France: our ideas for romantic weekend getaways

Our ideas for romantic weekends in France

1. A stopover in the heart of the forest at Loire Valley Lodges

Treat yourself to a romantic weekend less than 2 hours by TGV from Paris, in a cabin nestled in the heart of the forest. There's no network here, and the setting is ideal for disconnecting and enjoying the rustle of leaves, birdsong and natural light. The rooms, open to the exterior thanks to large bay windows and terraces, guarantee complete immersion in the surrounding nature. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and foxes. Each lodge, among the 18 available, is a unique work of art, decorated by a different artist . You'll find every comfort for your romantic weekend: a private jacuzzi, and in some lodges, a sauna.

For a romantic dinner? Chef Thomas Besnault works with fresh, seasonal produce, from the vegetable garden to the plate. Dishes to be enjoyed in the Ardent restaurant or directly in the lodges. From April to October, the ephemeral Asperatus restaurant offers outdoor wood-fired cooking. A bar and a takeaway service complete the range of services on offer.

An experience for two? Enjoy a session of disconnection in the Zome with sound therapy, guided relaxation with a sophrologist or a Tai chi class.

Loire Valley Lodges
18 keys from 350 euros per night
Allée de la Duporterie, 37320 Esvres-sur-Indre

2. Stay at Château de la Treyne, a 5-star establishment in the Dordogne

The elegant result of the renovation of a 14th-century château, now a member of Relais & Châteaux, Château de la Treyne welcomes visitors to the Dordogne looking for an authentic, chic place to spend a romantic weekend. Stroll through the 120 hectares of private forest, rent a canoe to paddle down the river, take a dip in the heated infinity pool, let off steam on the tennis court, or simply enjoy the panoramic terrace with its unique view of the Dordogne, and the feeling of being alone in the world.

Its 18 rooms play with this spirit between medieval and contemporary, borrowing antique furniture and combining it with ultra-modern equipment. Our picks for a romantic weekend? Impossible to decide between the Soleil Levant prestige room - 35m² in the château's former chapel, with stained-glass windows and painted vaulted ceilings - or the La Favorite suite, whose golden bathtub sits on a heated floor, facing a mirrored wall.

Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Andrieux heads up the restaurant, where he offers cuisine that couldn't be more local (vegetables come from the estate's kitchen garden), revisiting Perigordian flavors to be savored in the comfort and ultimate luxury of the grand salons. His favorite ingredients include noble, flavorful products such as truffles, foie gras and asparagus, which he selects and serves in season.

The experience for two? You can book a candlelit dinner at the Château's restaurant, for a romantic evening for two.

Château de la Treyne
18 keys, prices from 330 euros per night
La Treyne, 46200 Lacave
chateaudelatreyne.com

3. Domaine de la Bretesche, a holiday for two in Brittany

With its fairy-tale castle surrounded by a moat and its wooded park as far as the eye can see, Domaine de la Bretesche ticks all the boxes for a romantic weekend, between timeless elegance and soothing nature. Nestled at the gateway to the Brière nature park, this former seigniorial estate, now a 5-star hotel member of Relais & Châteaux, invites you to slow down and enjoy a timeless interlude. As soon as you arrive, the tone is set: a bottle of champagne awaits you in your room, to be enjoyed in the light of a sunset over the lake, while the large windows open onto landscapes worthy of an Impressionist painting.

In the evening, it's time for gastronomy at Le Montaigu restaurant, whose dining room opens onto the lake and surrounding foliage. The menu features local produce and subtle combinations, for a culinary experience for lovers, on the terrace in fine weather, or curled up by the fireplace when the weather turns cooler. A soothing night follows, in one of the 25 rooms (from 23 to 42 m²) or 6 suites (from 33 to 55 m²) overlooking the park or château, and decorated with care in a subtle blend of antique furnishings and contemporary touches. We particularly like the woodwork in modern colors and the dreamlike wallpapers with naturalist accents by Ananbô.

The next day, the Spa de la Cour Carrée (400 m²) welcomes you for a moment of pure relaxation: massage in a duo cabin, enveloping scents, subdued lighting, heated pool... everything here is designed to prolong the magic of a romantic weekend. There's no shortage of activities for the two of you to enjoy: swimming in the heated outdoor pool (May to September), strolling hand in hand through the château grounds, playing a game of tennis or cycling (on loan from the hotel) along the bucolic lanes. An ideal hideaway for a romantic getaway, where discreet luxury combines with the gentle lifestyle of the Western countryside.

