6 Excellent New Hotels in France Beyond Paris

While Paris has welcomed a host of fantastic new hotels, many more have opened throughout France. These stylish accommodations harmonize beautifully with their natural surroundings, showcasing timeless elegance, fragrant gardens, and expansive spaces, all while offering stunning decor and exceptional farm-to-table dining.

The offerings range from a budget-friendly country inn to an ultra-luxurious Provençal château perfect for family gatherings—spanning from the tranquil countryside of Normandy to the sun-soaked Mediterranean wine regions.

The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Côte d’Azur

According to Dinogo, this stunning white concrete and glass structure perched on the cliff of the Grande Corniche, just east of Monaco, appears almost like a mirage. After years of restoring the long-derelict Vista Palace hotel, the Maybourne Riviera (the newest addition to the Maybourne Group) provides an extraordinary experience both inside and out. Anticipate custom furnishings by designers Bryan O’Sullivan, Andre Fu, and Pierre Yovanovich, a lobby inspired by Eileen Grey and Le Corbusier, museum-quality art, an infinity pool, pathways lined with lemon trees, and remarkable dining options.

The concept focuses on locally sourced and garden-to-table menus crafted by Michelin three-star chef Mauro Colagreco (Le Mirazur, Menton), who oversees the rooftop seafood restaurant, Ceto, and the casual all-day Riviera Restaurant. The suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sea-view terraces, exquisite modern design elements, and luxurious white quartz bathtubs. Two new restaurants, featuring renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and sushi expert Hiro Sato, are set to open soon.

Domaine de Primard, Normandy

Nestled along the serene banks of the Eure River, just an hour’s drive west of Paris, this renovated 18th-century château, once the country residence of actress Catherine Deneuve, is among the latest openings by hoteliers Frédéric Biousse and Guillaume Foucher of luxury group Les Domaines de Fontenille. They have transformed the 99-acre estate into a picturesque countryside retreat. The property features 30 rooms and 9 suites adorned with plush contemporary decor and unique antiques. Guests can savor meals at three restaurants—the cozy l’Églantine, the Octave for classic bistro dishes, and a Table d’Hôte offering haute comfort cuisine—led by Michelin-starred chef Éric Frechon. After a dip in the pool and a massage using aromatic alpine plant oils at the Susanne Kauffmann Spa, guests can explore the grounds on an electric bike, enjoy high tea in the rose garden, or relax in a lounge chair while watching swans glide by.

Château de la Messardière, St. Tropez

Constructed in 1904, this pale ocher turreted castle overlooks a wooded hill, set amidst prime real estate—25 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds and windswept umbrella pines. Featuring an art deco-inspired lobby, elegant new sea-view suites, and a chic Christophe Tollemer–designed Valmont spa, this resort-style landmark pulses with nouveau vibrancy. A standout feature is the pirate-themed Kids’ Camp, a villa equipped with arcade games, a pool, a restaurant, a cinema, and outdoor sports activities. Guests can indulge in three new dining options—classic Provençal fare at Auberge des Maures, Japanese fusion at Matsuhisa, and a fresh market buffet at La Table. A Rolls-Royce shuttles visitors to the stylish beach club, Tropezina, for delectable seafood and a refreshing swim in the sparkling Mediterranean.

Relais Notre Dame, Quinson

Nestled in the northern Var, by the jade waters and rugged cliffs of the Gorges du Verdon, this charming retreat was envisioned by hoteliers Julie and Nicolas Malzac (Hôtel des Deux Rocs, Seillans). They transformed a former village post office into a delightful auberge set amidst lavender fields. The 13 rooms are adorned with a collection of handpicked rustic antiques, some featuring foldout beds for families traveling with children. Kids will enjoy the impressive Norman Foster–designed Prehistoric Museum next door and the range of water activities, including kayaking and electric boat rentals, just a short walk away. Dinner is a celebration of seasonal flavors, featuring homemade gravlax, honey-roasted duck breasts, local goat cheeses, and citrus panna cotta for dessert. This results in a unique blend of Provençal simplicity in an unbeatable setting. (The hotel is closed for the winter season and will reopen in March 2022.)

Le Moulin de Lourmarin, Provence

Completely renovated and now under new management, this former culinary hotspot and olive mill has been transformed into a sleek contemporary hotel. Collaborating with innovative French architects Jaune and design studio Be-poles, the Beaumier hotel group (Les Roches Rouges) has redefined authentic Provence, featuring 25 cozy rooms with whitewashed walls, vintage ceramics, original artwork, woven straw rugs, and bright red ocher-tiled bathrooms. Chef Julien Serry offers a delectable selection of veggie and fish-based classics, including stuffed zucchini, creamy monkfish bourride, and a raspberry tart with poppy ice cream, served on a starry terrace.

Château d’Estoublon, Fontvieille, Provence

A stunning cypress-lined pathway guides you to this historic 15th-century Provençal château, set amidst a vast agricultural estate of vineyards and olive groves. The lavishly restored 22-room Château d’Estoublon, a recent addition to the Airelles luxury properties, offers an exceptional setting for private gatherings with friends and family, complete with full hotel services. The 10 bedrooms feature romantic four-poster beds and rare antiques. Enjoy amenities like a heated pool, fitness studio, and movie lounge, as well as a 96-acre olive orchard waiting to be explored. Dine on your private terrace or at La Table d’Estoublon next door, where you can savor weekly Japanese barbecue buffets and delicious regional dishes, including a signature bouillabaisse and a delectable chocolate mousse by pastry star Christophe Michalak, all paired with Estoublon’s fruity Roseblood rosé.