The 15 Finest Luxury Hotels in France

France remains a top global destination, attracting 90 million visitors annually who come to enjoy its rich culture, history, and culinary treasures. With enchanting hotels that embody the French art de vivre, the hospitality experience is a key part of its charm.

Are you seeking a sun-soaked escape in Provence? A gourmet getaway in the Loire Valley? A history-filled retreat in Versailles? A luxurious gem on the Riviera? Discover these exceptional venues and more in our curated selection of the 15 best hotels in France—part of our Hotels We Love collection for 2023. These hotels are spread across stunning regions like the Riviera, Alps, Champagne, Provence, and Lyon.

Here are our selections for the 15 best hotels in France, presented without any particular ranking.

1. Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle

While millions visit the Chateau de Versailles each year, few have the chance to stay overnight on the estate itself. Opened in 2021, Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is set in a 17th-century building that was once home to Louis XIV’s finance minister. A comprehensive restoration not only refined the interiors but also recreated a royal ambiance through meticulous archival research: the Royal Manufacture de Limoges crafted tableware inspired by Louis XV’s dishes, artisans produced replicas of Marie Antoinette’s chandeliers, and Maison Pierre Frey recreated the original wallpaper.

The Michelin-starred dining experience deepens the royal atmosphere. Alain Ducasse curates “the King’s Feast,” where waitstaff in period attire serve a succession of classic dishes favored by Louis XIV. The 13 guest rooms and suites feature four-poster beds, marble fireplaces, and exquisite antiques. Airelles also provides exclusive activities, including guided horseback riding tours in the gardens of Versailles and a “Marie Antoinette” day with luxurious treatments at the Valmont Spa. Be sure to enjoy the palace after-hours tour.

2. The Maybourne Riviera

Opened in 2021, the Maybourne Hotel Group’s inaugural hotel in France made a significant impact in the already illustrious French Riviera. Nestled on a cliff nearly 1,000 feet above Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, it offers breathtaking views of Monte Carlo, the Mediterranean, and the Italian coastline. Every spot—from the glass-walled restaurants to the infinity pool loungers and suite terraces—presents a stunning visual experience.

Maybourne enlisted French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte to revamp an empty property into an alluring modernist retreat adorned with striking artwork, including a radiant sculpture of two intertwined figures by Louise Bourgeois that hangs in the lobby. The 69 guest rooms and suites feature a contemporary aesthetic, with suites boasting furnished terraces that appear to hover between the sea and the sky. The crown jewel is the Michelin-starred Ceto restaurant, led by renowned chef Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur. Celebrating the sea in both its design and menu, Ceto prioritizes sustainable fishing. The maritime theme carries into the summer Ceto bar, where cocktails like the Circe—crafted with dulce seaweed, beetroot, and bourbon—draw inspiration from Greek mythology. New for 2023: the hotel launched a seasonal beach club in Cap Martin.

3. Hôtel du Palais

Nestled on the Atlantic coast near the Spanish border, Biarritz exudes a captivating blend of sophistication and laid-back surfer culture. This unique atmosphere is perfectly captured by the Hôtel du Palais, a historic landmark on the Grande Plage, originally built in the mid-19th century as an imperial villa for Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. They transformed the seaside town into a chic destination for royalty and exiled Russian aristocrats. The Villa Eugénie eventually evolved into a luxury hotel, where the elite continue to gather at this lavish coastal retreat.

As part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, this Palace-classified hotel underwent a four-year renovation completed in 2021, rejuvenating not just the exterior and slate roof but also restoring period furnishings, tapestries, and the signature blue carpet featuring Napoleon III’s imperial bees throughout the grand staircase and hallways connecting its 86 rooms and 56 suites. The Bar Napoléon III chandelier, weighing 904 pounds, required approximately 250 hours of meticulous restoration work.

Chef Aurélien Largeau, who has collaborated with some of France’s top chefs like Christopher Coutanceau and Christophe Hay, curates a Michelin-starred menu using ingredients sourced from local fishermen and Basque producers (think John Dory with lemon confit and periwinkles, and cage-caught lobster roasted over pine needles). Highlights include a heated outdoor pool with direct beach access and an expansive five-level spa featuring a counter-current pool and Guerlain treatments. For those eager to catch waves, the hotel can arrange surf lessons on calm days.

