679 Best Hotels in France

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We've compiled the best of the best in France - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Le Vieux Logis

$$ | Trémolat, 24510, France Fodor's Choice

Built around the most gorgeous dining room in the Dordogne, this vine-clad manor house in Trémolat is one of the region's top hotels. The warm guest rooms vary in size, but most face the well-tended garden and a rushing brook; the best of the bunch have terra-cotta tile floors, stone walls, and suitelike bathrooms. The lounge is très chic, with exposed beams, Louis XIII–style furniture, and mounted faïence plates over the fireplace, while the one-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant is a vision in half-timber and pink-and-red paisley fabrics. Its six-course dinner menu might include chef Vincent Arnould's forte—veal in a mustard sauce. Less expensive fare is available from a second restaurant, the wildly popular Bistrot de la Place, located in a house at the gates to the property.

Pros

  • Breathtaking grounds
  • Excellent dining (including the affordable Le Bistrot de la Place)
  • Bright and cheerful rooms

Cons

  • Swimming pool is small
  • Dining is expensive
  • No spa
Trémolat, 24510, France
05–53–22–80–06
Hotel Details
25 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Les Belles Rives

$$$$ | 33 bd. Édouard Baudoin, Juan-les-Pins, 06160, France Fodor's Choice

Lovingly restored to 1930s glamour, this fabled landmark proves that what's old is new again, as France's stylish young set make this endearingly neoclassique place with lovely Art Deco accommodations one of their latest favorites. Not far from the onetime villa of Gerald and Sara Murphy—those Roaring '20s millionaires who devoted their lives to proving the maxim "living well is the best revenge"—the Belles Rives became the home-away-from-home for literary giant F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda (chums of the Murphys). Dining on the terrace of the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant on a fine summer night, with the sea lapping below and stars twinkling in the velvety Mediterranean sky, you'll share that "living well" feeling. There's no pool, but the private beach (très cher, as is the €39 burger) is just steps away.

Pros

  • Spectacular vistas, especially from rooms with a frontal (not lateral) sea view
  • Lots of water sports
  • Michelin-starred restaurant with vegetarian set menu

Cons

  • Everything at beach costs extra (loungers, towels, umbrellas)
  • Careful when ordering fish by the gram (it's pricey)
  • Thin walls
33 bd. Édouard Baudoin, Juan-les-Pins, 06160, France
04–93–61–02–79
Hotel Details
Closed Jan.–early Mar.
43 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Les Bords de Mer

$$$ | 52 corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Marseille, 13007, France Fodor's Choice

Entering this dazzling little hotel is like walking straight into the surf, perched as it is right over the Marseille waterfront with every one of its (tiny) rooms overlooking the turquoise-blue Mediterranean. A 10-minute walk from the Vieux Port, 20 minutes on foot to the famous bouillabaisse restaurants at the Vallon des Auffes, and next to a popular beach, the hotel feels farther from the city center than it actually is. The building, designed to look like a chic 1950s beachfront resort, has two pools—one on the rooftop along with a sundeck—a compact spa, a fitness room, and a top-notch restaurant helmed by chef Chester Tsai. When the summer crowds hit the beach, you'll appreciate its private sunning terrace.

Pros

  • Eye-popping sea views and balconies in every room
  • Beautiful rooftop pool
  • Excellent location

Cons

  • Breakfast not included
  • Rooms are minuscule
  • No bar
52 corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Marseille, 13007, France
04–13–94–34–00
Hotel Details
19 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Les Fermes de Marie

$$$$ | Chemin de Riante Colline, Megève, 74120, France Fodor's Choice

Relaxation, family, nature, and the good life abound at this rustic-luxe lodging with breathtaking mountain views set back on a lovely garden property a 10-minute walk from Megève village. Owned and run by the same family who built this cluster of charming wooden chalets in the 1970s, guests are given a warm welcome in an enchanting and luxurious atmosphere, with wood fires burning in winter and flower gardens blooming in summer. Delightful in all seasons, it’s the perfect refuge for nature walks and outdoor yoga, healthy picnics, and gastronomic dining. It's all topped off by a giant heated indoor pool and spa featuring the all-natural skincare line Pure Altitude; there are also indoor and outdoor saunas and Jacuzzis, Japanese baths, a state-of-the-art fitness room, and a hair salon. The soaring dining room, open for every meal, is a favorite in Megève, and there’s also a cozy bistro serving traditional Savoyard dishes.

