593 Best Hotels in France

If you feel like being away from it all, but in a fairly self-sufficient setting with a good on-site restaurant and a chic bar with stupendous views, this is the place.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming, stylish, and reasonably priced hotel in an upscale neighborhood that rarely combines all three characteristics. At this 45-room boutique hotel, you can add the bonus of a beautiful rooftop terrace with Eiffel Tower views, a sauna, a Scandinavian bath, and a sunbathing deck. Pleasantly streamlined rooms are bathed in sunlight and sport sleek Art Deco–inspired decor and ample terrazzo baths. The chic bar (open Tuesday through Saturday) serves a small but delicious menu of cocktails and gourmet small dishes (designed by a top restaurant nearby), and the buffet breakfast is perfect.

Somerset Maugham holed up in one of the tiny crow's-nest rooms at the top, Jean Cocteau lived here while writing Orphée, and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton used to tie one on in the bar—and this waterfront landmark remains a formidable and flawless retreat. The best rooms are brightened with vivid colors and stenciled quotes from Cocteau, and some top-floor rooms have spectacular harbor views. All rooms have L'Occitane products. During July and August, a three-night minimum may be required, but the staff will work with you when possible.

Festooned in luxury fabrics and 18th-century furnishings, this posh extravaganza, designed by France's überchic Jacque Garcia, put Bordeaux back on the world scene with its veritable army of restaurants and bars, along with a swanky Roman bath–inspired spa—all just steps from the city's Golden Triangle shopping district. If anyone can redefine and resurrect Bordelais style it is Garcia: for this complex of buildings, anchored by a historic palais, he took inspiration from the gilded Opéra National de Bordeaux, just across the square. Go all out and get a room high up with a theater view.

This splendid resort, rising castle-like from the lush Chantilly forest, is located inside an early-20th-century building that has been decked out in 18th-century style, luxuriously incorporating the themes of its surroundings (horses, forest, and royalty). The spacious salons and guest rooms were designed for utmost calm and elegance, with sweeping forest views (many rooms have sizeable private balconies). Soft herringbone wood floors, subdued color palettes, sensitive lighting, and plush furniture convey warmth and coziness perfect for lounging. An accommodating concierge can organize day trips and excursions in the forest and to Chantilly (5 miles away), but everything for a lavish romantic and restorative weekend in the countryside is at your fingertips: an indoor pool and full-service spa (from the sought-after Paris skincare brand Biologique Recherche), a gastronomic restaurant (L’Opéra) set in a historic music room, and Le Stradivarius, a sleek bar and bistro with a spacious terrace for outdoor dining.

Housed in Marseille's majestic 18th-century Hôtel Dieu, a beloved landmark built according to plans by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart, architect to Louis XIV, this place has been transformed into a gleaming palace—even if you don't stay here, it's worth stopping by for a drink on the sprawling terrace, with gorgeous views of the old port. The hotel interiors are luminous and comfortable, accented with large amphorae, artworks, and photographs of the city by local artists. Rooms are beautifully conceived with luxe touches; and many have large private terraces with views of the port (and views from the bathtub). The gold-mosaic pool and full-service Clarins spa and gym provide all the required pampering, and with chef Arnaud Davin at the helm, the hotel's bistro Les Fenêtres and the lovely Capian bar are Marseille standouts.

Sarah Bernhardt and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adored this elegant Belle Époque hotel, an epitome of Haussmannian grandeur inaugurated in 1862 by the Empress Eugenie herself, and today the guest rooms, many with eye-popping views of the Opéra Garnier, blend old-world luxury with 21st-century glamour. Five exquisite suites offer balconies, grand panoramas, and all the extravagance of a palace hotel but with the cozy chic of your very own Paris apartment. La Parisienne, under the eves, is as romantic a room as you could dream up, with a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. The stunning Balmain spa, glass-roofed winter garden, and historic Café de la Paix—both historic monuments beloved by the likes of Josephine Baker and Marlene Dietrich—round out your quintessentially Parisian stay.

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.

The chic Kimpton line's first Parisian outpost is located inside a stunning Art Nouveau landmark building—once part of the upscale Samaritaine department store—and each of the deco-inspired rooms is different: some offer balconies, others stellar views to the Eiffel Tower or the Opéra a stone's throw away. All come with luxurious interiors, featuring plush designer furniture, ample marble baths, top-of-the-line bedding, and original artwork. Amenities include a California-inspired indoor-outdoor restaurant, an indoor pool, a small spa, and a rooftop cocktail bar with jaw-dropping views of Paris.

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.

