Lourdes
In the idyllic village of St-Savin, 16km south of Lourdes, this handsomely landscaped hotel makes a perfect mountain retreat. It’s run by an expat English…
Must-see hotels in France
Southern Corsica
This gorgeous inn is built around a historic olive mill on the banks of the Taravo River, ten minutes' drive north of Filitosa. The guest rooms are a…
Arles
Down by the Rhône, this relaxed B&B offers three rustic-chic rooms, all named after spices, with admirable details like brass sinks, open-plan showers and…
Metz
You'll feel immediately chez vous (at home) at this sweet, friendly B&B on an island in the Moselle River. The parquet-floored, warm-coloured rooms…
Colmar
Surrounding a courtyard in the backstreets of the old town, this rosy half-timbered house shelters an organic winery and bright, well-kept studios, many…
Calvi
The last word in Calvi chic, this lavish hilltop hideaway is brimming with boutique trappings. Clean lines, cappuccino-and-chocolate colour schemes,…
Lyon
The dorm rooms are simple, but the welcome is warm at this convivial hostel on the Rive Gauche (left bank). The huge and bar lounge area is perhaps the…
Normandy
This reliable three-star hotel has a fine location overlooking the marina, and it's an easy stroll to the beach. The welcome is warm, and the spacious…
The Pyrenees
If you don’t mind being 7km west of the city, this 18th-century manor house makes a fine retreat. There are five colour-coded B&B bedrooms with heritage…
Southern Corsica
This large hotel, just a few steps from the main square, may look a little drab as you approach, but the views from the balconies and terraces on its…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
From the funky red-leather reception bar to rotating art exhibitions, glass-topped courtyard salon and ultracool spa, this four-star hotel defines…
Corsica
This old village house holds nine simple but quirky rooms, finished with painted frescos and enjoying fabulous valley views. It’s the restaurant that’s…
Reims
Tucked away in the backstreets of old Reims, this little B&B has got everything going for it. The rooms are tastefully done with wood floors and bursts of…
Strasbourg
This boutique-flavoured B&B just north of the centre has been designed with flair and charm. Antique Louis XV-style furnishings, chandeliers and gilt…
Parc National des Pyrénées
Sublime mountain views await at this charming guesthouse set in the tiny village of Bilhères. Expect a warm welcome from the kind-hearted hosts, sunny…
Paris
This artsy boutique hotel is loaded with personality, from the flea-market furniture and white-parquet flooring to the patterned green tiling in the lobby…
Calvi
Right by the church in the heart of town, this attractive mansion sits in a beautiful high-walled courtyard garden adorned by a handsome magnolia tree…
Côte d'Azur
This rustic seaside house sits back off the sand. Ten humble rooms and five studios with kitchenettes open onto private little tabled terraces…
Paris
For the quietest night's sleep, go for a room facing the courtyard of this neat-as-a-pin budget hotel. Its rooms all have private bathrooms and, for Paris…
Yonne
Friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual owner Rita Florin runs this attractive B&B in a former notary's office right next to the church. The three…
Lyon
One of Lyon's best new budget sleeps, Away Hostel has attractive, sunny rooms with tall ceilings, wood floors and oversized windows. The cafe is a good…
Southern Corsica
Also let under the name ‘Hameau de Cavanello’, this rural B&B, 2km northeast of Zonza, offers five cosy, well-equipped modern rooms plus a pool and stone…
The Northeast Coast
Walk three minutes downhill from Nonza's central square, via a series of signposted staircases, to reach this venerable old house. Delightful views down…
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Superb modern apartments fill this townhouse as central as could be in medieval Sarlat. Some have views of the cathedral or the cours des Fontaines, and…
Le Havre
This central spot earns high marks for comfortable rooms, a good location and very kind staff. Rooms receive decent natural light, the mattresses are…
Savoie
A tasteful, wood-beamed lounge, heated pool, and spa zone set the tone for L'Oxalys's upmarket chalet apartments, sleeping between two and eight people…
Corsica
With its soft-apricot façade and oyster-grey shutters, this boutique old-town option adds a touch of chic to the hotel scene. All its 10 rooms are opulent…
Nancy
It’s not every day you get to sleep in a 17th-century former bishop’s palace right next to the cathedral. This elegant hotel plays up the romance in rooms…
The Lot
The pick of places to stay in Martel village, on a quiet lane with 16 individually decorated rooms that blend country comforts with contemporary flair…
Honfleur
Up the hill, out of the action and run by welcoming Sylvie and Christophe, this delightful and small hotel has modern, neat rooms with a sweet, small cafe…
The Dordogne
Nico and Igor have painstakingly renovated a historic manor house and barn into a comfortable B&B with modern bathrooms and luxe linens. Find it 8km east…
Metz
What a clever idea: this old barge has been revamped into a stylish blue houseboat, with two cheerful wood-floored rooms and watery views. Breakfast is…
The Northwest Coast
Set just 200m back from Arone beach, this peaceful, well-tended campsite has plenty of greenery and a small stream gushing through. There are no karaoke…
Strasbourg
Step through a tree-shaded courtyard and into the, ahhh…blissful calm of this bijou hotel. The Dragon receives glowing reviews for its crisp interiors,…
Colmar
What a location! Right on the place de l’Ancienne Douane, this 14th-century patrician house captures the elegance of yesteryear in rooms dressed with…
Nancy
Boutique chic meets 17th-century elegance at this hotel, tucked down an old-town backstreet. A wrought-iron staircase sweeps up to grand-meets-modern…
Yonne
Housed in an 18th-century mill smack in the centre of Chablis, the understated and very contemporary five rooms and two suites afford luscious views of a…
Golfe du Morbihan
A stone's throw from the imposing ramparts, this very attractive option has five charmingly and uniquely decorated rooms in a handsome stone building…
Lorraine
It requires very little detective work to pin down this central hotel, which is run with charm and an eye for detail. Overlooking an inner courtyard, the…
Limousin
Sleek, contemporary design meets French country living at this fine hotel, set in the enchanting upper village. The elegant restaurant (menus €28 to €37)…
