La Vie en Hôtel: Discover Your Ideal French Escape

When in France, embrace the French way. While it may not be a well-known saying, it's the perfect approach to truly experience the culture. Choosing locally owned hotels in a country renowned for its art de vivre and sophisticated design allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for France’s cherished destinations. And now, it's easier than ever: A new wave of innovative hoteliers is shaking up an industry traditionally ruled by grand luxury hotels and global chains. Discover five hotel groups in France that cater to every kind of traveler.

Les Domaines de Fontenille

If you love gardens and the coast

It all started in 2016 with the Domaine de Fontenille. Frédéric Biousse and Guillaume Foucher transformed an 18th-century manor and vineyard in Lauris, a rare gem of the Luberon region in Provence that remains free of tourist crowds. By the end of that same year, Biousse and Foucher realized their journey was just beginning.

They quickly established Les Domaines de Fontenille, a collection of luxurious yet accessible accommodations that focus on agrotourism and preserving local heritage (restoring regional architecture and vineyards, producing organic wines, olive oils, and herbs for use across all properties) while showcasing a distinctly French style.

Guests can now discover the group’s properties set in breathtaking natural landscapes across Europe, with its French hotels being the benchmark of excellence. Looking for a seaside escape? Consider the 19-room Les Bords de Mer in Marseille—situated in a waterfront art deco villa featuring a popular rooftop bar and seafood restaurant—or Les Hortensias du Lac in the surf town of Hossegor, north of Biarritz.

However, the charming 18th-century, 30-room retreat on the Primard estate (once owned by Catherine Deneuve!) in a tranquil Norman village is the perfect getaway—especially from Paris. Just an hour from the capital, guests can explore 100 acres of beautifully restored gardens, enjoy meals at two farm-to-table restaurants managed by the three-Michelin-star chef Eric Frechon, and take a short drive to Monet’s house in Giverny, only 20 minutes away.

Maisons Pariente

If you want to escape from it all

Whether it's a retreat to the French Alps or lounging by a pool with views of Mont Ventoux in Provence, travelers turn to the family-owned Maisons Pariente group for their expanding collection of hotels in tranquil settings. Each of their three properties—Crillon le Brave in Provence, Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, and Le Coucou in Méribel—offers homely comforts while creating the ambiance of a true getaway.

A key part of this experience lies in the design: at Le Coucou, a ski-in, ski-out resort spanning 10 floors, the family enlisted renowned architect Pierre Yovanovitch to reinvent the classic Alpine chalet. The result is vibrant and slightly playful: quirky fabrics, teddy-bear armchairs in the rooms, owl-shaped coat hooks, and an illusionary swimming pool. Like any perfect escape, the Pariente family properties boast excellent dining options, top-notch spas, and easy access to breathtaking outdoor adventures.

Airelles Collection, Lov Group

If you're a history enthusiast

The enduring concept behind the Airelles Collection is prestigious properties set in historic locales. The brand is particularly renowned for Bastide de Gordes in the ancient hilltop village of Gordes in Provence’s Luberon region and Les Airelles in the upscale Alpine resort of Courchevel. Each property is designed to fully reflect its unique surroundings and heritage.

At Gordes, the essence of 18th-century Provence is alive and well—infused into the decor and embodied by the staff: men sport earth-toned culottes and vests topped with straw hats, while women wear floral bodices and flowing beige skirts. Meanwhile, Les Airelles in Courchevel—with its abundant wood paneling, sumptuous fabrics, and staff in period attire—resembles a 19th-century Prussian castle more than a ski resort.

The crown jewel of the collection is Le Grand Contrôle. This luxury hotel, featuring 13 rooms and apartments, opened in the summer of 2021 right on the grounds of the Château de Versailles. France's royal legacy is beautifully showcased throughout the property: guests can tour the restored libraries and view over 900 original pieces of 17th and 18th-century furniture. Experience the unique privilege of staying near one of Europe’s most cherished historical sites. Guests can wander 2,000 acres of Versailles grounds at their leisure and enjoy twice-daily private guided tours (before and after hours) of the Hall of Mirrors or the Queen’s apartments, included in the room rate.

Beaumier

If you’re eager to play outside all day

After creating a significant buzz (and gaining Instagram fame) for its stunning riviera property, Les Roches Rouges, the Les Hotels D’en Haut group transitioned to a new vision and, in 2021, rebranded as Beaumier. Named after the 19th-century French writer-geographer Auguste Beaumier and tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, the collection focuses on hyper-local experiences, exquisite design, and breathtaking natural settings at each of its eight properties.

Among the highlights are the recently renovated ski-in, ski-out gems Le Val Thorens and Le Fitz Roy in the French Alps, along with Le Moulin, Beaumier’s latest addition—a former oil mill dating back to the 18th century, located in the heart of Lourmarin, Provence. The group plans measured expansion throughout Europe, including Switzerland, where they recently acquired three mountain hotels in Wengen.

Evok Hôtels

If you’re passionate about design

In response to Airbnb’s overwhelming and impersonal presence in Paris, Evok Hotels launched in 2016 to provide distinctive, community-oriented accommodations appealing to both locals and visitors. Creating vibrant social spaces has been key to the group's success—Evok is renowned for its stylish bars and restaurants that are worth a citywide visit—along with a focus on luxury service and chic designer interiors.

The inaugural property, Nolinski, located on avenue de l’Opéra, feels as though it has been lifted from the pages of Architectural Digest. Evok’s latest hotels (all five-star and immensely popular with Parisians) are remarkable in their own right. Le Brach features interiors designed by Philippe Starck, showcasing sleek materials and contemporary art, along with an on-site sports club suitable for athletes from nearby Roland Garros or Parc des Princes.

Sinner, nestled in the heart of the Marais, boasts a playful yet seductive avant-garde theme envisioned by interior architect Tristan Auer, blending monastic elements with modern flair. It features vaulted archways, stained glass windows, and even a candlelit crypt that harkens back to the Knights Templar while functioning as a concept store.

The most prestigious addition to their portfolio debuted in 2020: the Cour des Vosges, an intimate retreat featuring 12 rooms and suites in a historic 17th-century hôtel particulier (mansion) on the Place des Vosges. In the future, anticipate designer establishments in Venice, Madrid, and Rome.