Hotels with Rooftop Terraces in France: 5 Places to Enjoy the View

1. Les Bords de Mer, a hotel with a rooftop in Marseille

In the heart of Marseille, between the famous Corniche Kennedy and Catalans Beach, the Les Bords de Mer hotel in Marseille seems suspended between the sky and the sea, offering a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean horizon. This historic 1930s building has been beautifully restored thanks to the talent of Marseille-based architect Yvann Pluskwa and the vision of Guillaume Foucher and Frédéric Biousse, the creative minds behind Fontenille Collection. Transformed into a 4-star boutique hotel, it retains its slightly quirky Art Deco silhouette, complemented by a restaurant clad entirely in glass.

The 19 rooms, spread across several levels, all face the sea. Balconies, terraces, or massive floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to wake up feeling as though they’re floating above the water. The decor is a subtle tribute to sophisticated simplicity. The Bouroullec brothers’ chairs and the Rispal and Prouvé lamps are merely the prelude to a visual symphony that refuses to overshadow the maritime spectacle. Against a backdrop of white terrazzo and porcelain stoneware, the furniture almost fades into the background, allowing the soft hues of the linens and the sepia tones of the seaside vacation photos to tell their own stories. These touches, delicately arranged above the beds by art enthusiast Guillaume Biousse, breathe a genuine soul into each space.

In addition to the Marseille restaurant located on the ground floor—run since spring 2024 by Chester Tsai —a 33-year-old chef of Filipino descent trained at the Alain Ducasse school, and supported by pastry chef Gabriella Jannin— you’ll need to head upstairs to reach the rooftop, where you can sample a seafood-inspired snack menu that blends Asian-inspired tapas—such as the marinated tuna bao—with reimagined or highlighted traditional Marseille specialties like the famous panisses. The spot remains a must-visit in winter, with the menu adapting to the “cooler” season by offering comforting finger food—such as the indulgent Brie and truffle croque—raclette nights (in collaboration with La Meulerie, a Marseille cheese institution), and seafood platters. Perfect for watching the sunset over Frioul Island… while keeping an eye out for the daring seagulls, always ready to play pickpocket during aperitif hour! On the drinks side, the signature cocktail menu was developed in partnership with Maison Ferroni from Aubagne and pays homage to the great ports of the Mediterranean. From the rooftop, you can sip on a “Porto Vecchio” (clementine vodka, peach liqueur, apple juice, and lemon juice) or a “Genova” (a Provençal twist on the Bloody Mary). A rooftop hotel in France like no other.

The highlight: the spa, a sanctuary carved into the rock and spread over two levels, is an invitation to total relaxation in a 300-square-meter underground setting. For those seeking tranquility, this space promises serenity and calm thanks to Susanne Kaufmann treatments and energy therapies designed to awaken inner energy and restore harmony. Holistic facials featuring the Nooānce LED mask, and the Taoist Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage....Each treatment is preceded by a consultation with a therapist. And for lovers of aquatic adventures, a secret cave leads directly to the clear waters of the Mediterranean for a wonderful escape among the waves.

Les Bords de Mer
19 rooms, including one suite; rates starting at 260 euros per night
52 Corniche Kennedy, 13007 Marseille

2. Hôtel Chais Monnet, a hotel with a rooftop in Cognac

Nestled between the Charente River and the vineyards, the Hôtel Chais Monnet stands proudly on the site of the former cognac warehouses dating back to 1838. Opened in 2018, this complex blends contemporary elegance with historical heritage, becoming the region’s first five-star hotel and marking a turning point for Cognac. The meticulous transformation of the site was designed by architect Didier Poignant, who is also responsible for the Royal Monceau and The Hoxton in Paris, as well as the Auberge du Jeu de Paume in Chantilly. The Cognac hotel features not only 98 rooms and suites but also 13 apartments spread across four buildings. Beyond its refined interiors, featuring light-colored hardwood floors and French chic, Chais Monnet also enchants guests with its rooftop terrace, which offers a unique panoramic view of the city of Cognac and its surroundings. There, guests can sip cocktails crafted by a team of talented bartenders, all set to the rhythm of a carefully curated playlist.