Pros

  • Best breakfast buffet in Megève
  • Excellent spa and huge pool
  • Exquisite taste down to smallest detail

Cons

  • No direct access to slopes
  • Rooms are not air-conditioned in summer
  • Some rooms dark
Chemin de Riante Colline, Megève, 74120, France
04–50–93–03–10
Hotel Details
Closed mid-Apr.–late June
67 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

Les Hauts de Gageac

$ | 96 Impasse Gaius, La Roque-Gageac, 24250, France Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Convenient to the town and principal sights in the area
  • Beautifully situated in the countryside
  • Well-being packages include yoga

Cons

  • Only three rooms
  • Must book well ahead in high season
  • No on-site restaurant
96 Impasse Gaius, La Roque-Gageac, 24250, France
05–53–31–28–76
Hotel Details
3 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

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Les Hauts-de-Loire

$$ | 79 rue Gilbert Navard, Onzain, 41150, France Fodor's Choice

Revel in the manorial vibe at this regal ivy-clad estate set on 170 acres of manicured gardens and woods. Roomy dwellings in the château, carriage house (the best choice for families), or pavilion mix traditional touches (toile de Jouy fabrics, gilt mirrors, oriental rugs) with plush modern furnishings, ample beds, and large contemporary bathrooms. Other amenities include a guests-only Clarins spa (with sauna, hammam, small fitness room, and outdoor pool), a helipad, and a restaurant with a Michelin star that's famous for its style and quality—an evening here glows with sumptuous white bouquets and dazzling dishes. If you can’t get a table (best to reserve that early), the bistro is a formidable second choice. For utmost romance, the château is your best bet—especially one of the balcony suites—but there are no bad choices at this gracious hotel.

Pros

  • Kingly service
  • Beautiful grounds perfect for walking and biking
  • Great location near Amboise and Chenonceau châteaux

Cons

  • Booking meals in advance is a must
  • No elevator to upper-floor rooms
  • Michelin-starred restaurant open three evenings a week only
79 rue Gilbert Navard, Onzain, 41150, France
02–54–20–72–57
Hotel Details
36 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Les Jardins de Chouchoux

$ | 33 rue de Mareuil, Brantôme, 24310, France Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Attentive hosts
  • Tranquil, tasteful setting
  • Close to the town center

Cons

  • Pool is on the small side
  • Smallish parking spaces
  • Not all rooms have terraces
33 rue de Mareuil, Brantôme, 24310, France
06–40–70–50–36
Hotel Details
Closed mid-Dec.–mid-Jan.
7 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire

$$$$ | 2250 rte. Cézanne, Le Tholonet, 13100, France Fodor's Choice

Although it's just outside Aix and amid 10 acres of woods, olive groves, and vineyards, with Cézanne-immortalized Mont Sainte-Victoire as a backdrop, this hotel eschews the rustic-country-inn aesthetic in favor of a sophisticated, deluxe-contemporary style. Rooms are handsomely appointed, and those on the ground floor have spacious private terraces overlooking the pool; upstairs suites have mountain views from the bathtubs. If you're staying a week or more, then rent one of the private villas—the final word in luxury, these four sleek, modern structures can each house up to eight people and provide every modern convenience, including a kitchen, dining room, terrace with tremendous views, and private heated pool. Guests in the hotel and lodges have access to the gleaming full-service Cinq Monde spa.