4. The Carlton, a Regent Hotel

The Carlton is woven into the fabric of Cannes' history. This cream-hued masterpiece—its twin domes reportedly inspired by the curves of a famous courtesan—was the first luxury hotel to grace the city in 1913, establishing Cannes as a summer beach haven. Over the decades, it has welcomed a constellation of stars, starting with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant during the filming of Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, and continues to host the jury of the esteemed Cannes Film Festival.

After a five-year restoration, the 332-room hotel reopened in 2023, ready to make a splash once more on La Croisette. It now features two new wings, a Mediterranean garden, an infinity pool, a conference center, and the C Club Fitness and Spa, which includes the city’s first boxing ring. Designer Tristan Auer collaborated with top French artisans to restore the gold leaf, chandeliers, and vast marble expanses. For relaxation, there's no better spot to enjoy views of the Big Blue than the cozy love seats by the French windows (72 rooms offer sea views).

5. Les Fermes de Marie

The Alpine village of Megève has been synonymous with luxury since the 1920s, when Baroness de Rothschild developed it as a ski destination to rival St. Moritz in Switzerland. What sets Les Fermes de Marie apart is its warm, family-oriented hospitality. The family-run Maisons & Hotels Sibuet hospitality group, rooted in the French Alps, restored several endangered high-altitude farms, taking them apart in the mountain pastures and reassembling them into a charming hamlet on a four-acre estate in Megève. Since its opening in 1989, Les Fermes de Marie has celebrated its heritage, embodying the fairy-tale charm that Megève is famous for: horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, and traditional Savoyard homes.

The design here embodies a strong sense of place, featuring warm woods, fur throws on cozy leather sofas, and woven wall decor. Some of the 70 guest rooms boast terraces for taking in views of the snow-capped mountains. For après-ski, the Pure Altitude Spa offers ofuro baths, an outdoor sauna, and a relaxation room lined with birch trees, while the Pure Altitude product line utilizes the natural antioxidant properties of mountain flora like edelweiss. Additionally, Maisons Sibuet provides a selection of luxury chalets in the region, offering five-star services from Fermes de Marie, including daily breakfasts, afternoon snacks, concierge assistance, and housekeeping.

6. InterContinental Lyon – Hôtel-Dieu

A significant historical landmark in the heart of Lyon was revitalized as the InterContinental in 2019. Situated on the Presqu’île at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu served as a hospital for eight centuries before closing in 2010. The building holds great importance to locals, with approximately one in three Lyonnais born within its walls.

The renovation took five years and involved 800 workers, transforming the Hôtel-Dieu into a vibrant community center featuring restaurants, shops, and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie museum. This project included the addition of a 144-room hotel, with interiors designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, known for his expertise in converting heritage sites into hotels (such as the Molitor in Paris). The modern decor pays tribute to the city’s history, incorporating silk accents that reflect Lyon's traditional silk weaving industry. The Duplex Suites feature grand 20-foot windows that offer stunning views of the Rhône River.

Enjoy a drink at Le Dôme, a bar set beneath the impressive vaulted ceilings of the former chapel. The Panthéon cocktail, crafted with St.-Germain liqueur, vodka, white tea, and a homemade champagne syrup, honors Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the architect behind both the Parisian landmark and the Hôtel Dieu’s 18th-century facade.

7. Royal Champagne

When the Royal Champagne debuted in the summer of 2018 amidst the UNESCO-listed vineyards, it became the first wellness-centered retreat in Champagne country. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the wellness center boasts two swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and treatments from renowned brands Biologique Recherche and Kos Paris. (How about a candle massage?)

This location is rich in history: it was once a coaching inn where French kings would stay overnight en route to their coronations at Reims cathedral; Napoleon was a frequent guest in the 19th century. Nestled into a hillside, the Royal Champagne seamlessly integrates the historic site with a modern resort that features beautifully landscaped terraces. You can enjoy the sweeping views of vineyards from your own private terrace, as each of the 47 guest rooms includes one. The decor, designed by the sought-after Sybille de Margerie (linked to the Taittinger Champagne family), features Napoleon-inspired bumblebee motifs and a gold leaf ceiling in Le Royal, the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Attention to detail elevates the hospitality experience here: a simple press of the in-room “Champagne Please” button will summon a bottle directly to your room. Additionally, a Champagne Chauffeur is available to arrange exclusive private tours of champagne houses not typically open to the public, and e-bikes can be rented for a leisurely ride through the vineyards.