As the weekend draws to a close, you can explore the marshes of the nature park to observe the birds of the ornithological reserve by barge (flat-bottomed boat), or take a romantic road trip for a few hours to the Megaliths of Carnac and the Dolmens of Kerbourg, or head for La Baule-Escoublac, Le Croisic and Le Pouliguen.

Domaine de la Bretesche
40 keys from 280 euros per night
Domaine de la Bretesche, 44780 Missillac
bretesche.com/en

4. A romantic weekend at the Hotel 70 Hectares... et l'Océan in the South West of France

Seignosse is home to the ideal hotel for a romantic vacation: 70 hectares... et l'Océan, a charming, warm and above all authentic 4-star hotel. It's the perfect place for a romantic weekend in south-west France. Belonging to the Fontenille Collection hotel group, like its Landes cousin Les Hortensias du Lac, the address promises guests a stay as rejuvenating as it is memorable. There are 32 contemporary, cosy rooms, with views over the Landes pines and the Seignosse golf course, all within easy reach of Lac d'Hossegor. In summer, the freshness of the outdoor swimming pool is just as appealing as the chef-led restaurant, which delights the palate with a creative Japanese-inspired menu.

An experience for two? A sailboat trip on 70 Hectares... et l'Océan to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Landes coast.

70 Hectares... et l'Océan
32 keys from 160€ per night
Avenue du Belvédère, 40510 Seignosse

5. Treat yourself to a romantic weekend at Baumanière, the legendary Provence estate

In the bright sunshine of Provence and nestled in the Alpilles mountains, Baumanière is the perfect place for a romantic weekend. Situated just a stone's throw from Avignon in the midst of rocky hills, this exceptional site - as spectacular as it is accessible - is listed among the most beautiful hotels in France, and features in our selection of the best hotels in Provence. A true immersion in the soul of the South, Baumanière is appreciated for its pristine landscapes, sublime views and top-flight culinary experiences.

In the heart of the Val d'Enfer in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, this legendary Relais & Châteaux hotel has been run for several decades by its owners, Jean-André and Geneviève Charial, who have masterfully preserved the authenticity of the place, combining discreet refinement and timeless luxury. Each room is unique: some open onto a vast terrace, offering breathtaking views of the craggy, mineral landscapes of the Alpilles, while others are nestled in lush greenery.

Outside, three superb stone pools blend into the vegetation, surrounded by tall trees and flowerbeds. An intimate spa, dressed in wood and white curtains, adds a touch of softness and serenity... As for the pleasures of the table, they reach new heights at the legendary Oustau de Baumanière. Awarded three Michelin stars from 1954 to 1990, the restaurant regained its third star in 2020 under the leadership of chef Glenn Viel, who combines gastronomic excellence with audacity. Viel, known for his creativity and love of local produce, revisits the great classics with unrivalled elegance and precision, touching on the sublime. Among his signature creations, the famous Costières de Nîmes pigeon "cooked in its nest", prepared in a clay crust, or his surprising raviole of squid and Colonnata bacon, are dishes that awaken the senses and delight guests season after season. And to extend the pleasure of taste, La Cabro d'Or, the estate's second address, invites guests to an authentic discovery of Provençal cuisine. Under the guidance of chef Michel Hulin, this restaurant celebrates the local terroir with finesse and passion, sublimating the products of the Alpilles and Provence.

The experience for two? A spa treatment for two and a gourmet dinner for two.

How to get there? From Paris (3h), Lyon, Lille or Marseille, easy access to TGV Avignon, then a 25-minute cab transfer.

Baumanière
53 rooms and suites, from €385 per night
900 Route d'Arles, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence

6. Rock aboard the Escale Royale house boats

L'Escale Royale currently boasts 12 floating suites and one yacht, spread over four estates - three in the Paris region (Yvelines, Val d'Oise and Seine-et-Marne) and one on the Côte d'Azur (Fréjus) - designed to offer you an intimate and unusual moment on the water.

While each suite has its own style and decor, you'll invariably find all the amenities and comforts that couples looking for a romantic and exclusive experience are looking for: a king-size bed with an unobstructed view of the water, a Jacuzzi, balneotherapy or sauna, extended by a cocooning terrace where you can relax to the sound of the lapping water.