Pros

  • Has one of the city's best restaurants
  • Four swanky private villas
  • Beautiful grounds and views of Mont Sainte-Victoire from the infinity pool

Cons

  • Outside the city center
  • Some first-floor rooms lack views
  • Decor a little dark on cloudy days
2250 rte. Cézanne, Le Tholonet, 13100, France
04–42–24–80–40
Hotel Details
35 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Les Prés d'Eugénie

$$$ | Rue René Vielle, Eugénie-les-Bains, 40320, France Fodor's Choice

Ever since Michel Guérard's restaurant fired the first shots of the nouvelle revolution in the late 1970s, the excellence of this suave hotel and culinary landmark has been a given (so much so that breakfast here outdoes dinner at most other places); hence a stay at (or at least a visit to) Les Prés d'Eugénie remains an important notch on any gourmand's belt. Thanks to Guérard's signature flair, cuisine minceur—the slimmer's dream—collides with the lusty fare of the Landes region (langoustines garnished with foie gras and mesclun greens, lobster with confetti-ed calf's head). In the lovely Second Empire–style hotel, set in a fine garden, grandeur prevails and rooms are formal. However, rooms in the \"annex\"—the former 18th-century convent Le Couvent des Herbes—have an understated luxe and look out over the herb garden. To top it all off, the complex includes an excellent spa, dance studio, two pools, and a 9-hole golf course, while \"theme\" weeks are devoted to cooking, perfumes, wines, or gardening.

Pros

  • Magical cuisine
  • Intelligent and attentive service
  • Range of recreational options

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Nouvelle cuisine might not be to everyone's tastes
  • The atmosphere isn't relaxing for everyone
Rue René Vielle, Eugénie-les-Bains, 40320, France
05–58–05–06–07
Hotel Details
45 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Les Roches Blanches

$$$$ | Rte. des Calanques, Cassis, 13260, France Fodor's Choice

Featuring views of the port and the Cap Canaille, this cliff-side villa has shed its former Art Deco–style decor for a spiffy contemporary look featuring things like plush velvet chairs and huge modern baths. The gastronomic Les Belles Canailles restaurant, the more casual Rocco bistro, the superchic Le Loup bar, and the upscale Sisley spa all have fantastic sea views. Shaded by massive pines, the beautifully landscaped terrace has two pools that appear to spill into the sea. You can also take a plunge right into the cape from the hotel's namesake white rocks.

Pros

  • Captivating vistas
  • Beautiful pools and spa
  • Most rooms have balconies

Cons

  • Hard to find (use your GPS)
  • Breakfast is expensive
  • In-room dining could be better
Rte. des Calanques, Cassis, 13260, France
04–42–01–09–30
Hotel Details
Closed Nov.–Mar.
45 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Les Sources de Cheverny

$$$ | 23 Rte de Fougères, Cheverny, 41700, France Fodor's Choice

It's a winning formula: find a stately manor on a wooded estate in the middle of wine country, add a luxe restaurant and spa, and focus on sustainability and wellness, and this spot has perfected it. Les Sources is the third and most complete of Alice and Jérôme Tourbier's wildly successful hotel brand, where \"emotional luxury\"—i.e., caring for body and soul—is the mantra. Here, guests can relish the château's romantic mix of antique and modern design or opt for one of the ultra-contemporary wood-clad suites clustered around a pond, where wildflowers and tall grasses obscure your private outdoor terrace from view. Gourmet menus at the gastronomic restaurant or soaring bistro and bar (with a spacious outdoor terrace) spotlight local, sustainable, and healthy dishes. The spa by Caudalie, one of France's top natural beauty brands and based on the restorative, anti-aging properties of grapeseed, offers every opportunity for pampering, with both indoor and outdoor pools. There are also yoga, fitness, detox programs, bikes, and hiking boots at your disposal for those who take the credo seriously. Grab a bicycle (electric if you prefer) and peddle to Cheverny, Chambord, or Chenonceau châteaux, all within an hour-and-45-minute ride.

