71 Best Hotels in The French Riviera, France

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.

Forget about check-in desks and other formalities at this effortlessly cool Tropezian hideaway—surrounded by lush lemon and olive gardens—where you’re welcomed like a friend, and luxurious amenities and cutting-edge tech are hallmarks. Everything from dinner reservations to room requests is handled via WhatsApp. Your phone will charge wirelessly, and you'll find Dyson hair dryers in the bathrooms and Peloton bikes in the gym. Sip a Tomatini poolside, play padel, or book a state-of-the-art light-therapy treatment in the spa. You can explore St-Tropez via a complimentary electric bike or a shuttle van, but the iconic Méhari beach buggy is the most fun way to get around. The decor blends a très français red, white, and blue palette with nautical nods to the town’s yachting heritage. Impeccable service and thoughtful touches make this feel like St-Tropez as it should be—glamorous, intimate, and unforgettable.

A stay at the grande dame of La Croisette (since 1913) gets you access to the largest infinity pool in Cannes, an inner-courtyard garden paradise, and the Carlton Beach Club—the city's first beach club—which opened in 1928. For longer stays, book one of the luxury residences in the two large newer wings. For a truly private green space, though, opt for the very spacious penthouse, which has a landscaped rooftop garden. The Riviera restaurant is complemented by the Camelia Tea Lounge and Bar 58.

Bordered by gardens that hang from the mountainside in nearly Babylonian style, this hotel encompasses an entire stretch of the village, streets and all, and, in addition to divine accommodations, it delivers breathtaking Mediterranean views—at a price. The fanciest guest rooms feature peasant-luxe fireplaces, faux 15th-century panel paintings, and chandeliered rock-grotto bathrooms; nearly all rooms, though, have exposed stone and beams, and even the cheapest have views over Èze's charming tile roofs (but you'll kick yourself if you don't pay the extra for the terrace and sea views).

For unforgettable luxury—whether you're a couple seeking romance or you want a family retreat—head to this historical château just 10 minutes from St-Tropez but a world away from its bronzed beach crowds. Set back from the coastline amid 30 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, the property has breathtaking Mediterranean views and guest rooms with private outdoor terraces. Your every need is met with amenities that include three pools, tennis courts, three fabulous restaurants (one by Japanese celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa), and several bars. Tucked away in a lovely corner of the grounds, The Summer Camp for children age three and up, has a cinema, a big kids-only pool, a pirate play ship, cooking classes, even a minifarm—with all-day attendants so adults can relax on their own.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a culinary adventure, this luxury boutique hotel delivers at every turn, with a touch of royal flair—it was built in the 18th century and was a favored retreat of Prince William of Sweden. Book La Suite du Château, with its four-poster bed, private terrace whirlpool tub, and sublime views, to stay in what were his royal quarters. Dining here is an event in itself. Chef Justin Schmitt’s culinary artistry earned the restaurant a Michelin star in 2023. Savor gourmet creations paired with panoramic vistas from the dining room. Relish an aperitif or sommelier-curated wine on the terrace as the Riviera glitters below. 

There is no better way to experience old Haut-de-Cagnes's grand castle views than to stay in this acclaimed 13th-century manor, perched on the ramparts of the Grimaldi fortress. No detail was unturned to complete the storybook allure: rooms, named after artists connected to the village, are gorgeously Provençal and look out over the vieille ville and on to the sea, while the bathrooms are so luxe you'll want to take them home with you. If you're arriving at the town square by shuttle bus, the hotel's voiturier will be sent to pick up your luggage.

If the Garden of Eden offered a five-star spa retreat, this Relais & Châteaux property—where rooms in elegant bastides (country houses) have their own outdoor spaces amid sculpture-dotted, aromatic gardens—would be it. In addition to a dozen treatment rooms, the expansive spa has a hammam, saunas, a snow cave, a heated pool, and a fitness studio with coach-led classes. Around every corner there's a new discovery, from a sand-bottomed beach club lagoon with a slide and waterfall to an adults-only villa with a private pool. Families are warmly welcomed with an Alice in Wonderland–themed play park and a kids’ club that operates daily during school holidays. Dogs are welcome, too. Seasonal produce from the gardens inspires the cuisine at La Table de Pierre gastronomic and bistro style Lis Orto restaurants. Le Bar invites you to unwind by the fire with a bespoke cocktail.

