France: Our Ideas for a Romantic Weekend Getaway

Ideas for a Romantic Weekend in Brittany, Normandy, and the Northern Atlantic Coast

1. Domaine de la Bretesche: A Getaway for Two in Brittany

With its fairytale castle surrounded by moats and its wooded grounds stretching as far as the eye can see, the Domaine de la Bretesche checks all the boxes for a romantic weekend, blending timeless elegance with soothing natural beauty. Nestled at the gateway to the Brière Nature Park, this former stately estate—now a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel—invites you to slow down and fully savor a timeless escape. The tone is set from the moment you arrive: a bottle of champagne awaits you in your room, to be enjoyed as the sun sets over the lake, while the large windows open onto landscapes worthy of an Impressionist painting.

Come evening, it’s time for fine dining at Restaurant Le Club, under the guidance of Chef Filipe Silvestre, whose dining room overlooks the lake and the surrounding foliage. The menu showcases local ingredients and subtle flavor combinations, offering a romantic dining experience—whether on the terrace on sunny days or curled up by the fireplace as the weather cools. This is followed by a restful night in one of the 24 guest rooms (ranging from 23 to 42 m²) or 7 suites (ranging from 33 to 55 m²) overlooking the park or the château, all carefully decorated with a subtle blend of antique furniture and contemporary touches. We particularly love the wood paneling in modern colors and the dreamlike wallpapers with naturalistic accents designed by Ananbô.

The next day, the 400-square-meter Spa de la Cour Carrée welcomes you for a moment of pure relaxation: a massage in a couples’ treatment room, enveloping scents, soft lighting, a heated pool… everything here is designed to prolong the magic of a romantic weekend. There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy as a couple: a swim in the heated outdoor pool (May through September), a stroll hand-in-hand through the castle grounds, a game of tennis, or a bike ride (bikes provided by the hotel) along the picturesque country lanes. An ideal retreat for a romantic getaway where understated luxury blends with the laid-back lifestyle of the western countryside.

If your weekend extends a bit longer, set out to explore the marshes of the nature park to observe the birds in the ornithological reserve from a barge (a flat-bottomed boat), or for a romantic road trip lasting a few hours to the Carnac Megaliths and the Kerbourg Dolmens, or toward La Baule-Escoublac, Le Croisic, and Le Pouliguen.

Domaine de la Bretesche
40 rooms and 13 cottages, starting at 301 euros per night
Domaine de la Bretesche, 44780 Missillac
bretesche.com/fr

2. Barrière Le Normandy, a legendary hotel for a stay in Deauville

While many swear by the beaches and climate of the south, others continue to return faithfully to the Normandy coast, drawn by its proximity to Paris and its authenticity. And it’s impossible to talk about the Normandy coast without mentioning Deauville and Le Normandy Barrière, this legendary Anglo-Norman hotel that has watched over the beach and the comings and goings of strollers on the Planches for over a century, and has hosted celebrities such as Coco Chanel and Charles III. Undoubtedly the most romantic hotel in Deauville. 

Behind its impressive Norman façade, this Deauville hotel features 271 rooms and suites, each adorned with Toile de Jouy fabric, offering views of the town or, if you’re lucky, the sea. 

For couples’ getaways, a visit to the spa is a must. Massages in collaboration with Guerlain, a hammam, saunas, a marine treatment circuit… You’ll find that slightly retro charm unique to seaside resorts, with soft lighting and the scent of the sea wafting from the treatment rooms. Come evening, head to the Belle Époque, the hotel’s prestigious restaurant in Deauville. Beneath the stucco moldings and crystal chandeliers, you can savor French cuisine featuring bold interpretations of the great classics and numerous seafood specialties (snails, duck foie gras, oysters from the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, sole meunière, scallops…), in a setting that feels like stepping into a movie scene. 

Looking for a romantic experience? Extend the evening at the Bar du Normandy with a signature cocktail or one of the 147 whiskeys on the menu, in an intimate setting featuring a crackling fireplace, wood paneling, and leather armchairs. 