Pros

  • Lovely quiet setting
  • Privacy when you want it, conviviality when you don't
  • Sustainability is taken as seriously as luxury

Cons

  • Wooded paths are muddy in rainy weather
  • Only one unisex steam room and no sauna in the spa
  • Need a car to get here
23 Rte de Fougères, Cheverny, 41700, France
02–54–44–20–20
Hotel Details
49 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Loire Valley Lodges

$$$$ | All. de la Duporterie, Tours, 37320, France Fodor's Choice

Tree-dwelling has never been so tranquil, or so glam, than at these 18 perched wooden cabins set among the branches of towering oak and chestnut trees in the heart of a 750-acre forest. Wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows immerse you in nature, but you’re close enough to your neighbors to feel more secluded than stranded. Each cabin has a unique theme (you can choose when booking) but all have spacious outdoor terraces, hot tubs, and all the modern amenities. Breakfasts are delivered picnic-style to your cabin and for lunch and dinner you can opt for the gourmet restaurant (focusing on healthy seasonal dishes) in the main building, a restored farmhouse. There’s no fitness room or spa but you have the great outdoors and a massive outdoor pool with plenty of lounging space (and massages can be booked in your room or at the Bee Lodge in the garden). Bikes are available to enjoy the nearby walking trails or for visits to the Villandry or Chenonceau châteaux, both an hour ride away.

Pros

  • Terraces and hot tubs in each room
  • Focus on wellness
  • Walkie-talkies within each cabin for quick service if needed

Cons

  • Steep flight of stairs to reach cabins
  • A walk to main dining and pool
  • No screens on terrace doors to keep bugs out
All. de la Duporterie, Tours, 37320, France
02–47–38–85–88
Hotel Details
18 cabins
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Lou Calen

$$$$ | 1 cours Gambetta, Cotignac, 83570, France Fodor's Choice

To say this sustainable hotel is unique is an understatement—where else in Provence can you stay in a luxury cave with a bathroom set into the rocks or in a round pigeon tower with sweeping village and countryside views? The 200-year-old farmhouse offers large but more conventional rooms and suites—complete with wood-burning stoves—that open onto a private terrace. The 7-acre property has lush flower, fruit, and vegetable gardens (to stock the excellent Jardin Secret restaurant); ancient trees; lavender fields (for the bees); a large pool; a small vineyard; and stunning vistas everywhere you look. The Bistrot restaurant, La TUF microbrewery, and O'Fadoli pastis bar round out the drinking and dining options.

Pros

  • Outstanding dining options
  • In one of France's designated "most beautiful villages"
  • An island of repose

Cons

  • Too much to discover in one night
  • Removed from Toulon (so you need a car)
  • Some rooms are dark
1 cours Gambetta, Cotignac, 83570, France
04–98–14–15–29
Hotel Details
14 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Lou Pinet

$$$$ | 70 chemin du Pinet, St-Tropez, 83990, France Fodor's Choice

At this five-star hotel just steps from Place des Lices, the Pariente family gives you a chance to experience the real St-Tropez, away from the madness of the bling-bling crowds. Lounge next to St-Trop’s biggest pool, watched over by two magnificent century-old pine trees. Designer Charles Zana ties it all together indoors with light hues, natural stone, wrought iron, and wood. The rate includes breakfast; just be sure to save lots of room for a meal at Beefbar, the on-site grilled-meats and street-food concept restaurant.

Pros

  • Street-food concept restaurant by Riccardo Giraudi
  • Housekeeping twice a day
  • Enormous pool (biggest in St-Tropez)

Cons

  • Breakfast eggs are extra
  • Multinight minimum stays in high season
  • Not on the beach
70 chemin du Pinet, St-Tropez, 83990, France
04–94–97–04–37
Hotel Details
Closed Oct.–Apr.
34 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Madame Rêve

$$$ | 48 rue du Louvre, Paris, 75001, France Fodor's Choice

You'll have the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, or the beautiful Église Saint-Eustache as your view for the night from the arching atelier-style windows of your swanky room at this elegant hotel set in the city's beautifully restored 19th-century Louvre post office. Courtyard-facing rooms have garden views, some with a private terrace. The decor mixes a soothing palette of polished wood and burnished golds with state-of-the-art technology and cheeky touches, like the mail art beautifully displayed in the rooms. The hotel's stunning ground-floor café and glamorous Franco-Japanese La Plume restaurant on the roof are definitely worth a visit, especially in warm weather, when you can take advantage of the 10,000-square-foot rooftop garden to dine, sip a cocktail, or sun yourself on a beach chair. There's also a full-service spa and fitness room. What's more, you're within minutes of some of Paris's top museums, including the Centre Pompidou and the Louvre.