Located just a seven-minute walk from Petite Venise, this glossy hotel has sleek, modern guest rooms decked out with wood, natural stone, marble, copper, and leather, creating a harmonious design scheme. All the rooms are equipped with balconies, and those at the rear look straight across the leafy Champs de Mars gardens while those at the front have an urban view. There's a swanky bar and lounge, and a gastronomic restaurant presided over by famed local chef Jean-Yves Schillinger.

Set in a redbrick, 15th-century hospital that is bisected by a quaint, white chapel, this upscale Marriott perfectly marries the architectural elements of a historical monument with the contemporary needs of 21st-century guests. Preserved from the past are aged wood-panel walls, 17th-century tapestries, statuary, and stained glass. Guests take advantage of the lovely glassed-in courtyards, Nespresso machines, and minimalist-style room furnishings. L'Hermitage's brasserie serves regional dishes, and the glass-roof bar is a nice place to unwind.

Once owned by the Baron de Chartrouse, this extraordinary 18th-century hôtel particulier is delightfully intimate and elegant, decorated with gold-framed mirrors, white-brocade chairs, marble writing desks, artfully hung curtains, and hand-painted wallpaper. White rooms look out onto a beautifully landscaped garden. To relax, stretch out by the pool, and listen to the birds chirp, or head to the spa for an essential-oil massage. Le Bistrot, open mid-May to mid-October (closed Monday and Tuesday), serves only three-course dinners.

This local grande dame—in a lovely neighborhood near the canal and just across from the Jardins de la Fontaine—has been transformed into a gorgeous contemporary hotel, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, a bistro, and a gastronomic restaurant overseen by superstar chef Pierre Gagnaire. Pablo Picasso, Ava Garder, and Jean Cocteau all stayed here for the famous Féria de Nîmes (bullfights), and the stunning decor features plush furniture in lovely shades of teal, lustrous wood and marble everywhere, and a sparkling spa. The fabulous Hemingway Bar in the downstairs lobby opens onto a huge terrace, and the gourmet Duende restaurant is among the top tables in Nîmes. For a romantic getaway or for families, the hotel has eight beautiful private villas and child-friendly activities.

A Provençal dream come true, this exclusive property—part of the Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet collection—is amid a 57-acre vineyard and has rustic-chic common areas and guest quarters in a restored stone farmstead. Some rooms have private terraces, others a working fireplace; all are beautifully and eclectically decorated with antiques and original artwork. On-site amenities include a spa, a swimming pool, and a dining room where the food is so good that locals come from miles around for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea. You can take in beautiful views from the terrace, indulge in a wine tasting, and explore bucolic paths on foot or by e-bike.

Gourmands from around the world flock to this lovely 17th-century bastide, transformed by Alain Ducasse—who, as of 2023, has 21 Michelin stars to his name—into a luxury country retreat surrounded by olive and chestnut trees, lavender, and trellises filled with the blooms of rose bushes. Individually decorated rooms with evocative names such as Sunflower, Pumpkin, and Buttercup—some with private terrace, some that lead directly into the park—are decorated with an unpretentious mixture of antiques and country prints.

This grand 17th-century castle—a listed historic monument—set on a gorgeous 100-acre estate is now one of the Loire's standout lodgings, where all the pomp and elegance has been lovingly preserved and tastefully enhanced with contemporary designer furnishings, lighting, and state-of-the-art amenities. At the hotel's gastronomic restaurant, Mémoire, you'll dine in splendor in the chateau's gilded and frescoed salons on dishes that feature ingredients from the domain’s own kitchen gardens and orchards. The Tata Harper spa, set in the former greenhouses, offers relaxing views of the gardens, plus a sauna, a hammam, and a full list of luxury treatments perfect after a day of swimming in the two pools, playing tennis, or biking or walking on the many wooded and garden paths.

One of Avignon's loveliest hotels is in an 18th-century mansion not far from the Palais des Papes and set amid lush gardens with towering plane trees, flowers, and palms, as well as a koi pond, swimming pool, and spa pavilion. Splendid antiques and contemporary art and design (including 200 paintings) create a setting that's as opulent and luxurious as it is witty and poetic.

Entering this hotel set in a lively, lightly touristed quarter of Paris is like stepping into an enchanted garden. Using elements such as the bar’s flowered ceilings, birdsong in the elevators, and cheerful guest rooms (some with private terraces) in sunny pastel yellows, blues, and greens, Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki has conjured a bucolic getaway complete with two garden terraces: one adjacent to the eponymous restaurant and another outside the rooftop cocktail bar (with stellar views of Paris). There's more enchantment in the Holidermie spa, with its quartet of mosaic Roman baths—in the order of salt, hot, cold, and whirlpool—and a sauna and hammam too. The more casual café, overlooking bustling Rue Cadet, serves a menu of sweet and savory dishes plus coffee, cocktails, and drinks from 7:30 am until 11:30 at night.

