593 Best Hotels in France

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century mill, just below the château and in the center of the charming old town, this beautiful Provençal charmer is the perfect base for exploring Lourmarin, the Luberon villages to the north, and Aix and the Alpilles to the south. After a warm welcome, you’ll enjoy a leisurely drink on the terrace before being shown to your spacious room done in relaxing pale colors, with comfy contemporary furnishings and up-to-date baths. The pool and garden terrace provide shade and cool on summer days. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the town, and the charming bar is open all day for snacks and drinks.

Top chef and owner of Jardin des Plumes hotel and restaurant David Gallienne now runs this ultracontemporary six-room bed-and-breakfast in a 19th-century milkman's cottage set in the countryside overlooking the Seine River. The original decor would be quite at home in the pages of a design magazine, but there are still plenty of the cozy touches: fireplaces, antiques, comfy bedding, beautiful baths, well-appointed kitchens, and a charming on-site tearoom and spa. All rooms are bright and cheerful with views over the leafy yards. For privacy, romance, and calm—with your own private yard under pretty trees—this (and its mothership the Jardin des Plumes hotel) is your best bet in Giverny. The B&B is a 45-minute train ride from Paris and a 15-minute walk to Monet's gardens.

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.

Surrounded by canals in the heart of the quaint La Petite France quarter, this centuries-old former ice factory—replete with noble pediment and mansard roofs—is now a boldly modern luxury hotel, where Philippe Starck–inspired sculptural furnishings contrast sharply with the views of half-timber buildings and the roaring river from nearly every window. The preferred choice of Catherine Deneuve, Jacques Chirac, and Sting (to name a few) welcomes you with a spacious marble vestibule, vivid graffiti art, and Le Pont Tournant: an eye-popping modernistic restaurant done up in white, pinks, and reds (enjoy its summer tables over the torrent).

At Relais Bernard Loiseau, lovely lodgings ooze rustic-chic with exposed beams, traditional red-clay tile floors, and elegantly understated furnishings. Rooms vary in size but are charming overall and can come with perks like fireplaces or balconies that face the gorgeous garden courtyard. Many folks who come here, however, are more interested in the chapel-like dining room than the guest rooms. Chef Patrick Bertron turns out a feather-light nouvelle version of rich Burgundian fare pioneered by the late Bernard Loiseau, one of France's culinary superstars. Maximize your dining pleasure by indulging in the superb desserts and libations from the impressive wine list (a large selection can be ordered by the glass).

You'll find discreet old-world service and tranquility at this venerable hotel set back off a quiet street among its own flagstone courtyard and gardens. The 13th-century, stone-vaulted cellar has been transformed into a luxury Guerlain spa, complete with a gym, sauna, and whirlpool.

With a perfect perch overlooking the harbor from the cliffs south of town, this hotel enjoys vistas that are priceless—which is the main reason why staying here is pricey. Guest rooms are small overall but interestingly furnished (headboards, for example, have delightful wooden motifs), and some come with balconies or terraces. Below is a pebbled beach, though you may prefer the small pool (hewn from rock) or the huge Jacuzzi. Meals at Michelin-starred chef Laurent Lemal's La Balette restaurant (closed Monday and Tuesday) can be eaten on the terrace or in the dining room overlooking the harbor. The buffet breakfast is splendid, with stand-out homemade cakes and cookies.

After all of Aix's old-world charm, this five-star hotel with all the modern conveniences makes a nice contrast. An easy walk from Cours Mirabeau, the old town, and city center and convenient to the train station, the hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing. Rooms are spacious, immaculate, and bright, with ample modern bathrooms, air-conditioning (welcome during hot Provence summers), and a handsome modern design in tranquil hues and pale wood. Ask for a room with a terrace to enjoy the view over town and the evening breezes, or better yet, enjoy a drink at the stylish terrace bar. The gourmet restaurant, Le Comptoir du Clos, gets consistently high marks for value, convenience, and quality. After a day on your feet, the full-service spa and pool are also a big plus.

Hiding behind a classic, 19th-century facade is this fresh, 1930s-influenced hotel, which was fully remodeled in 2018 by designer Didier Gomez. Under a huge atrium skylight, the lobby's urban-chic design sets the mood. Imported woods and black slate accent the hotel's sauna, steam room, and countercurrent swimming pool. Rooms have modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free high-speed Internet.

In novels, songs, and common parlance, there's not a word that evokes the romance and luxury of Paris better than the Ritz. Since its opening in 1898, the storied hotel has attracted le tout Paris: the personalities synonymous with the city who burnished the hotel's prestige with their glamour and mystique—Marcel Proust, Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway. While all the revered nooks stay reassuringly the same, albeit buffed to a new gleam (including the hallowed Hemingway bar and the legendary pool), state-of-the-art enhancements include a sybaritic Chanel spa, a retractable roof over the interior garden, a €8,600-a-night Hemingway Suite with private patio, and a sumptuous restoration of each of the hotel's 143 rooms.

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.

Its plum location next to the beautiful Palais de Pharo and park, its legendary service, and the views from its rooftop terrace make this more than a standard-issue, five-star luxury property. Contemporary luxe common areas feature dark wood (like the halls of a luxury cruise ship), marine themes, and original artworks and more than half the rooms have views over the port. Vistas also showcase the J4 Pier, the forts, and Marseille's two hills. Sea-and-sand-tone rooms are comfortable and spacious with ample bathrooms. A lovely full-service spa and small pool, gastronomic restaurant, and the terrific terrace bar are icing on the cake.

