Must-see hotels in France

  • Carré Cardinal

    Vaucluse

    Pretty rooms in this renovated historic building across from the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction are kitted out with creamy linens, flat-screen TVs and…

  • La Jacotière

    Mont St-Michel

    Built as a farmhouse in 1906, this superbly situated and very popular family-run B&B has five comfortable rooms and one studio apartment. With views of…

  • Closerie les Capucines

    The Jura Mountains

    A 17th-century stone convent has been lovingly transformed into this boutique B&B, with five rooms remarkable for their pared-down elegance, a tree-shaded…

  • Hôtel de Nemours

    Rennes

    This excellent three-star abode, ideally located near place de la République, ranks among the best options in town. Stylish and tidy rooms, a cosy-chic…

  • La Villa Roassieux

    Lyon & the Rhône Valley

    You wouldn't expect to find such a gem of a B&B in a neighbourhood that's known for its rows of charmless buildings. Occupying a manor dating from 1900,…

  • Jardin d'Hiver

    Lyon

    Chic and centrally located, this 3rd-floor B&B (no lift) has two spacious rooms replete with modern conveniences – one in understated purple and pistachio…

  • Hôtel des Deux Rocs

    Var

    This boutique hotel with fig-flower Fragonard soap in the bathrooms, a fine collection of old black-and-white family photos and a gourmet restaurant, wins…

  • Hostellerie Les Griffons

    Bourdeilles

    In the riverside town of Bourdeilles, 9km southwest of Brantôme along the D78, this charming converted mill perched over the river drips character…

  • Casa Centrale

    Montpellier

    This urban oasis conveniently located near the train station and the historical centre is a great find. The three rooms are meticulously maintained, the…

  • Hôtel des Alpes

    Dauphiné

    Well-heated, wooden-floored rooms are packed into this slender building in the centre of town. Standard rooms are plain but pleasingly large, while deluxe…

  • Mas de Calabrun

    Camargue

    From the striking equestrian sculpture in its front courtyard to the swish pool, stylish restaurant terrace and fabulous views of open Camargue…

  • Château de Creissels

    Languedoc-Roussillon

    In Creissels, 2km southwest of Millau on the D992, this castle's rooms are split between the 12th-century tower (parquet floors, fireplaces, oil paintings…

  • Auberge du Château de Joux

    The Jura Mountains

    Ideally located for forays into Parc du Haut-Jura or Château de Joux, this enormously friendly guesthouse has tasteful, modern, monochrome rooms equipped…

  • Hôtel du Palais

    Montpellier

    Superbly located near the Arc de Triomphe, this hotel offers a friendly welcome. It has small but beautifully furnished rooms (some with wrought-iron…

  • Hôtel St-Louis

    Marseille

    The stuccoed façade, wrought-iron balconies and 'mini-museum' of this charming hotel pay homage to its 19th-century origins. Each of the rooms is unique –…

  • Hôtel Albert 1er

    Toulouse

    The Albert's central location and eager-to-please staff are a winning combination. A palette of maroon and cream, with marble flourishes here and there,…

  • La Maison de Marius

    Languedoc-Roussillon

    In Quézac, 17km east of Ste-Énimie, this cosy place is a proper home away from home. Owner Dany has individually decorated the countrified bedrooms with…

  • Ferme le Dégoutaud

    Vaucluse

    This 16th-century working farm, 2.5km northeast of Suzette, has simple, spotless rooms of stone and wood, and self-catering cottages surrounded by…

  • Hôtel La Grézalide

    The Lot

    You’ll need a car to reach this beautiful country estate, 21km west of Figeac in the quaint village of Grèzes, but it’s worth the drive. Rooms in the 17th…

  • Château Les Farcies du Pech’

    The Dordogne

    Part of a group of four renowned wineries (www.vignoblesdubard.com), this beautiful château-vineyard 2km north of Bergerac is definitely the choice for…