Once the home of a marquis, this splendid Provençal property, tucked away under towering plane trees—with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, picturesque walkways, and a pétanque court—combines a serene natural setting with gracious lodging and outstanding dining thanks to its owners, the Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dandine and his wife. The chef's motto, "a beautiful place, for beautiful moments around a beautiful table," pretty much sums it up. Just off the lavender route—a 20-minute drive from Cassis and the Calanques National Park and just 10 miles from Marseille center—it's perfectly situated (and perfectly equipped) for a restorative Provençal retreat.

Each of the spacious rooms in this exquisite hotel—created by merging three buildings of a 17th-century mansion—is unique, but they all have beautiful decor, high ceilings (many beamed) and other elegant architectural details, enormous baths, modern amenities, and typical Uzès charm. Rooms on the top floors benefit from views over the rooftops, and, in some instances, of the nearby Saint-Théodont Cathedral and its famous Fenestrelle Tower. The hotel also has a L'Occitane spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Obliging innkeepers Frédéric and Marie-Claude did their architectural homework before transforming a 17th-century home into this elegant B&B, where the unique suites feature tasteful color schemes, original historical details, antique and vintage items, and modern fixtures. Each suite has its own configuration and unique attribute, such as a courtyard terrace, a library, or a window that perfectly frames a niche containing a statue of the Virgin Mary in a church across the way. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a gallery and boutique—perfect for last-minute art or antique finds—and a heated swimming pool.

For a touch of the Riviera in Brittany, this light-drenched boutique hotel is just the ticket. Greeted by towering palms and a sweeping staircase that enhance the hotel's Art Deco–era splendor, once inside, the bright, beautifully decorated interiors are a pleasure to behold. Ditto for the splendid Volère restaurant, complete with murals that recall the Belle Époque, elegant banquettes, pristine linens, and a gastronomic menu created by chef Maxime Bobin. You can't go wrong with any one of the hotel's nine spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, all with bright, contemporary baths, some with a balcony and free-standing tub. Just three minutes from the beach, this cheerful family-friendly hotel is your best option in the area.

Set in a splendid 19th-century mansion just steps from the presidential palace and the American embassy, this aristocratic lodging is one of the city's most elegant small hotels. Rooms are sumptuous, done up in a mix of period antiques and deluxe contemporary design, with silk-damask walls, large marble baths, and herringbone parquet floors. Enjoy a cocktail by the fire in the magnificent lounge or fine dining at the gastronomic restaurant Le Gabriel. The full-service spa and pool cater to your total relaxation.

The romantic guest rooms at Le Chêne Bleu wine estate—set in a magnificent medieval priory amid a UNESCO nature preserve—have antique furnishings, beamed ceilings, tiled floors, spacious baths, and heart-stopping views from the crest of the Dentelles de Montmirail. A stay includes access to everything this picture-perfect property has to offer, including a library; a pool; tennis courts; biking; and, bien sur, tastings of award-winning reds, whites, and rosés. Take a gourmet picnic for a day of exploring the lavender fields and vineyards, stroll through the kitchen gardens, or lounge by the duck pond or pool.

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.

This hotel sits on a manicured hill with marvelous views of the town and citadel and feels like a private Mediterranean villa. Beyond are panoramic vistas of surrounding mountains and sparkling waters. Most rooms are within the central hotel complex, but there are also hacienda-style villas, each filled with apartments opening onto breezy patios. The ambience is au naturel, with sweet-smelling foliage and flora including olive, fig, and pine and cedar trees, as well as sage, rosemary, and lavender. Terra-cotta roof tiles, traditional-style dwellings, and stone pathways blend seamlessly into the environment.

Tin chandeliers, Nantes silk and calico hangings, antique scrollwork panels, and other traditional luxe touches make lodgings in this trio of vine-clad, pink-and-yellow 15th- and 16th-century houses especially alluring. The guest salon is set in a vaulted cave-wine cellar fitted out with the latest in soigné furniture. From the name (for the city's centuries-old roosting haunts of storks) to the daub-and-wattle facade abuzz with the pattern of timbered logs, a storybook courtyard, and a fairy-tale staircase, this is a truly magical retreat.

An eccentric late-19th-century castle that blends baroque style and English elements, this Relais & Châteaux property welcomes guests who want to enjoy its tranquil mountain setting or soak in the healing waters of Molitg-les-Bains. The on-site restaurant showcases micro-locally sourced products grown using sustainable, organic or biodynamic farming, with dishes inspired by the region's bounty.