France’s finest 5-star hotels: our selection

The Best 5-Star Hotels in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

1. Baumanière | Mythical address at Les Baux-de-Provence

Nestled at the foot of the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence, the five-star Baumanière hotel is one of the oldest members of the Relais et Châteaux family, with an exceptional table. Since the 1950s, the Oustau de Baumanière, celebrated by gourmets the world over, has welcomed the crème de la crème: from Queen Elizabeth II and General De Gaulle to Picasso, the Aga Khan, Winston Churchill, Hugh Grant and Johny Depp... The origins of the restaurant lie in Raymond Thuilier's 1943 purchase of a dilapidated old mill, which he transformed into one of France's finest addresses. In 1954, the restaurant was awarded 3 Michelin stars.

His grandson Jean-André Charial took up the torch in the 1970s. For more than 30 years, he kept the famous three Michelin stars - a record - and lost them, only to regain them with Glenn Viel in 2020 - a rare feat! A second, simpler restaurant, the Cabro d'Or run by chef Michel Hulin, features refined Provencal cuisine. The hotel offers 54 rooms and suites in 5 buildings set in magnificent Provencal gardens: the Oustau, the historic building, the Guigou, the Manoir, an 18th-century bastide, the Mas Flora and the Mas Carita. 3 swimming pools, a 6-cabin spa featuring the Une Olive en Provence and Sisley brands, a sensory pool, hammam, sauna and fitness room complete this dreamy picture.

Baumanière
53 keys, starting at 631 euros per night
13520 Les Baux-de-Provence

2. Château de la Messardière | Saint-Tropez's legendary hotel

The setting? A member of the Airelles collection, Château de la Messardière overlooks the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the sumptuous Bay of Pampelonne from its hilltop position. Set in a park extending over 12 hectares of pine forest, away from the crowds of the village, this 19th-century manor house is undeniably one of the finest 5-star hotels in France and on the Côte d'Azur. Shaded by pine trees and with the Mediterranean in its sights, the Tropezian palace, renovated in 2021, highlights its architectural features: Carrara marble, colonnades, cupola and stone staircase..

What's the hotel like? In true Provencal style, this seigniorial residence of turrets and ochre stone houses 99 rooms and suites in 10 categories, all with views over the surrounding countryside. Just a 15-minute walk from its own private beach, Jardin Tropézina, the château boasts no fewer than 7 different restaurants, including Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez, serving Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences, and Carrara, helmed by chef Marco Garfagnini, who creates a perfume of dolce vita by paying homage to his Tuscan origins. For an exceptional cocktail, head to Bar 1904, La Messardière's legendary bar.

What makes the difference? The hotel's wellness offer. The Valmont spa not only offers 1,000 m² of space and nine treatment rooms, as well as a hammam and a magnificent indoor pool, but also a traditional Japanese sauna called Iyashi Dôme, a seawater levitation bath and outdoor deyoga platforms. The hotel also features a swimming corridor nestled in the pine forest, a pool overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, two tennis courts and a fitness center.

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière
86 keys, from €1,150 per night
2 Route de Tahiti, 83990 Saint-Tropez

3. Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel

Between Port Gallice and Port Crouton, the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, was inaugurated in 2008. Designed by Gérard Vollenweider and Sybille de Margerie, the hotel's interior design was resolutely avant-garde. Now owned by Nicolas Saltiel, the hotel, a member of the Chapitre 6 Hotels collection, was renovated in 2023 by Belgian architect Bernard Dubois. Dubois chose "a modernist architecture evocative of Mediterranean seaside houses and California".

