Traveling to France this year? You’re not alone. It’s the most popular destination on earth, where intoxicated visitors get a hefty dose of culture, history, romance, and fantastic food. And the country’s magnificent hotels are destinations themselves. Over the years, Luxury Travel Advisor has crisscrossed the hexagon’s diverse regions, testing out accommodations. Beyond the country’s nine stellar “palace” hotels (like Le Meurice and Le Bristol in Paris), here’s our pick for the best of the bunch.
Cour des Loges. Lyon is the French gastronomic capital, and a stay at this architecturally stunning hotel puts you in the middle of the action in the ancient city center. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, and concierge Gérard Ravet is President of the Clefs d’Or association for the Rhône-Alpes region. (Check out the related article here.)
Chateau De La Chèvre D’or, Cote d’Azur. The Mediterranean views from the hotel’s clifftop perch- high above the French Riviera- are enough to take your breath away. (Check out the related article, A Quiet Corner of the French Riviera.)
The Grand Hotel Bordeaux. A historic monument transformed into a decadent luxury hotel, draped with sumptuous fabrics, by design guru Jacques Garcia. From the rooftop spa, you can ogle the views of the famous Opera House across the street. (Check out our first-hand review.)
Pavillon de la Reine, Paris. There’s no shortage of fantastic hotels in Paris, including a trio of upscale newcomers from heralded Asian brands: Raffles, Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La. We’re smitten with each of these, but our old favorite is the Pavillon de la Reine, a discreet address off the Place des Vosges in the Marais- one of the most coveted pieces of real estate in the City of Light.
Les Fermes de Marie, The French Alps. Megeve has long been considered one of the world’s best winter destinations, beloved by the jetset, and Les Fermes de Marie is a fairytale of an alpine retreat. (Read the related article here.)
Alain Ducasse’s Country Inns, Provence. The culinary maestro is a wizard in the hospitality industry, helming the Chateaux & Hotels Collection, while also dazzling guests at his La Bastide des Moustiers and L'Abbaye de la Celle.