France’s most beautiful unusual accommodations

1. Le Grand Petit Prince | The unexpected hideout not to be revealed

An unusual lodging hidden away in the Haut-Rhin, in the Florival forest, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges and bordering the prestigious Domaine Schlumberger vineyards: this former forester's house confesses to an incredible charm. The project was the brainchild of Nicolas and Nathalie, who are as passionate about architecture as they are about nature: the property has been renovated with the utmost respect and love by local craftsmen, with an emphasis on eco-responsible materials. But what on earth is Saint-Exupéry doing in the shade of these centuries-old redwoods? A drawing of the Little Prince, now lost, once adorned one of the walls of the main building. Like a tribute, a quotation on the façade.

It's Diane who, with a big smile, will give you the keys to this welcoming hideaway. A domain of stone and wood, the decor has been designed in a playful, benevolent spirit: antique furniture, raw or recycled materials have found a place of choice in the three cheerfully colorful, totally warm and definitely original gîtes. The main house of this charming Bed & Breakfast accommodates two duplexes, well separated but communicating, should a tribe request it. La Rose has 3 bedrooms spread over 90 m², and the master suite even has a view over the vineyards. Add the 60 m² of Le Mouton, and family or friends will have found their nest. A little further back, the 80 m² Papillon offers 2 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Of course, there's a living room and fully-equipped kitchen for everyone, a terrace and private garden, and even a private Jacuzzi for each unit.

There's no restaurant, but you can order breakfast and even Sunday brunch. Concocted in partnership with a renowned local patisserie, they are even delivered directly to your gîte. If you fancy a raclette or fondue, or a cheese and charcuterie platter, just ask, and we'll bring them to you too. The icing on the cake is that you can book a massage for yourself or as a couple, in your own cosy cocoon. If you don't want to go all the way to Compostelle, which passes right in front of your door, there are many lovely walks within easy reach. And if you have a dog, don't hesitate: this is a dog-friendly address!

Le Grand Petit Prince
3 gîtes, prices from 119 euros per night
22 rue du Vieil Armand, 68500 Guebwiller

2. The "toue cabanée" of the Relais de Chambord

The Relais de Chambord has expanded its offering with an unusual accommodation option: spending the night in a "toue cabanée", a traditional Loire River boat redesigned as a floating suite facing the famous château. Moored on the Cosson canal, just in front of the Val de Loire hotel, this 30 m² room combines contemporary comfort and river charm, with kitchen, bathroom, 20 m² terrace and spectacular views of the Renaissance turrets. To complete this exceptional stay: the possibility of taking a chef on board, or privatizing the toue for up to 12 people for an aperitif or a cruise along the river. A great idea for a seminar less than 2 hours from Paris.

The Toue Cabanée at Relais de Chambord
From €500 per night, including breakfast on board, for 2 people.
Place Saint Louis, 41250 Chambord

3. Le Clos du Mouflon in Corsica: The shipwrecked cave

On a cliffside south of Calvi, Le Clos du Mouflon is home to a refuge like no other: the grotte des naufragés. Carved naturally into the rock (a tafonu), this little troglodyte house offers total immersion in the maquis. Shaded terrace, double bed, solar shower and dry toilets make up the décor, with the sea as the only horizon. In this unusual hotel in Corsica, you'll live to the rhythm of free-roaming donkeys and sunsets. Mauro and Carole, the enthusiastic hosts, are happy to share their secret corners. This wilderness getaway also features a table d'hôtes.

Le Clos du Mouflon
À partir de 235€ par nuit
Baie d'Alusi, Route de Porto, 20214 Calenzana

4. The tree house at Château d'Audrieu

In the wooded grounds of the thirty-hectare Château d'Audrieu estate in Normandy, a treehouse perched seven meters high has shaken up the classic image of a Relais & Châteaux stay. Nestled in the branches of century-old purple beech trees, this unusual 25 m² suite combines the charm of a children's cabin with all the comforts of a 5-star hotel: private 40 m² terrace with panoramic views over the estate, king-size bed, bathroom with running water... A suspended cocoon in the heart of nature, just a stone's throw from a listed château whose very first owner was none other than William the Conqueror!

Château d'Audrieu
29 rooms and suites, 1 cabin. From €267 per night
14250 Audrieu (20 min from Caen)

5. Souki Lodges & Spa, unusual accommodation in the sun

In the heart of the Hérault region, just an hour's drive from Montpellier, the Souki Lodges reinvent escapism in the heart of nature. Perched several meters above sea level, these two designer cocoons blend into the landscape between garrigue and vineyards, facing the Pic de Vissou. Each lodge, bathed in light, combines contemporary architecture with absolute comfort: king-size bed, rain shower, bathtub and Japanese toilet. The highlight of your stay in this unusual accommodation? A vast 60 m² terrace with private pool and outdoor kitchen, where you can live outside to the rhythm of the sun. Breakfast on the terrace, locavore dining, absolute silence.

Souki Lodges & Spa
À partir de 990 € la nuit.
Chemin des Caraygnasses, 34800 Cabrières