Pros

  • Refined decor in rooms and restaurants
  • Rooftop restaurant from two-Michelin-starred chef Stéphanie Le Quellec
  • Excellent location and views

Cons

  • Hallways are long (but lovely)
  • Music a tad loud in the restaurant
  • Indifferent service in the café
48 rue du Louvre, Paris, 75001, France
01–80–40–77–70
Hotel Details
82 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Maison Albar - Le Victoria

$$$$ | 6 av. de Suède, Nice, 06000, France Fodor's Choice

Located just steps from the Mediterranean and the Promenade des Anglais, this flagship of the Maison Albar hotels collection is a truly indulgent escape—one where it's worth splurging on a sea-view balcony room so you can open the curtains each day and let the fabled morning light engulf you. Head to the sixth floor Taulissa Restaurant, which seems suspended between the Mercantour mountains and the Mediterranean, for a sunshine soaked breakfast—don’t forget your sunglasses—or a sunset meal. Spots by the rooftop pool and on the expansive terrace are set to become some of Nice's most coveted. The Oria Spa (oria means "gold") really does feel like a hidden treasure, with a sauna, a hammam, a sensorial rain-forest shower, a counter-current pool, a whirlpool tub, and 24K-gold facial treatments. If you absolutely must get in that midnight training session, the fitness suite is open 24 hours.

Pros

  • Panoramas from the restaurant, terrace, and rooftop pool
  • Luxurious spa
  • Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton are on the doorstep

Cons

  • Pricey (€59) parking
  • Pricey (€44) breakfast
  • Not all rooms have sea view
6 av. de Suède, Nice, 06000, France
04–22–70–08–00
Hotel Details
132 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Maison Aribert

$$ | 280 allée du Jeune Bayard, Grenoble, 38410, France Fodor's Choice

This pilgrimage-worthy inn located in Uriage-les-Bains, 16 km (10 miles) from Grenoble in a verdant mountain-ringed park, offers guests a tranquil, ultrasophisticated gastronomic getaway. The 19th-century half-timbered house was transformed into a masterpiece of contemporary, eco-friendly design, with soaring ceilings in the common spaces and five beautifully decorated guestrooms—complete with vintage design furniture and cloudlike organic bedding—with views over the impossibly green park from your private terrace. But chef Aribert's two-Michelin-star cuisine is the star of the show, and guests have the luxury of dining on sublime dishes that reflect all the richness of the surrounding nature before rolling into bed.

Pros

  • Beautiful quiet setting
  • Everything top quality
  • Some of the best dining in the region

Cons

  • Only five rooms, so books up fast
  • Lodging and dining packages expensive
  • Location outside the city
280 allée du Jeune Bayard, Grenoble, 38410, France
04–58–17–48–30
Hotel Details
5 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Maison Bréguet

$$$ | 8 rue Bréguet, Paris, 75011, France Fodor's Choice

Tucked away on a quiet street so close and yet far enough from the bustling Bastille, this is one of Paris's more elegant boutique lodgings. Artsy touches abound and skylights or balconies in the rooms assure plenty of daylight, all the better to take in every deluxe detail: hand-crafted wood, custom furniture, chic lighting, designer wallpapers and textiles, and marble baths. It adds up to an ultraglamorous lodging with the trappings of a five-star hotel, including a chic restaurant with outdoor seating, a popular cocktail lounge, and a small spa with sauna, hammam, and a micro-pool.