In this hotel on the top floors of one of architect Jean Nouvel's shimmering Duo Towers, guests get an unprecedented view of Paris from one of the city's tallest buildings and its second-tallest hotel. Stylish interiors by Philippe Stark combine contemporary warmth with state-of-the-art technology, like automated window blinds from your bedside touch control. All rooms offer nearly floor-to-ceiling views along with wraparound windows from the bathrooms. The top-notch Asian-inspired TOO restaurant and the TacTac skybar are perched on the building's top floors, and the hotel definitely has Paris's highest spa, with stellar views from the outdoor Jacuzzi. It might be a bit off the beaten path, but prices luckily reflect the up-and-coming neighborhood, and the hotel is a quick and easy métro ride—or a scenic walk along the Seine—to central Paris.

Experience all the elegance of Aix just like a (very privileged) local at this gorgeously restored villa, where the bespoke suites mix antiques with plush modern furnishings and have original artwork, designer fabrics, and luxe amenities. The Estival Suite has a lovely terrace, and the Suite Secrète harbors a private courtyard, fully-equipped kitchen, and walk-in shower. You can also book a massage and participate in a range of classes (cooking, drawing, yoga) or wine tastings. Everything was conceived by your gracious hosts with your well-being and comfort in mind.

Perched high above the Vieille Ville (old city) atop the Fourvière Hill, this pristine hotel was once a 17th-century convent; glowing in its ocher-yellow exterior, it has vaulted ceilings, lovely terraces, and marvelous views, seen to best advantage from the Terrasses de Lyon restaurant. With a newly expanded glassed-in winter garden (every table now has a view over Lyon) and tomato-red salons, this excellent eatery offers an exciting nouvelle cuisine menu. Throughout, in time-warp fashion, 17th-century Italianate architectural details are contrasted with the latest in bright postmodern Italian furnishings. The clientele tends to be travelers seeking peace and quiet. Breakfast is extra.

Rooms here are bathed in the lavenders, blues, ochers, and oranges of Aix and feature elegant antiques and gorgeous Souleiado and Rubelli fabrics—a design scheme that truly evokes the swank 19th-century Provence colonized by Parisian barons and dukes. Little wonder this former archbishop's palace has become the darling of shelter magazines everywhere and regularly sweeps the "best of" lists. Standing serenely apart from the city center on the outskirts of town (offering great views over the pink roofs of Aix), this hilltop garden retreat has a gastronomic restaurant, pool, and spa, so you may not need to leave—and you certainly won't want to.

With this chic boutique hotel, Lyon can finally boast the kind of bespoke contemporary luxury the city has long lacked, including all the standout touches: a beautiful day-lit swimming pool and newly expanded spa, a private garden, elegant marble baths, and flawless service. But the icing on this cake are the jaw-dropping views of Lyon from your spacious outdoor terrace (or bath). If you don't opt for a Lyon-view room, garden-facing rooms are lovely too. Set high on the Fourvière Hill, the hotel is an easy walk from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière (reachable via the funiculaire from the Saint-Just metro stop in the Vieux Lyon), just minutes from the Théâtre antique de Lyon, and about a ten-minute walk to Vieux Lyon (Old City).

You can wave to skiers on the lifts that whiz past your sharply angled window at the Altapura, a ski-in, ski-out property on the edge of Val Thorens. Even the standard rooms feel like suites, with sleekly furnished sitting areas and bathrooms with separate steam showers and deep soaking tubs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs and free movies in all languages. A spiral stone staircase takes you downstairs to three restaurants, including the intimate La Laiterie, which specializes in fondue (if you're with a group, try all five). Downstairs is a soothing spa, designed to look like a birch forest.

This well-loved family-run hotel reopened in late 2015 after a total gut renovation, emerging butterflylike from its old-fashioned chrysalis. The new Grand Hotel Henri is the best thing to happen to the L'Îsle-sur-la-Sorgue lodging scene in a while, adding a dash of high style and panache to outdo even the chicest boutique hotels in the region. Each of the hotel's bright, airy rooms is done up in a different style, mixing vintage and antique treasures (this is the Isle) with yummy contemporary color schemes, wallpapers, and sumptuous murals in the two suites. The stylish bar (which doubles as a breakfast room), restaurant, and lounge area were instantaneous hits with local sophisticates. All topped off by friendly service and an utter lack of pretension.

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.

The showpiece at this 17th-century town house in the heart of St-Germain-des-Prés is the stunning front lobby, spanned by massive beams and a gigantic stone fireplace reminiscent of French aristocratic homes of yore. Even the smallest rooms are a generous size by Paris standards, and Hermès toiletries fill the granite bathrooms. Behind the private, paved courtyard is a second structure with three apartments, all ideal for families. The hotel's Café Laurent hosts jazz musicians Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and a luxurious spa offers treatments and indoor swimming. Prices vary enormously depending on dates.

The glamorous Royal Monceau Raffles offers tons of luxury, great dining, and an artsy atmosphere along with a hefty dose of cool. The Philippe Starck decor aims for a cosmopolitan look, mixing contemporary artworks with burnished-wood finishes, glittering chandeliers, and mirrors galore. Impeccable rooms and suites are flooded with light and filled with streamlined furnishings and quirky accents like acoustic guitars. Anticipating your every need is the hotel's credo, as evidenced by its two Michelin-starred restaurants, superb bookstore, art gallery, cigar bar, and the largest hotel pool in Paris.