The highlight: the hotel’s culinary excellence shines through at the Michelin-starred restaurant Les Foudres, led by Chef Mathis Debize, who elevates local ingredients, and at the brasserie La Distillerie, helmed by Chef Fröde Torset. And let’s not forget the 1838, the bar located in the former cooperage, which boasts some 300 cognac varieties and offers an introduction to mixology through cocktail masterclasses.

Hôtel Chais Monnet
105 rooms, including 7 suites; rates starting at 295 euros per night
50 avenue Paul Firino Martell, 16100 Cognac

3. Renaissance Hotel, a hotel with a rooftop in Bordeaux

In Bordeaux’s bustling port district, the Renaissance Hotel—part of the luxury Marriott International group—stands elegantly between the Cité du Vin and the Garonne River. Opened in 2021, this Bordeaux hotel with a pool impresses with its contemporary design and 149 tastefully decorated rooms, blending wood, velvet, and brass. The panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the city. And for fans of vertical adventure, the Renaissance offers a unique experience: open-air urban rock climbing on the walls of its silos, VertiGina.

Speaking of climbing, let’s continue up to the 9th floor, where the hotel’s rooftop, Gina, has become a must-visit spot in the city. At a height of 30 meters, it offers an exceptional panorama that shifts in hue throughout the day. More than just a restaurant or bar, Gina features a pool where you can cool off while enjoying a breathtaking view. The restaurant serves Italian dishes reimagined by Chef Franco Recce using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the bar offers creative cocktails in a sophisticated musical atmosphere.

Bonus: Gina regularly hosts events such as pool parties, concerts, DJ sets, comedy shows, and brunches with a view. This summer, the Saint-Germain brand is showcasing its elderflower liqueur cocktails there, adding a floral and refined touch to the experience.

Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel
149 rooms, including one suite, starting at 198 euros per night
16 rue de Gironde, 33000 Bordeaux

4. Jost Hotel, a hotel with a rooftop in Montpellier

In the heart of Montpellier, the Jost Hotel embodies the revitalization of the Saint-Roch neighborhood. Designed by the architects at Cusy Maraval and Studio Hekla, the hotel features a contemporary aesthetic that reflects the vibrancy of downtown Montpellier, located just steps from the central train station and iconic landmarks such as Place de la Comédie, the Corum, and the Fabre Museum. The rooftop hotel appeals to both travelers looking to explore the city on foot and locals eager to enjoy a drink with a view or compete in karaoke in the dedicated booths.

With its 94 rooms, 2 apartments, and 52 dorms, the Jost Hotel offers a new generation of hospitality, where every detail is designed to enhance the guest experience. The lobby, redesigned to offer a unique atmosphere, along with the “Gabie” restaurant—with its laid-back vibe and à la carte menu—round out the experience.

The highlight: the rooftop isn’t just a vantage point overlooking the Écusson, Sainte-Anne Cathedral, or even the sea—it’s a true living space where the atmosphere changes throughout the day. The bar serves creative cocktails, and the pool invites you to relax under the Mediterranean sun.

Jost Hotel
137 rooms starting at 78 euros per night
50 Rue Isabelle Eberhardt, 34000 Montpellier

5. San Carlu, a hotel with a rooftop in Ajaccio

Located in the heart of Ajaccio’s old town, this former Corsican hotel from the 1970s—built on the ruins of Napoleon’s wet nurse’s house—underwent two years of renovations before unveiling its brand-new look. Now, 35 luxurious rooms exuding a cozy atmosphere welcome you. Solid hardwood floors, walls adorned with decorative moldings, and oversized seating in shades of chocolate and gold were designed by Carole Ottavy, the hotel’s owner. On the top floor of the hotel, which features a rooftop, the building now boasts a brand-new terrace from which to admire one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Ajaccio Bay. Carl’s, the hotel’s restaurant—also located on the rooftop—offers refined cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean.

The bonus: right across from the citadel’s ramparts and just a stone’s throw from the old Tino Rossi Port, the hotel in Corsica serves as the ideal base for those wishing to explore the Imperial City on foot. A great deal for Corsican residents: the San Carlu offers them a 10% discount.

Hotel San Carlu
35 rooms, including 2 suites; rates starting at 93 euros per night
8 Boulevard Daniele Casanova, 20000 Ajaccio