Pros

  • Beautiful rooms with plenty of light
  • Lovely hammam and pool on-site
  • Five-minute walk to Bastille

Cons

  • Not as good a deal as it used to be
  • Pool could be bigger
  • Some rooms on the small side
8 rue Bréguet, Paris, 75011, France
01–58–30–32–31
Hotel Details
50 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Maison Fragonard

$$ | 7--9 rue du Palais, Arles, 13200, France Fodor's Choice

Opened by the daughters of the Fragonard perfume family, it’s no surprise that this hotel—set in a vine-clad 17th-century town house with bright, airy guestrooms—has charm to spare. Decor in the rooms and suites, which have fully equipped kitchens and dining areas, evokes the romance of Provence thanks to wicker chairs, walnut headboards, baroque mirrors, marble fireplaces, antique portraits. The Secret Absolu Suite also has a private terrace, though all guests have access to the rooftop terrace overlooking the Arles rooftops. The first-floor Fragonard boutique lets you attempt to replicate you stay at home!

Pros

  • Gorgeous fabrics and toiletries by Fragonard
  • Italianate bathrooms
  • Walking distance to all sights

Cons

  • Breakfasts not provided for those not in suites
  • Parking limited
  • Few hotel services
7--9 rue du Palais, Arles, 13200, France
06–74–82–65–27
Hotel Details
6 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Maison Orsini

$$ | 21 rue Montée de la Tour, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, 30400, France Fodor's Choice

Past residents of this 14th-century stone house on the medieval ramparts served the Avignon popes, including the hotel's namesake, Cardinal Orsini, but today's guests enjoy total relaxation, serenity, and eye-popping views—including from the vaulted breakfast room and spacious terraces—of Mont Ventoux on one side and the Palais des Papes on the other. For a jaw-dropping sunrise over the Avignon skyline, book the Panoramic Suite or the charming Suite Pamparigoust, which has a private terrace. Two antiques-furnished cottages, both with private yards, accommodate families; they're also perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Pros

  • Private gardens
  • Easy 10-minute walk from city center
  • Parking

Cons

  • Only hand-held showers in some rooms
  • Closed January and February
  • Could use a spruce up
21 rue Montée de la Tour, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, 30400, France
06–82–27–65–94
Hotel Details
Closed Jan. and Feb.
6 units
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Maison Proust

$$$$ | 26 rue de Picardie, Paris, 75003, France Fodor's Choice

Scrupulously devoted to the legacy of Marcel Proust, what this gorgeous hotel lacks in space it makes up for in sheer opulence. Each of the 22 rooms recalls a writer or artist friend of the author or a character from his writings, and all are splendidly arrayed in silk, hand-embroidered, or brocade wallpapers and matching upholstery designed by historic fabric houses. Meticulously sourced original period artwork, writing nooks, and chic bathrooms (in obsidian marble with pressed leather wallpapers) complete the vibe. A sumptuous winter garden, a reading room (lined with original leather-clad volumes), and a bar draw a Proust-worthy crowd, but the exquisite pool and hammam—created by craftspeople to the King of Morocco—are reserved for guests only.

Pros

  • Fabulous location
  • Reservation comes with private one-hour session for two at the luxury pool
  • Incredibly romantic atmosphere

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Rooms and suites are minuscule
  • Intimate spaces not for everyone
26 rue de Picardie, Paris, 75003, France
01–86–54–55–55
Hotel Details
22 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Mama Shelter Nice

$$ | 21 bd. de Riquier, Nice, 06300, France Fodor's Choice

You'll feel right at home upon entering this French brand's lifestyle hotel, the first to be designed by Benjamin El Doghaïli rather than Philipe Starck, where everything—from the handwritten welcome messages to the free freshly baked cookies—embodies the “Mama loves you" mantra; the decor reflects local art and culture; and the design-led rooms have supercomfortable beds and ample desk space. The rooftop mosaic pool and bar area are among Nice’s coolest spots, and there's live music on Sunday night and DJ sets Thursday through Saturday. Homemade comfort food is the mainstay in the restaurant, where breakfasts (included in some rates, €19 otherwise) features homemade crêpes, jams, and hot chocolate. The unlimited weekend brunch (€42) has kids’ entertainment, allowing parents to relax over generous servings of mousse au chocolat.