8. Tuba Club

Tuba Club is the ultimate destination for dining, drinking, swimming, and staying in Marseille’s Les Goudes, a charming fishing village on the outskirts of Calanques National Park. Co-owners Greg Gassa and Fabrice Denizot designed it specifically for social gatherings. Once a free-diving school popularized by renowned French diver Jacques Mayol in the 1980s, Tuba Club features five cabins, a three-suite guesthouse, and a restaurant, all perched right on the Mediterranean. The hotel captures the seaside hut spirit reminiscent of Corbusier, complete with frescoes by Emmanuelle Luciani and a retro design by interior designer Marion Mailaender.

Beyond the stunning views, the main attraction for locals is the cuisine: emerging culinary talents Sylvain Roucayrol and Paul-Henri Bayart create remarkable seafood dishes at the restaurant. (Be sure to try the red tuna tartare and don’t miss the Provençal cookies with mascarpone ice cream for dessert.) The terrace bar, Le Bikini, also serves a delightful menu of Mediterranean snacks. When not enjoying the food and drinks, guests can relax on yellow-and-white striped loungers by the water or engage in outdoor activities like boating (with a Tuba-prepared picnic basket), paddleboarding, canoeing, hiking in the Calanques, or rock climbing.

9. Lily of the Valley

Opened in 2019, this first venture from father-daughter hoteliers Alain and Lucie Weill stands apart from other properties in the region. Located a 20-minute drive from the bustling heart of Saint-Tropez, Lily of the Valley is perfect for those seeking a serene escape surrounded by nature. Nestled at the end of a winding private road in La Croix-Valmer, this hilltop retreat designed by Philippe Starck boasts stunning coastal views. Below lies the Plage de Gigaro, a quiet three-mile stretch of sand accessible by foot, hotel shuttle, or one of the hotel’s electric bikes.

Accommodations include 38 guest rooms, 6 suites with private terraces or gardens, 8 pool suites featuring large private gardens and pools, as well as a spacious villa that can host up to 6 guests. Each space offers spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

A key highlight of the retreat is its extensive health and wellness offerings, featuring programs that vary from 4 to 21 days. The wellness complex spans half an acre and includes an 80-foot pool, stylish fitness areas for TRX and Pilates, advanced Biologique Recherche facial treatments, and Ayurveda massages delivered by an award-winning therapist. Guests can also enjoy personalized programs with in-residence sports coaches and dietitians tailored to meet their specific objectives. Additionally, this is one of the few hotels in Saint-Tropez that operates year-round.

10. Primard

Once the home of French actress Catherine Deneuve for nearly three decades, this picturesque 100-acre estate is just an hour by train from Paris, offering the quintessential nature retreat that travelers seek in France. Situated less than 20 minutes by car from Monet’s house in Giverny, Primard is among the select few properties near this renowned attraction, which welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually.

The hoteliers behind Les Domaines de Fontenille, Guillaume Foucher and Frédéric Biousse, have transformed an 18th-century Directoire-era private residence into a luxurious five-star hotel. The grounds feature stunning rose gardens with over 200 varieties, wild meadows, meticulously shaped boxwood topiaries, and a prairie home to Highland cows, sheep, and various bird species. A thriving permaculture garden provides fresh produce for two on-site restaurants, and a greenhouse serves as a delightful tea salon for guests.

Guests can enjoy a picturesque outdoor pool, a Susanna Kaufmann spa, and a range of activities designed to immerse them in the beautiful surroundings, from canoeing to gardening workshops. However, the standout attraction is Les Chemins, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Romain Meder, a former protégé of Alain Ducasse at the now-closed triple Michelin-starred restaurant in Plaza Athénée, Paris. Meder showcases a vibrant plant-forward tasting menu that emphasizes vegetables, grains, and fruits, while occasionally incorporating fish and shellfish, highlighting the nourishing and creative potential of plant-based fine dining.

11. Hôtel Crillon le Brave

Nestled in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, this retreat goes beyond being a mere getaway; it seeks to immerse travelers in the charm of the nearby 17th-century village of Crillon-le-Brave. Comprising nine interconnected stone houses draped in fragrant climbing plants, the property features cozy squares and cobblestone alleys. Designed by Tunisian architect Charles Zana, the 17 rooms, 17 suites, and private house exude a Provençal aesthetic with a homely atmosphere—complete with terra-cotta tiles, exposed wooden beams, antique furnishings, and a soothing color palette accented by embroidered pillows and curtains.