How to get there? A 2-hour train ride from Paris Saint-Lazare, followed by a 15-minute walk from the Deauville train station.

Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy
271 rooms and suites, rates starting at 400 euros per night
38 rue Jean Mermoz, Deauville
Information and reservations

Ideas for a Romantic Weekend in the Southwest: Landes, Dordogne, Bordeaux

3. Stay at the Château de la Treyne, a 5-star hotel in the Dordogne

An elegant renovation of a 14th-century château and now a member of Relais & Châteaux, the Château de la Treyne welcomes visitors to the Dordogne seeking an authentic and chic setting for a romantic weekend getaway. Guests enjoy strolling through its 120-hectare private forest, renting a canoe to paddle down the river that runs alongside it, take a dip in the heated infinity pool, let off some steam on the tennis court, or simply enjoy the panoramic terrace offering a unique view of the Dordogne, with the feeling of being alone in the world.

Its 18 rooms blend medieval and contemporary styles, featuring antique furniture paired with ultra-modern amenities. Our top picks for a romantic weekend? It’s impossible to choose between theSoleil LevantPrestige Room — a 35-square-meter room in the castle’s former chapel, with stained-glass windows and painted vaulted ceilings — or theLa Favorite suite, whose golden bathtub sits on a heated floor, facing a mirrored wall.

Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Andrieux heads the restaurant, where he offers cuisine that couldn’t be more local (the vegetables come from the estate’s garden) and reimagines the flavors of the Périgord region, to be savored in the comfort and ultimate luxury of the grand dining rooms. Among his favorite ingredients are fine, flavorful products such as truffles, foie gras, and asparagus, which he carefully selects and serves in season.

Looking for a romantic experience for two? You can book a candlelit dinner at the Château’s restaurant for a romantic evening in a truly enchanting setting. 

Château de la Treyne
18 rooms, rates starting at 330 euros per night
La Treyne, 46200 Lacave
Official website

4. A romantic weekend at the 70 Hectares… et l’Océan hotel in southwestern France

Seignosse is home to the ideal hotel for a romantic getaway: 70 Hectares… et l’Océan, a charming, welcoming, and above all authentic 4-star hotel. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic weekend in southwestern France. Part of the Fontenille Collection hotel group—just like its sister property in the Landes region, Les Hortensias du Lac—this hotel promises guests a stay that’s as rejuvenating as it is memorable.

There are 32 contemporary and cozy rooms, offering views of the Landes pine forests and the Seignosse golf course, all located near Lake Hossegor. In the summer, the refreshing outdoor pool is a major draw, as is the restaurant led by the chef, who delights diners with a creative, Japanese-inspired menu. 

Looking for a romantic getaway? Take a sailing trip offered by 70 Hectares… et l’Océan to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Landes coast.

70 Hectares… et l'Océan
32 rooms starting at 220 euros per night
Avenue du Belvédère, 40510 Seignosse 

Ideas for a Romantic Weekendin Provence, the Mediterranean, and the French Riviera

5. Stay at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

An elegant testament to the late 19th century, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo captivates travelers seeking a historic luxury hotel that reflects a Riviera of a bygone era: elegant, luminous, and almost theatrical. Beneath its sparkling chandeliers and period moldings, this luxury hotel—which opened in 1896—evokes the Belle Époque in all its splendor and understated elegance. 

Designed by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, this 5-star hotel hides its true gem in the Belle Époque Room, where a glass roof designed by Gustave Eiffel casts a golden light over the breakfast tables. This rare and precious touch of French engineering anchors the hotel in the history of Monte-Carlo of yesteryear—the era of grand balls, tuxedo-clad elegance, and ladies with fans. Restored with respect for its spirit, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo preserves this peaceful majesty while embracing modernity: its 259 rooms and suites exude understated refinement, featuring pastel tones and fine materials. Some overlook the Mediterranean, others the harbor or the Rock.