Pros

  • Lively, artsy, and riotously colorful
  • Cool rooftop pool and pergola-shaded bar area
  • Unlimited weekend brunch with kids entertainment

Cons

  • Less-than-picturesque location a 10-minute walk to the port and the tram
  • No gym
  • Limited parking (€27 a day)
21 bd. de Riquier, Nice, 06300, France
04–28–95–11–95
Hotel Details
102 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Mandarin Oriental Paris

$$$$ | 251 rue St-Honore, Paris, 75001, France Fodor's Choice

Of Paris's palace hotels, the Mandarin Oriental is among the most contemporary, with a soaring marble entryway and a sleek, luxe style that is a welcome contrast to the historic grande dames. The hotel has cultivated a fiercely loyal clientele that relishes its lovely, Asian-inspired rooms, featuring lustrous dark-wood furnishings and creamy walls, accented with deep mauve or taupe, and spotless white-marble baths.

Pros

  • Superlative hotel spa (contender for Paris's very best)
  • Many rooms with terraces
  • Two gourmet restaurants and a superlative afternoon tea

Cons

  • Not much variation in standard rooms
  • Noise from courtyard during special events
  • Very pricey
251 rue St-Honore, Paris, 75001, France
01–70–98–78–88
Hotel Details
135 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Manoir de Malagorse

$$ | Cuzance, 46600, France Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Hosts know great food and wine but keep it simple
  • Lovely breakfast included
  • Idyllic setting

Cons

  • Reservations essential for July and August
  • Somewhat remote
  • Relaxed atmosphere might not be for everyone
Cuzance, 46600, France
06–89–33–54–45
Hotel Details
7 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Margaret Hôtel Chouleur

$$$$ | 6 rue Fresque, Nîmes, 30000, France Fodor's Choice

The welcome is gracious at this hotel in one of the city’s preeminent historic mansions, beautifully restored to its 17th-century grandeur, with parquet floors, period moldings and fireplaces, murals, a magnificent central stone staircase, rooms that capitalize on soaring windows and ceilings. Some accommodations have cozier volumes that benefit from warm colors, plush contemporary furnishings, and soothing lighting. All rooms features giant bathrooms (most with showers, bathtubs, and double sinks), plenty of storage, and the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel. There’s also a small spa and outdoor pool in the garden courtyard. A gourmet breakfast is served in the Michelin-starred Rouge restaurant, where the much-lauded chef Georgiana Viou presides at lunch and dinner (she also heads the hotel’s chic but more casual bistro, Gigi). What’s more, the hotel is set in the very heart of old town, an easy walk to all of the city’s sights.

Pros

  • Michelin-star dining
  • Beautiful library
  • Excellent service

Cons

  • No parking
  • On a pedestrian street (hotel will pick up baggage at train station, a seven-minute walk)
  • No elevator or rooms for people with mobility issues
6 rue Fresque, Nîmes, 30000, France
04–48–27–08–00
Hotel Details
10 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Mas des Prêcheurs

$$$ | 1136 chemin de la Chapelle Saint Victor, Tarascon, 13150, France Fodor's Choice

This grand, 17th-century farmstead in the shadow of the Alpilles was once populated by Dominican monks (hence the name "farmhouse of the preachers") and is now a serene and beautiful country-house hotel, where you're encouraged to treat the place as your own—perhaps wandering the lovely grounds, walking along the miles of trails, taking a dip in the pool, or lounging in chairs amid the olive groves. Every comfort (except for TVs to allow for total serenity) has been provided in rooms worthy of a design magazine photo spread. Delicious home-cooked meals made with produce sourced from local farmers are served from the open kitchen. You can help yourself to coffee, tea, and wine from the common fridge—just remember to load your dishes in the dishwasher.