Every guest room, restaurant, and poolside lounger boasts stunning views, showcasing the vineyards and olive groves of the Vaucluse below. When not wandering the village’s footpaths, cycling Mont Ventoux, or lounging by the pool, guests can indulge in treatments at the Tata Harper spa, located in the estate’s historic 18th-century vaulted stables.

12. Fleur de Loire

Some hotels boast destination restaurants with celebrity chefs, while others are simply restaurants with accommodations. Fleur de Loire, crafted by chef Christophe Hay along the Loire River, straddles this line. After his successful eight-year tenure at La Maison d’à Côté in Montlivault, he envisioned something grander, transforming a 54,000-square-foot former hospice from the 17th century—built at the command of Louis XIII’s brother, Gaston d’Orléans—into a stunning fine dining venue and a Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa.

This culinary haven features 44 rooms and suites alongside two exquisite multicourse restaurants and a pastry shop, all utilizing produce from a nearby 2.5-acre permaculture garden. The Sisley spa includes both indoor and outdoor pools. Environmental sustainability is paramount here; the hotel operates on a closed water cooling system, employs rainwater reservoirs for garden irrigation, and sources all energy from wind power. In guest rooms, amenities are provided by local soapmaker Savonnerie des Muids, featuring oils, vinegars, and honey from the Loire in refillable containers, while furniture is crafted from sustainably sourced wood.

Architect and decorator Caroline Tissier’s design captures the tranquility of the river, utilizing wood, brass, and stone with a soft aquatic-gold color scheme in shared spaces and dining areas. Rooms are adorned with sandy-toned carpets and linens, along with nature-inspired custom wallpapers, offering a restful retreat after an exquisite meal.

13. Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection

Originally a vacation retreat for the late French billionaire Didier Primat, this estate features a beautifully restored 13th-century castle, now transformed by his daughter Garance into an expansive nature-centric getaway, echoing the ethos of her Primland resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning 2,471 acres of lush parkland, the property includes a working farm, a sculpture park with a dozen installations, an art gallery, Gallo-Roman–inspired thermal baths, the gourmet restaurant Les Dyades, and luxurious five-star accommodations.

Accommodations comprise seven suites located within the castle and farmhouse, along with six private residences scattered throughout the estate, each ranging from one to five bedrooms. While the outdoor scenery is captivating, the castle's communal areas invite relaxation; a game room equipped with a billiards table and toys for children, a cozy library designed for leisurely reading, and a cigar room for adult enjoyment. The hotel also showcases art by European masters like Hans Peter Feldmann, Thomas Ruff, and Henri Matisse, as well as scientific artifacts, including astronomical instruments and celestial globes from Garance’s personal collection.

14. La Bastide de Gordes

The Airelles collection of hotels in France is renowned for crafting prestigious properties in historic locales, and this gem in the ancient hilltop village of Gordes in the Luberon is among its most celebrated. Here, the essence of 18th-century Provence is vividly alive, reflected in the decor filled with antique furniture and decor items sourced from the nearby markets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, along with ancestral portraits and floral wallpaper. Staff attire includes earth-toned culottes and vests paired with straw hats or floral bodices and flowing beige skirts.

The hotel's expansive terrace features a breathtaking swimming pool—regarded as one of the most stunning hotel pools in France—framed by dry stone walls and century-old olive and cypress trees, creating a cinematic experience with every swim. (For families, there’s a separate small pool for children and an additional pool in the spa.) Dining is equally prioritized, with seven on-site restaurant choices. The hotel is conveniently located just a five-minute stroll from the town center, where you can find an outpost of Jean-François Piège’s popular Parisian restaurant, Clover.

15. Les Sources de Cheverny

Building on the success of the spa-hotel Les Sources de Caudalie near Bordeaux, Alice Tourbier (whose sister founded the French skincare brand Caudalie) and her husband have created another stunning retreat in the Loire Valley. Surrounding a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house, this property spans 110 acres of farmland and vineyards, with guest accommodations located in charming stone houses, converted barns, and lakeside wooden cabins.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities on the grounds, including biking and horseback riding, as well as indulging in Caudalie’s signature wine-infused treatments at the spa. Off-site adventures include visits to the iconic Château de Chambord and Château de Cheverny, cycling along the Loire à Vélo's extensive network of over 500 miles of bike paths, and wine tasting. However, a trip here wouldn't be complete without dining at Le Favori, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef Frédéric Calmel crafts seasonal dishes inspired by the rich terroir of the Loire Valley.