Adjacent to the hotel, the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo—6,600 m² dedicated to wellness—offers an exceptional sanctuary: a heated seawater pool, cryotherapy, anti-aging treatments, fitness areas, and panoramic terraces. Here, you’ll find the same commitment to excellence and serenity as within the walls of the palace. On the culinary front, Yannick Alléno is behind the restaurants Pavyllon Monte-Carlo and L’Abysse—Yannick Alléno (a Japanese restaurant), both with ocean views, which are true culinary landmarks of the Riviera.

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
262 rooms, rates starting at 800 euros per night during high season
Square Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco
More information atmontecarlosbm.com

6. Treat yourself to a romantic weekend at Baumanière, the legendary Provençal estate

Under the bright Provençal sun and nestled in the Alpilles, Baumanière is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend. Located just a stone’s throw from Avignon amid rocky hills, this exceptional destination—as spectacular as it is accessible—is ranked among France’s most beautiful hotels and features in our selection of the best hotels in Provence. Offering a true immersion in the spirit of the South, Baumanière is prized for its unspoiled landscapes, its sublime setting, and its world-class culinary experiences.

Nestled 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 this place, which combines understated refinement with timeless luxury. Each room is unique: some open onto a spacious terrace, offering breathtaking views of the rugged, rocky landscapes of the Alpilles, while others are nestled in lush greenery.

Outside, three stunning stone swimming pools blend into the vegetation, surrounded by tall trees and flower beds. An intimate spa, adorned with wood and white sheer curtains, adds a touch of softness and serenity... As for culinary delights, they reach new heights at the legendary Oustau de Baumanière. A three-Michelin-starred restaurant from 1954 to 1990, the establishment regained its third star in 2020 under the leadership of Chef Glenn Viel, who combines culinary excellence with bold creativity. Viel, known for his creativity and love of local ingredients, reimagines culinary classics with unparalleled elegance and precision that border on the sublime. Among his signature creations are the famous pigeon from the Costières de Nîmes “cooked in its nest,” prepared in a clay crust, and his surprising squid and Colonnata bacon ravioli—dishes that awaken the senses and delight diners, season after season. And to prolong the culinary pleasure, La Cabro d’Or, the estate’s second restaurant, invites guests to an authentic exploration of Provençal cuisine. Under the guidance of Chef Michel Hulin, this restaurant celebrates the local terroir with finesse and passion, bringing out the best in ingredients from the Alpilles and Provence. 

Looking for a romantic getaway? Enjoy a couples’ spa treatment followed by an intimate gourmet dinner for two.

How to get there? From Paris (3 hours), Lyon, Lille, or Marseille, take the TGV to Avignon, followed by a 25-minute taxi ride.

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

Ideas for a Romantic Weekend in the Alps

7. A Starry Night in Courchevel at Fouquet’s

An iconic resort in the French Alps that reigns supreme over the 3 Vallées ski area, Courchevel has been attracting discerning travelers for decades and is home to numerous five-star hotels that have become havens for celebrities. At the heart of this vibrant scene, at an altitude of 1,850 meters, Fouquet’s, a hotel in Courchevel, stands majestically overlooking the famous Bellecôte run. This ultra-exclusive mountain retreat—with just 42 guest rooms, including 20 suites—combines top-tier amenities (a Balmain hair salon, heated boots for ski-in/ski-out departures, a private movie theater, personalized concierge service, and more) with authenticity, thanks to its chalet-like atmosphere. Wood paneling throughout, silky fabrics, faux-fur armchairs, soft lighting, and a crackling fireplace come together to create this cozy haven. 

You glide just as smoothly into the pleasures of dining thanks to Loulou and its “Alpi-chic” vibe: wood paneling, cozy carpets, leather armchairs, and daytime DJ sets for dancing and soaking up the winter sun on the large terrace. On the menu, the must-try dishes are all here: truffle pizza, pasta alla vodka, sea bass fillet, and sea bream carpaccio.

