Top 9 hotels in the South of France: from beach boutiques and historic mansions to fantastic resorts on the French Riviera
The South of France will allow you to have the best time this summer. It has everything you need for the perfect vacation: idyllic coastlines, thriving towns, and small, colorful villages amid olive groves and rocky mountains. These places are often referred to as the playground of the rich, as luxury reigns at every turn. From the star-studded scenes in Cannes to the iconic bridge in Avignon, the south of France has plenty of locations to see, and good hotels can be part of your extraordinary experience. Inspire your next vacation with this top of the best hotels in the south of France.
1. Domaine Amourella in Lambesque, Côte d'Azur
Picturesque hotels on the French Riviera are not at all uncommon in the south of France, but rather a recognized fact. Domaine Amourella in the town of Lambesc in the heart of Provence is one of these beautiful havens. It is just minutes from the coast and perfectly captures the essence of being in this region. The atmosphere is tranquil, befitting the aesthetics of the Côte d'Azur. The hotel offers 4 chic suites in the main house, equipped with private bathrooms, and four elegant lodges in the midst of a bucolic setting with equipped kitchens, private Jacuzzis, and gardens. Guests are provided with a buffet breakfast each morning, after which they can relax by the two swimming pools or hike the trails nearby. The environment is the main advantage of the hotel: there are vineyards and olive groves all around, so you can enjoy the sunshine to the full and maybe even take a swim in the natural pool.
2. Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose in Saint-Tropez
The luxury lifestyle of Saint-Tropez has long been world-renowned, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to do and chic locations to enjoy yourself for days on end, and the unimaginable views of the bay provide the perfect backdrop. This also explains the superb range of hotels in this famous city in the South of France. The Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose, nestled in the hills of the French Riviera, offers an experience of this gorgeously chic atmosphere. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the city center and places great value on luxurious interiors, fine cuisine offered by the Club l'indochine restaurant, and genuine hospitality. Guests will enjoy a unique experience thanks to the heated swimming pool and restaurant next to it, the exquisite spa, and the view of the Côte d'Azur from the terraces. The hotel has 40 rooms and suites, each carefully and stylishly decorated. They have elegant marble bathrooms and private terraces with sun loungers where you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding pine forest, garden, and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
3. Hôtel Les Roches Blanches in Cassis
Cassis, 20 km east of Marseille, is second to it in fame, but it is just as beautiful and quieter. It is famous among locals for being a fishing village with street markets on Tuesdays and Fridays. But it is much more famous for the wines produced in the surrounding area and the coastal cliffs, such as the Calanca de Por Miu, whose rocky shores and harbors are among the local attractions. One of the best hotels in this region in the South of France, Les Roches Blanches, opens its doors to these phenomenal views. But beyond them, there are good reasons to stay there as well. The hotel is housed in a stunning old mansion that seems to have been specially designed for romantic weekends away. The rooms combine luxury, comfort, and elegance, with spacious private terraces overlooking Cape Canaille and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has 4 different restaurants, a landscaped pool overlooking the coast, and the luxurious Sisley Spa with 4 treatment rooms, a hammam, and a relaxation area.
4. Hotel de La Plage in Biarritz
Looking for an ideally located oasis of tranquility in Biarritz? Stay at a beach hotel right on the seafront in the city center. In 2002, the Hôtel de la Plage completed its renovation and emerged as a trendy, modern boutique hotel without losing its legendary identity. It has 20 rooms and some of them overlook the famous Port Vieux beach, giving the impression that you wake up and are already on the coast. Start your morning with a personalized breakfast or take it to a picnic on the sand, then enjoy the sun and waves. In the evening, check out the hotel's rooftop, which comes alive with artful cocktails and tapas and gives visitors views of incomparable sunsets and one of Biarritz's most beautiful panoramas. Hôtel de la Plage is among the top hotels for surfing enthusiasts in the south of France. The boutique hotel aesthetic is observed throughout, creating Insta-worthy interiors. Rooms are decorated in pastel and light colors, with eclectic decor, and feature private bathrooms, espresso machines, and TVs. Some also have private balconies or patios.