Geometric lines, casson floors, plastered walls and lots of pink in a nod to the 60s: on the marble in the bathrooms, the cushions on the terraces and in the bedrooms, the deckchairs and parasols in the pool and on the beach. In the 35 spacious rooms and suites, wide bay windows offer lovely views over the gardens to the Mediterranean and the Lérins Islands. The dining experience is second to none, with the Michelin-starred Les Pêcheurs restaurant, an institution since the 1940s, where chef Nicolas Rondelli showcases Mediterranean produce. At BABA, on the beach, chef Assaf Granit treats guests to mezzés and grilled meats to share. Two massage cabins in the garden offer guests the opportunity to indulge in one of Holidermie's signature treatments. Last but not least, with its private sandy beach, Cap d'Antibes is one of the few hotels on the Côte d'Azur that can boast "feet in the water".

Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel
35 keys from €730
10 Boulevard Maréchal Juin, 06160 Cap d'Antibes

4. Les Roches Blanches, Cassis | A gem nestled close to the Calanques

This 5-star boutique hotel, perched on a cliff, takes its name from the limestone cliffs of the Calanques, which line the coast from Cassis to Marseille. Opened in the 1920s, this former mansion has hosted guests such as Winston Churchill, Édith Piaf, and other stars and socialites of the era. With a design blending the Roaring Twenties and Art Deco styles, the 45 rooms and suites at Les Roches Blanches exude an atmosphere that is both chic and understated (brass, black lacquer, velvet…). Not to mention a lovely Sisley spa, with a view of the Mediterranean, of course. 

What sets it apart? The garden lined with umbrella pines and its two pools, one of which is an infinity pool. It ranks among the most beautiful hotel gardens on the entire Mediterranean coast.

Les Roches Blanches
45 rooms, rates starting at 570 euros per night
9 avenue des Calanques, 13260 Cassis

5. Villa La Coste | An arty, contemporary palace in Provence

An aesthete's rendezvous par excellence, tucked away between Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon Regional Nature Park, Villa La Coste, one of the few 5-star hotels in Provence to be officially designated a "Palace", is set on a 200-hectare organically farmed vineyard, combining the pleasures of the earth with those of the spirit, thanks to an art center designed by Tadao Ando, a giant spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, and a mobile by Calder. Perched on a hillside, the 28 suites and villas - including 10 with private swimming pools - are of the most sober design: light wood, marble, rough stone and wide-open views of the surrounding countryside. Not forgetting the unforgettable terrace with its panoramic view over the vineyards.

Good to know? The place is home to Hélène Darroze’s flagship restaurant (1 Michelin star) and a magnificent, immaculate spa featuring light oak, natural stone, and marble, designed by Hong Kong-based designer André Fu.

Villa La Coste
28 suites and villas. From 900€ per night.
2750, route de La Cride 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade

6. Villa Marie, Saint-Tropez | An Italian-style villa in the hills above Ramatuelle

Without a doubt, this is the best-kept secret for lovers of classic elegance and those nostalgic for the Riviera’s unique chic. Perched on a hill overlooking the legendary beaches of Pampelonne, nestled in the heart of a three-hectare pine forest, Villa Marie offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez. With 45 rooms and suites featuring an elegantly bohemian decor—light wood, Florentine furniture, antique finds, and luxurious fabrics—and that patio so typical of Mediterranean homes, where you can relax between dips in the lagoon-style pool.

What sets it apart? Its immense garden filled with palm trees, century-old conifers, and flowering trees, featuring a rose garden, ponds, a cactus greenhouse, and an herb garden.

Good to know? Like Les Fermes de Marie or the Hôtel Mont-Blanc in Megève, Villa Marie Saint-Tropez is part of the family-owned Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet collection.