The experience for two: enjoy a private movie night, snuggled up under the comforter, thanks to the video projector and VOD access included in your suite.

L'Escale Royale
128 rue de la Boétie, 75008 Paris
lescaleroyale.fr/

7. Sleep in the Relais et Châteaux-approved perched cabin or the beautiful suites at Château d'Audrieu

A beautiful 18th-century Norman residence nestled in 25 hectares of woodland and themed gardens, this 5-star Relais et Châteaux between Caen and Bayeux blends sumptuous elegance with historic tradition. The 29 rooms and suites renovated by Philippe de Lanouvelle have retained the stamp of the Louis XV style: period furniture, fireplaces, coffered ceilings, gilded moldings and toile de Jouy drapes lend a delightfully classical ambience. Samuel Gaspar, head chef at Le Séran, serves creative regional cuisine. The outdoor swimming pool, heated from April to September, on the edge of the forest, guarantees calm and serenity, as does the spa by Sothys, located in an outbuilding of the Château d'Audrieu.

An experience for two? Ideal for a romantic weekend in a hotel in Normandy, the luxury cabin is perched in one of the park's hundred-year-old trees. Made entirely of wood, it offers a spacious terrace overlooking the surrounding plains.

How do I get there? 2h30 by Intercités from Paris Saint-Lazare. Then 10 minutes by TER.

Château d'Audrieu
From €260 per night
Impasse des Ecureuils, 14250 Audrieu

6. Step back in time for a night at Château Louise de La Vallière

The Renaissance-era Château Louise de la Vallière, named after Louise, favorite of the Sun King, houses an intimate 20-room hotel and invites you to take a royal break in the heart of Touraine, near Amboise, in a 19-hectare park planted with trees. Jacques Garcia has skilfully combined the finest materials - Cordovan leathers and wild silks - with furniture and works of art acquired at auction, to deliver rooms faithful to the refined luxury of the 18th-century. The chef at the helm of L'Amphitryon, an elegantly decorated restaurant, takes us back to the days of royal splendor, offering gourmet cuisine served by staff dressed in period costume.

An experience for two? A stroll through the estate's vast forest.

Château Louise de la Vallière
20 keys from €440 per night for a room, €850 for a suite
Château de la Vallière, 37380 Reugny

9. Romantic weekend in the prestigious Sauternes vineyards at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey stands at the heart of the eponymous vineyard, a grand premier cru classé facing the world-renowned Château d'Yquem estate. This 30-hectare bucolic setting is home to a few treasures: wine, Lalique crystal and a succulent table with an outstanding welcome. The 10 rooms and 3 suites of this 5-star Relais et Châteaux offer elegant, contemporary comfort. A successful symphony of the senses in the dining room overlooking the vineyards: a splendid crystal leaf chandelier decorates the ceiling. On the tables: divine dishes and excellent wines served in crystal glasses. Lalique's chef, Jérôme Schilling, 2 Michelin stars, has built his menu around the aromatic richness of Sauternes, guaranteeing a rare epicurean experience.

The experience for two? Book a table at Lalique's two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant and learn how to taste Sauternes (40 euros per person). Enjoy the luxury of a château for a weekend.

How do I get there? Less than an hour's drive from Bordeaux.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Lieu-dit Peyraguey, 33210 Bommes

10.Experience a suspended moment at Cabanes Spa Pella Roca

At the gateway to the Parc Naturel des Causses du Quercy lies Isabel and Maxime's property: the Domaine de Pella Roca. Conceived as an ode to slow tourism, where DIY, short circuits and recycling are given pride of place, the address is made up of a farmhouse dating back to the 15th century, which today houses a vast swimming pool open in season, set in the heart of 9 hectares of meadows and undergrowth. The latter is where the charm lies, thanks to the four perched cabins for which Pella Roca is renowned. All 28 m² in size, they feature a comfortable double bed, a kitchenette and a stone or marble bathroom. On the spacious terrace, you'll enjoy a wood-fired ecological spa, a sauna and, in three cases, an observatory with brazier to admire the celestial vault. Whether you prefer the rustic-chic, tropical or Japanese style, you're sure to love these facilities.

The experience for two: if you wish to enhance your stay, it's also possible to book a packed lunch, brunch or massage on the terrace.

Cabanes Spa Pella Roca
Lieu-dit Limougne, 82240 Labastide de Penne
pella-roca.com