  • Le Domaine des Tilleuls

    Vaucluse

    A favourite stop-off for cyclists and hikers heading for Mont Ventoux's summit, this fine country hotel makes a perfect base in Malaucène. Once a silk…

  • Hôtel Txoko

    St-Jean de Luz

    This charming hotel is run by an equally charming owner who, when it's not too crowded, will serve you a delicious breakfast in your room. Colours are…

  • La Cascade

    Côte d'Azur

    This rural idyll sits snug in a 4-hectare former sheepfold, with forest, ponds, swimming pool, pétanque pitch and majestic views of the Gorges du Loup and…

  • Hôtel du Mail

    Angers

    Rose-adorned carpets and bright-red walls greet you at this attractive hotel, arrayed around a quiet courtyard in a converted 17th-century convent. The 25…

  • La Ferme de Flaran

    Valence-sur-Baise

    Set in a renovated farm 9km south of Condom, this bucolic gem is one of the most appealing addresses in the area, a bastion of comfort, charm and peace…

  • Le Sommeil des Fées

    Bouches-du-Rhône

    Upstairs from La Cuisine des Anges, this cosy, colourful B&B has five rooms all named after characters from Arthurian legend, blending Provençal and…

  • Hôtel Villa Gaïa

    Parc National du Mercantour

    Digne's hotels leave a lot to be desired, so it's worth heading 2km west of town to this lovely 19th-century villa, brimful of antiques and architectural…

  • Hôtel Central

    Annecy

    Forget the prosaic name – this canalside hotel, occupying an 18th-century building in the pedestrianised heart of the city, has the most eccentric and…

  • Les Almadiès

    St-Jean de Luz

    Summer bargains are hard to come by in St-Jean de Luz, but this pretty little hotel definitely ranks as one. It's in a great location on the lively…

  • La Maison de Thomas

    Blois

    A friendly welcome and five spacious rooms with large windows, high ceilings and exposed beams await you at this beautiful B&B, on a pedestrianised street…

  • Hôtel de la Tour

    Var

    This charming, fin-de-siècle hotel offers 24 large, dignified rooms, some with awesome portside views. The charming decor is clean and inviting, and the…

  • Hôtel Le Saint Cirq

    The Lot

    This luxurious hotel in the valley below St-Cirq boasts one of the best views of its hilltop profile. Lovely, traditional rooms have terracotta-tiled…

  • Hôtel le Collonges

    Limousin

    Modern rooms are in tip-top condition at this smart hotel at the edge of Brive's town centre. Rooms upstairs under the eaves can sleep three, and the…

  • Demeure de la Vignole

    Anjou

    This swish hotel has 12 richly decorated rooms, five of them inside caves. The 15m heated swimming pool (open 24 hours) is carved into the rock face, too…

  • exterior (place Vendôme), Hôtel Ritz Paris.

    Hôtel Ritz Paris

    Paris

    Paris' most rarefied address, the incomparable Ritz retains its original features while incorporating 21st-century technology. Highlights include a…

  • Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux

    Bordeaux

    Bordeaux's flagship luxury hotel squats in a stunning 18th-century neoclassical ship of a building opposite the Grand Théâtre. Rooms are predictably…

  • Côté Serein

    Yonne

    Hosts Lionel and Marie-Noëlle rent out these 21 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and apartments in three historic Noyers buildings. Highlights include…

  • La Clef Louvre

    Paris

    The contemporary charm of this residence (serviced-apartment hotel) extends from the original sculptures and framed artworks in the lobby to the self…

  • Chez Marie

    Beaune

    At this peaceful haven on a residential street within a five-minute stroll of central Beaune, Marie and Yves make visitors feel right at home, sharing…

  • Le Pigalle

    Montmartre & Northern Paris

    This offbeat lifestyle hotel's edgy design reflects the neighbourhood's legendary nightlife, while carefully thought-out details like a postcard taped on…

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