A romantic getaway? At Fouquet’s Courchevel, lovers who don’t ski will never be bored: hot-air balloon rides over the Alps, dog-sledding, snowmobiling for the more adventurous, snowshoeing, or a wellness retreat at the spa… This luxury hotel will always find a way to tempt you out of your cozy nest (so you’ll be even happier to return to it). 

How to get there? A 4-hour train ride from Paris Gare de Lyon, followed by a 30-minute drive from the Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains train station. 

Fouquet’s Courchevel
42 rooms and suites
422 rue de Bellecôte, 73120 Courchevel
More information on the website

8. Retreat to a cozy hideaway in the snow, overlooking the Écrins National Park

Perched between 1,500 and 2,720 meters above Lake Serre-Ponçon, the resort of Les Orres offers views of the Écrins National Park. On the mountainside, guests can retreat to a unique hotel consisting of 11 wooden domes housing nine suites for 2 to 5 people, each with panoramic views of the Alps. Built on stilts and featuring a small terrace, the domes’ interiors offer every comfort, including a walk-in shower or bathtub, a wood-burning stove, in-room breakfast and afternoon snacks, and access to top-of-the-line ski equipment. 

Looking for a romantic experience? Enjoy an outdoor Scandinavian bath surrounded by snow with a glass of champagne, followed by a visit to the 200 m² D’Hôme Spa (featuring a hammam, jacuzzi, massage rooms, a nail bar, and a herbal tea lounge). 

How to get there? Take the train to Embrun station (day or night on one of the last sleeper trains still operating from Paris), then take a shuttle or taxi.

Alpin D'Hôme
Starting at 450 euros per night
Bois Méan 1800 Parking Lot, 05200 Les Orres

Ideas for a Romantic Weekend in Northern France, Eastern France, and the Vineyards

9. Take a break at Le Chambard for a romantic weekend in Alsace, in the heart of Kaysersberg, one of the most beautiful villages in France

On the Alsace Wine Route, behind the red facade of this must-visit destination, a stay at Le Chambard hotel combines comfort and fine dining in a region steeped in centuries-old traditions. The 33 rooms—including 4 junior suites and 5 suites—feature a sleek, contemporary style and have been redecorated in light tones that reflect the light and green accents that evoke nature. Chef Olivier Nasti, who helms the two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant La Table d’Olivier Nasti as well as the Winstub—an Alsatian tavern with a warm, welcoming atmosphere—works with regional ingredients with great creativity, focusing on sauces and infusions. The menu features eel, Arctic char, and frog legs, with wine pairings curated by the exceptional sommelier Jean-Baptiste Klein.

Looking for a romantic experience? Enjoy an intimate dinner for two at La Table d’Olivier Nasti, one of our favorite restaurants in France.

How to get there? From Paris, take a train to Colmar (2 hours and 20 minutes) in the Haut-Rhin department. Then take a taxi or bus to head north.

Hôtel le Chambard 
33 rooms, starting at 300 euros per night
9–15 rue du Général de Gaulle, 68240 Kaysersberg

10. Escape to Flanders at the Auberge du Vert Mont, run by Florent Ladeyn

Florent Ladeyn presides over this rustic, stylish inn tucked away in the heart of Flanders. A chef known for his disarming kindness, honored with a Michelin star and a Gault & Millau d’Or in 2018, he offers a cuisine that is“primitive, at once raw and delicate, wild and accessible.” In a dining room with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the plain, featuring solid hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, a cheerful and laid-back team methodically serves a tasting menu designed to reflect the rich terroir of Flanders. As for the wine cellar, it features excellent selections of natural wines and a range of beers hard to find elsewhere. A hidden gem for locavore foodies.

Looking for a romantic getaway? Spend a night in one of the restaurant’s beautiful guest rooms, with a private dinner for two included.

How to get there? A 1-hour train ride from Paris or a 3-hour ride from Lyon or Strasbourg to Lille, followed by a 50-minute drive. 

Auberge du Vert Mont
1318 Rue du Mont Noir, 59299 Boeschepe
https://www.vertmont.fr/