Pros

  • Close to major sights
  • Amazing breakfasts
  • Huge rooms

Cons

  • Rusticity isn't for everyone (though we love it)
  • 17th-century stairs are precarious
  • A bit bobo
1136 chemin de la Chapelle Saint Victor, Tarascon, 13150, France
09–78–07–00–05
Hotel Details
Closed Dec.–Mar.
5 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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The Maybourne Riviera

$$$$ | 1551 rte. de la Turbie, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, 06190, France Fodor's Choice

A gravity defying marvel, perched so high above the Mediterranean that it feels as if it floats between sea and sky, this property designed by renowned French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte is a dream come true for design and art enthusiasts. From every angle, the views of Monaco, France, and Italy are nothing short of hypnotic, and floor-to-ceiling glass invites that fabled Côte D’Azur light to flood in. All rooms have terraces with sweeping sea views; three rooms also have private pools. But the showstopper here is the infinity pool, suspended over the Mediterranean, merging with the endless blues of the horizon. Gastronomy is led by chef Sébastien Tantot, and each of the four restaurants offers a distinct dining experience. Mixologist cocktail creations can be enjoyed in the bar or terrace overlooking Monte Carlo.  The Surrenne Spa promises rejuvenation for body and soul. Maybourne La Plage, a beach club and restaurant (though there is no actual beach, rather a sun bed deck with access to sea swimming in crystalline waters) is a 10-minute ride away in Cap Martin.

Pros

  • Jaw-dropping infinity pool suspended above the sea
  • Superb dining
  • Spectacular views from every room

Cons

  • Cliffside location means you'll need vehicle for access and sightseeing
  • Not designed with kids in mind
  • Sky-high prices in summer
1551 rte. de la Turbie, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, 06190, France
04–93–37–23–45
Hotel Details
Closed Nov.–Mar.
65 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Mèze Maison

$ | 2 rue Francois Besse, Montpellier, 34140, France Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Very welcoming and helpful hosts
  • Delicious breakfasts
  • Stylish rooms

Cons

  • Steep stairs
  • No elevator
  • No restaurant or bar on-site
2 rue Francois Besse, Montpellier, 34140, France
06–21–16–43–42
Hotel Details
4 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

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Mondrian Cannes

$$$$ | 45 bd. de la Croisette, Cannes, 06400, France Fodor's Choice

While being transformed into the Mondrian Cannes—the first of the Accor brand's sleek lifestyle hotels to open in France—the former Grand Hotel underwent a massive modernization that not only refreshed the rooms but also added the unique Mr. Nakamoto restaurant and the new Hyde Beach, which is only about 300 feet from the hotel's front door and has its own pier. Although Cannes has lots to see and do, if you stay here, you may never make it beyond the gorgeous grounds.

Pros

  • Free bottled water in room
  • American-style 1950s grill restaurant with a Japanese twist
  • Noon checkout

Cons

  • €42 breakfast
  • Extras can add up (€25 parking)
  • Room decor doesn't dazzle
45 bd. de la Croisette, Cannes, 06400, France
04–93–38–15–45
Hotel Details
Closed Dec. and Jan.
75 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa

$$$ | 17 rue Washington, Paris, 75008, France Fodor's Choice

This cosmopolitan, five-star boutique hotel, three minutes from the Champs-Élysées but far removed from the hubbub, brings a welcome frisson of romance to the neighborhood, with opulent, jewel-like decor featuring glittering mirrors, deluxe fabrics and linens, and design-forward furnishings. Four luminous top-floor suites offer lovely views of the Paris rooftops (one has views of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Coeur from the terrace). A private duplex apartment set in the garden boasts not one but two private garden patios. A small spa and the excellent Michelin-starred Galanga restaurant and bar—with garden seating in summer—make this a lovely spot to travel to exotic places while not stepping foot from Paris.

Pros

  • Designed by superstar Anouska Hempel
  • Spacious rooms and bathrooms
  • Lovely bar and dining room

Cons

  • Set on a slightly drab but quiet side street
  • Spa quite small
  • Fussy (but beautiful) lighting
17 rue Washington, Paris, 75008, France
01–87–89–48–48
Hotel Details
46 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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