This extravagantly expensive hotel at the end of the peninsula has long been the exclusive playground for Hollywood's elite, and it continues to set the standard for discreet Cap-Ferrat luxury, with amenities like Michelin dining and three private villas (Beauchamp, Clair-Soleil, and Rose Pierre). Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with views of crashing waves and far beyond out to sea. Even the Kids' Clubhouse here outshines the offerings at other area hotels.

When you walk into the lobby of this sleek hotel, you may be too excited about the open space—a novelty at properties in this tiny fishing port—to notice the pool suspended 15 meters in the air, with its glass floor just over your head. Designed by Sybille de Margerie, rooms here combine today's technology with styling that's a throwback to the swinging 1960s and groovy 1970s—think white lacquer furniture paired with geometrics and colors. The selection of hip bars and lively restaurants will keep your palette interested, the Clarins spa will appeal to all the senses, and the free beach shuttle is a welcome bonus.

This affordable choice has a fabulous location, and its very gracious owners go the extra distance to ensure guests have the service and experience of a much-higher-caliber modern hotel. The renovated rooms are clean but small, so opt for a garden-facing balcony to open up the view. There is no pool or spa, but sipping wine (only €5 a glass) out on the garden patio will remind you of all that you don't have to do. The penthouse suite has a sun terrace and close by you'll find four independent apartments, with the same services as hotel rooms. Owned by the same people and some 200 feet away, off Rue d'Antibes, the Hotel Victoria is also an outstanding value with the added benefit of a pool.

Open since 1870, this extravagantly expensive hotel reminiscent of The Great Gatsby era is still the mainstay for A-Listers and those with deep pockets for good reason—with 22 acres of immaculate gardens bordered by rocky shore, it embodies the fantasy of a subtropical French Riviera idyll. The Villa Soleil joined forces with the neighboring Eden Roc tearoom in 1914 and expanded its luxuries to include a swimming pool blasted into seaside bedrock. After the Great War, two stylish American intellectuals—Sara and Gerald Murphy—rented the entire complex and invited all their friends, a stellar lot ranging from the Windsors to Rudolph Valentino and Marlene Dietrich. Their most frequent guests were Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who used it as the model for Hôtel des Etrangers in his Tender Is the Night. Large, sun-drenched rooms are thickly carpeted and furnished with antiques in the main Second Empire mansion; the waterside Pavillon Eden Roc wing is more modern and has sheer-horizon views. Everyone dresses formally for dinner in the Eden-Roc restaurant, the Champagne Lounge, and historical La Rotonde piano bar. To celebrate its 150-year-anniversary, the hotel opened the private Villa Sainte-Anne, which has its own infinity pool. In 2023, 46 suites were reimagined; the Dior spa was launched; and Michelin-star restaurant chef Sébastien Broda shared the limelight with 33-year-old Gabriel Le Quang, the hotel's pastry sous-chef, who won the 2023 title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier-Confiseur, making him one of France's best pastry chefs.

Set in a former, 17th-century convent, this old town sanctuary is a masterclass in sustainable luxury and loving restoration—from the elegantly simple but beautifully curated rooms to the Roman-inspired spa with thermal baths, historical character blends seamlessly with modern comforts and amenities. The property also has a charming boulangerie and herboristerie (herbalist shop) and stays true to its eco-conscious ethos by serving natural wines at its bar, terrace, and restaurants. Families are welcome, and there is a daily kids club in summer months. 

At this adorable boutique hotel just steps from a sandy beach, tastefully decorated and colorful rooms surround a central courtyard, where guests relax over a gorgeous breakfast (€10--€15) of fresh-baked pastries and homemade jams. The genuinely charming owner keep guests coming back with thoughtful touches: hand over your cell phone or tablet on arrival and get rewards, from free breakfast or bottle of wine to a 3% discount on your stay.

Step off the cobbled street and into the soul of St-Tropez at this intimate hotel with a history that's as rich as its design—rooms are named after past luminary guests like Brigitte Bardot, Jack Nicholson, and Pablo Picasso and every decor detail exudes authenticity and discrete glamour. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Danigo oversees the cuisine on the summer terrace overlooking the Mediterranean and in the elegant dining room. The legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés-la Ponche piano bar has seen its share of celebrity soirées and serves delicious cocktails—both spirited and alcohol-free—with style. Relax with a massage in the wellness space or revitalize with yoga and Pilates classes by the sea.

