La Rochelle
This 36-room themed hotel, squirrelled away in a centuries-old bourgeois mansion, is a secret museum of street art and rock memorabilia. Monumental…
Must-see hotels in Southwest France
Gironde
'A delight for hedonists' is how this luxurious 19th-century mansion describes itself – and understandably so. Right in the heart of Médoc wine country,…
Île de Ré
The stunning creation of a Parisian architect, this 22-room boutique hotel on the church square in Ars-en-Ré languishes luxuriantly in several traditional…
The Pyrenees
You’ll feel rather like you’re staying in the Canadian wilderness here, with its timber-framed chalet cabins and forested hillside setting. It’s a…
La Rochelle
At home in an old rope factory, stylish La Fabrique is a nod to its industrial heritage and contemporary design. Fifty-eight rooms are arranged in a quad,…
Arcachon
A skip from the waterfront by Arcachon's Big Wheel, Le B can do no wrong. Its 56 spacious rooms have serene turquoise, emerald and cream colour palettes,…
Bordeaux
Beautifully located in the chic, shop-laden Triangle d'Or, this enchanting three-star hotel languishes inside an 18th-century hôtel particulier (mansion)…
Atlantic Coast
At home in a former wood factory, this riverside estate is a leafy delight. Pick from one of seven design rooms in the attractive hotel building, an…
Bordeaux
Tucked in an 18th-century house on a quiet side street with little passing traffic, this design-driven boutique hotel oozes natural style and peace. Soft,…
The Dordogne
A former 18th-century farmhouse and barn, Bel Estiu (Occitan for 'beautiful summer') has been gorgeously reimagined. Relax in the spacious downstairs…
The Pyrenees
There’s a bit of storybook charm to this hotel, with its château corner-turrets and 19th-century façade. Once inside, the lovely rooms don't disappoint,…
The Pyrenees
Wow – what a spot. Founded as a Benedictine abbey in the 12th century, this is now possibly the poshest B&B anywhere in the Pyrenees. The building’s decor…
Bordeaux
Step into this fabulous chambre d'hôte and be wowed by period furnishings mixed with contemporary design, extravagant decorative touches and an…
Limousin
Fancy a little treehouse getaway? This luxury cabin on stilts is the perfect spot to power down the mobile phone and go off the grid for a night. Relax in…
Parc National des Pyrénées
This Heidi-esque hotel oozes mountain character from every nook and cranny. In business since 1913, it is deliciously eccentric, with charming old rooms…
French Basque Country
Pay attention, class – this cracking hotel receives top marks. It's housed in Guéthary's former public schoolhouse, and the decor echoes its educational…
Arcachon
In the heart of Arcachon's stylish 1860s Ville d'Hiver district, this 12-room boutique hotel seduces with a trio of garden-clad houses a 10-minute walk…
French Basque Country
Baya is one of the few hotels smack on the oceanfront in the Landes region. From the ocean-facing rooms, you'll practically feel the waves crash into one…
Biarritz
Come here if you want to splash out. It's just steps from the covered market, but is surprisingly secluded thanks to being set back from the street. It's…
Bayonne
Reception at this chic hotel is tucked into a tower that is part of the town's ramparts. Rooms are blend of high-end antique-styled furnishings and comfy…
Lectoure
Stunning! The most luxurious venture for miles around, this splendid operation occupies a tastefully restored 17th-century aristocratic house. The five…
The Dordogne
Make a reservation at this luxurious vine-covered manor for total immersion in the French countryside. A one-time tobacco farm, the hotel now has 25…
The Dordogne
Here's your chance to combine historic elegance (a grand château in lush grounds) with contemporary luxury (modern rooms kitted out with design tapestries…
The Lot
In quiet Cuzance, 8km northwest of Martel, this beauty of a B&B offers luxury normally reserved for top-end hotels. Owners Anna and Abel’s period house is…
Toulouse
This tranquil establishment houses 17 soothing and small-but-sleek rooms, some with colourful frescoes on the walls. The two best rooms (10 and 20), great…
Sarlat-la-Canéda
This beautifully renovated 17th-century house, formerly a nuns’ hospital and later an aristocratic hunting lodge, is set on a hill about 1.5km from Sarlat…
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Despite its Renaissance exterior, the enormous rooms here are modern through and through, with shiny wood floors and sleek furnishings. Several delightful…
The Lot
British expats Giles and Fi Stonor have painstakingly restored this 12th-century watermill on the banks of the River Ouysse, using the mill to power the…
Cahors
This new HI hostel, opened in 2017, looks out over the Pont Valentré from a fabulous rooftop deck. Expect modern hostel amenities including laundry,…
Biarritz
Biarritz' most glam address is this sumptuous hotel in a grand, historic building fronting directly onto to Grand Plage. Rooms are suitably lavish, and…
Toulouse
Spitting distance from Basilique St-Sernin, this hip venture with an arty vibe was entirely overhauled in 2017 and the result is spectacular. It's a study…
Bourdeilles
In the riverside town of Bourdeilles, 9km southwest of Brantôme along the D78, this charming converted mill perched over the river drips character…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
