. Guest rooms are white with splashes of color and have balconies and sea views from all sides. At the loungy yet glamorous restaurant-grill you can dine well while you gaze over the floodlit swimming pool.

What it lacks in Provençal character, this plush hotel on the green makes up for in modern comforts—each suite, decorated in soothing tones of beige and gray, is an independent apartment that has a separate living room as well as a kitchenette. Most accommodations have vast terraces overlooking the 18-hole golf course, which, with eight lakes, is quite challenging; it's also exclusive, though it's open to guests at the hotel at a preferential rate. The Cinq Mondes spa, set in a 19th-century country house, and the freshwater outdoor pool are steps from the green. The Royal Garden restaurant serves Provençal cuisine with an ethereal modern touch.

Ranging from superluxe to just barely affordable, Disneyland Paris has 5,000 rooms throughout several hotels, but your best bet on all counts may be the Sequoia Lodge—a grand re-creation of an American mountain lodge, just a few minutes' walk from the theme park. Past towering evergreens, you enter a charming lobby, replete with an open fire crackling on a giant stone hearth in the Redwood Bar. Guest rooms have natural wood furniture that's meant to evoke log cabins; book yours in the main Montana building (overlooking Lake Disney) rather than one of the smaller annex "lodges." For youngsters there's a children's corner, outdoor play area, and video-game room. For food, the choice is between the family-oriented, buffet-service Hunter's Grill and the more upscale Beaver Creek Tavern. As at all Disneyland Paris hotels, free transportation to the park is available. Note that room prices can fluctuate widely depending on season and school vacation periods—keep hunting to find lower-priced days.

Located just 15 minutes from Ajaccio airport, the Sofitel Golfe d'Ajaccio Thalassa Sea & Spa has a French Riviera theme and the sea is the highlight of a stay here—leave your door ajar, and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea over rocks outside your bedroom provides a perfect accompaniment to sleep. The white color scheme of the rooms is complemented by beige carpeting and chrome-and-silver lamp fixtures. Another highlight is the well-equipped spa. Other activity options include an outdoor swimming pool and a lawn with leisure seating.

A stay at one of this property's intimate cabanons—traditional fisherman's cottages—gets you the full Mediterranean experience of endless sea and sun just outside your door. Tucked away in Les Goudes, a tiny fishing village in a seaside calanque (inlets along the coast between Marseille and Cassis in the rugged Calanques National Park) on the outskirts of Marseille, you'll feel a world away, and yet you'll still have everything you need at hand—the Tuba club, a chic seafood restaurant, the lively beachfront Bikini bar, and private terraces to soak in the sea and sun at your leisure.

Like a modern-day Versailles, this deluxe turn-of-the-20th-century hotel is a creamy white creation of imposing size, filled with soaring rooms (including the historic Salle Clemenceau, site of the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference). Part of the Waldorf-Astoria brand since 2014, it's a destination unto itself, with a health club (the pool is poised beneath a glass pyramid), a Guerlain spa, and a lobby glammed up with Murano chandeliers and high-back leather armchairs. The hotel headlines menus designed by superstar chef Gordon Ramsey and carries a Michelin star, though the chef himself is not in the kitchen. Soaring La Veranda bistro is a lively local favorite for its reliably good food, lovely vistas of the gardens, and wide terrace that's open in summer. As for the guest rooms, try to avoid the newer annex (the Pavillon Trianon), and insist on the full treatment in the main building, where rooms are spacious, many with balconies and lovely views of Versailles' gardens, though the decor is a bit somber and could do with refurbishment. A great advantage of the hotel is its setting two steps from Versailles's garden entrance and a pleasant 15-minute walk to the Grand and Petit Trianon, where you can buy your entrance tickets, thus avoiding the crowds at the main entrance.