Villa Marie Saint-Tropez
45 rooms, rates starting at 560 euros 
1100 Chemin de Val de Rian, 83350 Ramatuelle
Official website

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7. Fouquet’s Paris | A Truly Stunning Setting

Like MGM, Fouquet’s could claim to have hosted “more stars than there are in the heavens.” Since its founding in 1898, the legendary restaurant and its adjoining hotel have indeed welcomed every VIP in the film industry. It is also here that César Award nominees gather for lunch before the fateful evening that will crown the winners. A century after its founding, the restaurant gave rise to a hotel worthy of its prestige—classified as a “Palace” by Atout France—built as an architectural marvel extending from the gourmet establishment. Édouard François served as the project’s lead architect, while Jacques Garcia designed the interior; here, one can appreciate his artistry in blending a certain exuberance with the utmost restraint. Thus, the spacious rooms and suites are a model of elegance as sumptuous as it is timeless: light colors, golden tones, fine materials… Yet there remains a subtle touch of eccentricity: the oversized, tufted headboards, irresistible invitations to comfort.

A complete sensory escape, Fouquet’s Paris, which—along with Fugue à Paris—has its own signature fragrance, also features a wonderful wellness area: a 750-square-meter spa dedicated to treatments and relaxation, complete with a sauna, ice room, fitness center, and a 15-meter indoor pool.

Our favorite: This hotel in the 8th arrondissement offers a breathtaking view of the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe—a view that’s even better from the rooftop. What more could you ask for?

Fouquet’s Paris
101 rooms, rates starting at 846 euros per night
46 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris

8. Brach, Paris | The 5-star hotel reimagined by Philippe Starck

The ultimate hybrid hotel, one of Philippe Starck’s latest gems brings the 5-star experience into the realm of alternative venues… with a luxury twist. Nestled in an upscale neighborhood (just a stone’s throw from Rue de la Pompe), this former 7,000-square-meter mail sorting center houses 65 rooms and suites, a Mediterranean restaurant masterfully helmed by Chef Adam Bentalha, a cocktail bar, as well as a pastry shop, a grocery store, a rooftop terrace, and a second terrace open to non-guests. In terms of design, the Brach plays on the combination of raw materials (wood, concrete, leather, marble), large floor-to-ceiling windows, works of art, and expansive bookcases. A setting so brilliantly striking that it has established itself as one of the 16th arrondissement's hottest spots.

What sets it apart? The expansive fitness center inspired by 1930s boxing clubs, a 22-meter swimming pool, and a Himalayan salt cave, all located in the hotel’s basement.

Brach Paris
65 rooms, rates starting at 620 euros per night
1–7 rue Jean Richepin, 75016 Paris
Official website

9. Le Grand Contrôle | Château life

One of France's most beautiful monuments, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart for the Sun King, is home to this hotel decorated with 5 stars as bright as the gold that adorns its building. In Le Grand Contrôle, a wing of the Château de Versailles once occupied by the Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of France, Airelles offers visitors the chance to spend a night in one of the 13 luxurious rooms and suites, with their gilded lines, sumptuous four-poster beds and gold and crystal chandeliers. The walls are decorated with floral tapestries by Pierre Frey, and their delicate colors reflect the princely spirit of the place.

After the royal breakfast, with its majestic view over the symmetrical garden carved to perfection, a stroll through the Trianon, then an invitation to the Salon d'Audience during the afternoon tea included in the reservation. Here you can sample the same gourmet pastries Queen Marie-Antoinette loved, this time by Alain Ducasse. At the end of the evening, after wandering through a depopulated Galerie des Glaces and visiting the quarters of Louis XVI and his wife (a private tour of the Château de Versailles and a private tour of the Grand or Petit Trianon are included with every reservation!), chef Ducasse returns to our palaces at his Michelin-starred table for Le Festin Royal during a sumptuous dinner. The coquettish atmosphere plunges visitors into the past, and invites them to become, for the duration of their stay, a pampered guest of the Royal Court..

What makes the difference? The immersive atmosphere of a bygone era, private tours of Versailles with no-one present (with the option of an unusual selfie in the empty Hall of Mirrors), and the chance to round off the experience with a moment of relaxation at the Valmont Spa.

Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle
13 keys, from €3,450 per night
12 Rue de de l'Indépendance Américaine, 78000 Versailles

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10. Fouquet’s Courchevel | Les Neiges éternelles

Renamed Fouquet’s Courchevel (after the Barrière Group’s flagship brand), this legendary, distinguished 5-star palace has lost none of its splendor. On the contrary, its new identity lends it even greater brilliance—even though it already seemed to have reached the pinnacle… both geographically and in terms of hospitality excellence! Its location is ideal: in the heart of Courchevel 1850, at the foot of the famous Bellecôte run, with exclusive access to the 3 Vallées ski area, the largest in the world. Such a sumptuous setting could only house a true gem: nestled beneath its blanket of frosted snow, this iconic luxury chalet meets every expectation for high-end hospitality. It is one of the most sought-after hotels in Courchevel.

Featuring bright, airy interiors dominated by light and honey-colored woods, the 42 rooms and suites are spacious and offer cozy retreats, each with a view of the magical spectacle of the snow-capped mountains—an instant gateway to serenity. And for even more relaxation, the Spa & Wellness area spans 1,000 m² of wellness, featuring a 20-meter pool, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, a hair and barber salon, as well as a wide range of treatments by Biologique Recherche, Nooance, and Hydrafacial.

When it comes to restaurants in Courchevel, Loulou offers an Italian-inspired menu featuring truffle pizza and pasta al pomodoro, as well as Piedmontese specialties; while La Table Savoyarde serves artisanal charcuterie, aged cheeses, and the must-try fondues and raclettes. Two restaurants, two atmospheres, but the same high standards and, above all, the same warm hospitality in a setting with cozy wood paneling. Food lovers can also indulge in the afternoon with a treat from pastry chef Christophe Adam, and night owls can enjoy the Lounge Bar by the spectacular fireplace, complete with live music.

Our favorite: The opportunity to watch a movie in the private cinema or the family packages featuring activities tailored for children. Not to mention the service that prepares your gear so you’ll find your gloves and boots warmed up each morning. An exceptional, truly appreciated personalized touch.

Fouquet’s Courchevel
42 rooms, rates starting at 2,570 euros per night
422 Rue de Bellecôte, 73120 Courchevel

11. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa | The benchmark 5-star hotel in Champagne

The setting? A sumptuous 5-star hotel in the heart of the Champagne vineyards, belonging to the select club of the finest hotels in Champagne. Since its reopening in 2018 after a radical makeover, the Royal Champagne has established itself as the must-visit hotel for any getaway in the land of luxury bubbles.

The style? While the original building has been renovated, there is also a new, contemporary amphitheatre-like wing by Reims-based architect Giovanni Pace, whose building overlooks vineyards and the Marne valley. And that's just for starters: omnipresent light, fine materials, incredible bedding, large walk-in closets, cutting-edge technology and rooms with views (a minimum of 44m2 in size). A very high standard.

Where to find us? 25 minutes from the Reims TGV station and a few minutes by car from Épernay, the capital of Champagne, which can be reached in 1h20 from the Paris-Est train station. At the hotel, you can also rent electric bikes for a ride through the hillside vineyards without getting exhausted!

Gastronomy? We take our seats in the opulent setting of Le Royal, a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant led by Chef Christophe Raoux, whose six-course signature menu features only the finest ingredients (langoustines, Sturia caviar, sweetbreads, and more)—enhanced, of course, by perfectly paired champagnes. Another option: enjoy a breathtaking view of the vineyards at Le Bellevue bistro, which features a spectacular terrace with a panoramic view of the vineyards.

Wellness? A spa of extraordinary size, spanning no less than 1,500 m², featuring a 25-meter indoor pool with panoramic views, two hot tubs, and nine treatment rooms offering personalized treatments in partnership with myBlend and Clarins Precious. Not to mention a second outdoor infinity pool that gives the impression of swimming in a sea of vines.

How many keys? 47 rooms and suites, all with terrace or balcony.