5. Hôtel and Spa Les Mouettes in Argelès-sur-Mer
One of the best options in the south of France for eco-friendly hotel devotees is Hôtel and Spa Les Mouettes on the Vermilion coast. It favors locally sourced products, uses eco-friendly cleaning products and employs locally sourced staff, and uses energy-saving technology for lighting and air conditioning. It's great for spending a great inexpensive weekend of scenic traveling. A 20 minute walk along the scenic coastal path will take you to Porteous Coves and the beautiful Le Racoux beach. The charming village of Le Racoux and the beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer are a 5-minute drive away, while the beautiful village of Collioure is a couple of kilometers away. The hotel has a wide range of rooms, suites and studios with garden, pool or sea views. Guest amenities include a spa center with Jacuzzi, hydromassage showers, massage rooms, treatment rooms and a relaxation room. The on-site pool is heated, and the outdoor Jacuzzi offers excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea. There's no restaurant, but there's a breakfast buffet, bar and snack throughout the day, and there are several good restaurants within walking distance.
6. Five Seas Hotel in Cannes
A few steps from the Croisette is one of the most stunning hotels in the south of France, created in a former post office building. The hotel's design is all about travel, and its rooms, lobby, spa, and restaurant showcase art in all its forms. This makes the common areas feel like an exquisite art gallery. There are stunning beaches just steps away from the hotel, so adding to the list of perks to the luxury is the excellent location. From soft bathrobes and slippers to custom-made furniture, the 45 rooms and suites are fully decorated and filled to five-star status. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, but the real gem of the hotel is Le Roof's stunning rooftop restaurant, Le Restaurant Panoramique, which offers an original gourmet menu with an emphasis on local produce. Also on this rooftop is Le Roof Lounge Bar, a rainforest-inspired venue that gathers Cannes' fashionable crowd in search of the best views and unique cocktails.
7. Hotel De Cambis in Avignon
Housed in an ancient building with a majestic facade protected by the ramparts of Avignon, the hotel is the ideal place to explore the Papal City. The four-star hotel is located in the heart of the city and is ready to share its history with its guests. Avignon is also infamous for its bridge, and this spot in the South of France is one of the most visited, so great hotels like De Cambis will help you stay in the center of things. Once here, you'll be immersed in an artistic concept dedicated to the colors, aromas, and flavors of wine right from the doorstep: a colorful wine bar is hidden behind the reception desk. The hotel offers rooms and suites of different types and styles, but they all share a common concept. The décor features wine tones and noble materials such as oak, custom-made furniture, soft fabrics, and lighting by Italian designers. If you fancy a good and hearty breakfast, start the day with the buffet before heading out for a full day of exploring and walking.
8. Arome Hotel in Nice
The charming three-star Arome Hotel is located in the heart of Nice, so here you'll find accommodation with a distinct touch of luxury traditional to first-class hotels in the South of France. Housed in an old building dating back to 1900, it is a unique blend of neo-industrial style, modern technology, and respect for tradition and history. Arome has 11 renovated rooms of different classes, from single bedrooms to junior suites. Each is equipped with a bathroom with a deep bathtub or shower, mini-bar, coffee maker, chocolate machine, and other amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. Coffee, chocolates, and tea are replenished daily in the room, and guests are offered a classic French breakfast in the morning, including coffee and croissants from the hotel's bakery. Guests can continue their tasty start to the day with a walk to nearby attractions. For example, the Villa Massena Museum is 300 meters from the hotel.
9. Grand Hôtel Thalasso and Spa in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
One of the best hotels in the South of France amidst the hustle and bustle of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is ready to offer its guests everything they need for a casual and relaxing vacation in the heart of the city. The magical seaside resort will delight them with spectacular views of the Basque coastline, an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, and an excellent array of on-site facilities, from an indoor saltwater pool and sauna in the wellness center to a guidebook-recommended restaurant and bar. The Grand Hotel stays true to its identity in some old-fashioned elements: a grand wooden staircase, coffered ceilings, or marble cabochons. At the same time, its rooms are filled with light and modern elegance, and some have beautiful ocean views. Rooms feature cozy beds with anti-allergenic pillow and comforter choices and chic Epeda linens, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and terry robes, minibars, and a welcome drink tray.