Stay like a celebrity in old Hollywood–style glamour at this five-star Art Deco hotel, where the history is closely intertwined with that of the Cannes Film Festival, and accommodations include suites with sweeping sea views and beautiful rooms overlooking the pool, garden, or city. If you want something extra special, book one of the two penthouse apartments, among the largest in Europe and the film-festival headquarters of Swiss jeweler Chopard, whose star-studded rooftop festival parties are legendary. The Michelin-starred Palme D'Or restaurant is Top Chef Jean Imbert's love letter to cinema with memorabilia from iconic films like Star Wars and Titanic. Lounge on the private beach, La Plage du Martinez, designed by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon as an ode to 1930s Mediterranean chic. Get red-carpet ready at the Spa by Carita, part of the hotel's L'Oasis du Martinez wellness area, which offers face and body treatments and make-up services.

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.

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.

Often called the most beautiful inn in France, "the golden dove" occupies a rose-stone Renaissance mansion just outside the walls of St-Paul-de-Vence and is so perfect overall that some contend you haven't really been to the French Riviera until you've stayed or dined here. Walk into the dining room and you'll do a double take—yes, those are real Mirós, Bonnards, and Légers on the walls, given in payment in hungrier days when this inn was the cherished retreat of Picasso and Chagall, Maeterlinck and Kipling, and Yves Montand and Simone Signoret (who met and married here). Upstairs, the guest rooms are bewitching, replete with Louis XIII armoires, medieval four-posters, wood beams, Provençal borders, and murals; even rooms in the two annexes are flawless and tasteful.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled in the countryside, this resort is larger than Monaco and comes with an impressive roster of amenities—four pools, two world-class 18-hole golf courses, a two-story spa, and five restaurants including Michelin-starred La Faventia and gourmet restaurant Le Gaudina, both recently refurbished. Each of the suites and villas at this Provençal Xanadu is equipped with a private terrace and marble bathrooms that have both a bath and separate shower, as well as exclusive Fragonard toiletries.

In a quiet residential area—a 15-minute walk uphill from La Croisette and beaches—this neo–Art Deco mansion has tastefully decorated white and blue rooms that are both minimal and tidy. You can have breakfast on the flowered, shady terrace or in the family-style salon. The owners speak English and take friendly service to a new level.

With a Provençal-yellow facade, blue shutters, balustraded sea terrace, and pretty pastel guest rooms, Brise Marine embodies a picturesque Cap Ferrat hotel. Guest quarters are well maintained and feel like bedrooms in a private home—many have windows that provide views of the gorgeous peninsula, stunningly framed by statuesque palms. Spend the extra €60, and get a balcony.

Occupying the site of an ancient Knights Templar fortress and set amid 34 acres of private greenery designed by Jean Mus, this hilltop domain has 180-degree panoramas and is complete with a helicopter pad. Inside are light, airy public salons, where afternoon tea and rare Champagnes are offered, and luxurious guest quarters; there are also two- and three-bedroom villas accented with beautiful antiques. The superb Le St-Martin restaurant (yup, there's a dress code!) has an 8,000-bottle wine list and features sublime creations by chef Jean-Luc Lefrançois. The terrace views over Old Vence to the Baie des Anges are eye-popping. On the last Friday of every month, there's a wine tasting at the underground Les Canthares.

Perhaps the most opulent of St-Tropez's luxe hangouts—with its balustraded white villa built in 1936—is now an LVMH property, where French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte refreshed the interiors, with the predominant theme being light. The spa (featuring hammam, snow shower, and ice fountain experiences) transforms you with Guerlain facial or body treatments, pedicures, manicures, and hair or beauty makeovers, leaving you ready to linger over dinner at chef Arnaud Donckele’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Vague d'Or (set menus from €415). You're already dropping some serious cash here, so it's worth paying extra for a seaside room where you can lean over the balcony and take in the coastal views.

This urban and friendly hotel combining straightforward comforts and a location on the waterfront in the center of town attracts a returning clientele. Guest rooms are done in trendy earth tones and deep mauves; be sure to request a room with a view of the sea.