Who's it for? Champagne aficionados, of course, but also anyone dreaming of a romantic, luxurious getaway in one of the world's most prestigious vineyards.

What makes the difference? To appeal to an ultra-demanding VIP clientele, the hotel recently added a "helipad" allowing guests to arrive by air (just 45 minutes from Paris, departing from the heliport in the 15th arrondissement).

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
47 rooms and suites. From €765 per night.
9 Rue de la République, 51160 Champillon.

12. Hôtel Royal, Evian Resort | The Spirit of the Belle Époque

Perched 450 meters above sea level in a 19-hectare park overlooking Lake Geneva, the hotel Royal-Evian Resort was considered the most beautiful hotel in the world when it opened in 1909. Its gilded halls have welcomed the world’s elite: artists, members of royal families, politicians… Since its renovation, led by François Châtillon, chief architect of historic monuments, and François Champsaur, interior designer, it offers a delightful blend of Belle Époque charm and contemporary elegance. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, it was awarded “Palace” status in 2016.

Behind its Belle Époque façade, the hotel features 118 guest rooms and 32 suites spread across six floors, where Art Deco furnishings are highlighted by shades of cream and blue. We have a soft spot for the 165 m² Édouard VII Suite, featuring two bedrooms and a panoramic view of Lake Geneva. Contemporary art plays a prominent role, with a collection of 1,500 works scattered throughout the hotel. Yohan Fatela oversees the three restaurants: Les Fresques, which has held a Michelin star since 2018; La Véranda, offering superb views and brasserie-style dishes; and L’Oliveraie, located by the pool and focused on Mediterranean flavors. As for the evian®SPA, its 1,700 m² of space features 24 treatment rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a hammam, a sauna, and a state-of-the-art aquatic circuit.

Hôtel Royal Evian
150 rooms, rates starting at 526 euros per night
13 Avenue des Mateirons, 74500 Évian-les-Bains

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13. Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville | Excellence at its peak

Le Normandy alone would be worthy of a sixth star! Since 1912, it has embodied more than just a model or an example: it’s the obvious choice for anyone seeking an exceptional stay in Deauville. Undoubtedly home to one of the most beautiful examples of Anglo-Norman architecture on the Opal Coast—and listed on the national cultural heritage registry—this grand hotel has benefited from the discerning eye of several leading interior designers, all committed to preserving the property’s identity and Belle Époque spirit. Following in the footsteps of Jacques Garcia, Nathalie Ryan has added a touch of modernity to the Toiles de Jouy fabrics adorning the rooms and suites, playing with colors—red, green, blue, orange, and more— whose patterns and soft pastel hues blend perfectly with the delicate mosaics in the bathrooms.

Inseparable from the world of cinema, the Planches are just a few steps away, and the American Film Festival stops there every year; Le Normandy has also been a favorite spot for stars for ages: Coco Chanel was a regular there, and Jack Nicholson is said to have frequented its bar, known for its menu featuring… 147 whiskeys! Artists and foodies also know that the restaurant in Deauville, La Belle Époque, led by Chef Christophe Bezannier (with Christophe Adam handling desserts), lives up to the venue’s opulence: more than just offering a menu, it embodies the art of elevating Normandy’s culinary traditions. Don’t forget to stop by the spa—not only to admire its splendid stained-glass windows but also, above all, to enjoy personalized treatments featuring Guerlain’s expertise.

Favorite: Indeed, feel your heart race as you sleep in the very place where Claude Lelouch filmed one of cinema’s most famous couples, Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant: the “A Man and a Woman” Suite. You can’t get a more romantic hotel in Deauville…

Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy
271 rooms, rates starting at 422 euros per night
38 Rue Jean Mermoz, 14804 Deauville

14. Hôtel Le Royal | The King of La Baule 

There’s no shortage of spa hotels in La Baule, so we’ll opt for the king’s choice—or rather, Le Royal—which has reigned over this beautiful resort in Loire-Atlantique for over a century. Since 1902, the majesty of its Neo-Romanesque architecture has lent the bay a distinct air of nobility; as for the splendor of its interior, it defies the passage of time, especially since Chantal Peyrat has given this institution a delicate contemporary reinterpretation that harmonizes perfectly with the elegance of its Belle Époque heritage. We love this subtle touch that makes the rooms and suites feel like an extension of the beach: their shades of beige and blue beautifully complement the soft hues visible through the windows facing the sea. And it’s a feeling you’ll gladly indulge in when you choose a suite with a balcony overlooking the island of Noirmoutier.

When it comes to dining, two fine restaurants in La Baule welcome guests of Le Royal: Le Ponton, where you can enjoy cuisine that’s both wholesome and delightful; and La Brasserie, which serves classic French dishes and must-try brasserie favorites: vol-au-vent, skate à la Grenobloise, as well as the indulgent “salade folle,” freshly prepared beef tartare, and, of course, the Royal seafood platter.

When it comes to wellness, it’s hard to rival the facilities on offer. Opened in 2026, ORA The Longevity Bay (which replaces the thalassotherapy center) is a new space dedicated to longevity within the resort. Overlooking the ocean, the facility combines preventive healthcare, high-end wellness, and cutting-edge technologies centered around six pillars: preventive health, energy, nutrition, aesthetics, mobility, and cognition. Personalized health assessments, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, marine treatments, and expert guidance make up this holistic rejuvenation experience.

Our favorite: The 75-square-meter Royal Suite, featuring a 140-square-meter terrace and its own private hot tub. More than royal—it’s imperial!

Hôtel Le Royal
87 rooms, rates starting at 308 euros per night
6 Avenue Pierre Loti, 44504 La Baule

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15. La Villa Calvi | A 5-star hotel with timeless luxury

Overlooking the magnificent bay of Calvi and offering breathtaking views of the Balagne region, this imposing villa is considered one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Corsica. Rooms, suites, or villas that can accommodate up to 10 people, featuring a classic and airy decor: solid wood floors, white walls, contemporary furnishings… Outside La Villa Calvi, a large, sparkling pool, a restaurant with a view of the horizon, a pool bar, and a cocktail bar. 

What sets it apart? A spa in partnership with Aleana and Mimétique, featuring huge floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the wild Corsican maquis. 

La Villa Calvi 
50 rooms, rates starting at 304 euros per night
Chemin Notre Dame de la Serra, 20260 Calvi

16. Domaine de Murtoli, Southern Corsica | Corsica’s Most Exclusive Destination

Impressive in size—2,500 hectares! This sumptuous estate, located in the far south of Corsica, nestled in the heart of rugged, untamed wilderness between Sartène and Figari, also draws guests with its discreet and exclusive luxury. There’s no ostentation here, despite the property’s 5-star rating: guests come here in the utmost secrecy to stay in one of the 20 retreats—17th-century mansions or sheepfolds, sometimes several kilometers apart—spread across three “regions”: the valley side, the sea side, and the maquis side. Summer kitchens, shaded terraces, swimming pools carved into the rock, breathtaking views… Everywhere, you feel completely cut off from the world. The main hamlet of the Domaine de Murtoli, a former farmhouse typical of the region, has also been completely renovated and offers 9 sumptuous rooms and suites, some with private pools… The spacious interiors are impressive, as is the exquisitely tasteful decor, overseen by the Canarelli family.

Good to know? The estate is one of the few properties in Corsica open almost year-round, featuring a 9-hole golf course and a Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases local produce. All beef and veal, eggs, olive oil, honey, and lamb... come exclusively from the Murtoli farm, which has also just planted 12 hectares of vineyards and celebrated its first biodynamic vintages in 2025. 

Domaine de Murtoli
29 rooms, rates starting at 422 euros per night on the valley side
Ortolo Valley, 20100 Sartène