Our ideas for romantic getaways for two in France

Romantic hotels on the Côte d'Azur and in Provence

The ultimate romantic hotel: La Mirande in Avignon | A romantic journey back in time

Backing onto the Palais des Papes - one of whose halls inspired its name - La Mirande cultivates the charm and refinement of a former aristocratic family home. Built in the 14th century to accommodate the cardinals of the Council of Vienna, its walls tell the story of several centuries of history, and the sacred destiny of the city of the popes.

But in addition to its heritage roots, the 5-star establishment has now established itself as one of France's most coveted addresses. Completely refurbished by architect Gilles Grégoire and decorator François-Joseph Graf, La Mirande borrows its precepts of elegance from the Age of Enlightenment. In the hotel's common areas, original wood panelling, vintage carpets, period prints and second-hand furniture combine to take visitors on a three-century journey through the history of French decorative arts.

In the rooms and suites, 26 in all, the walls are adorned with printed hangings in a variety of patterns, paying vibrant homage to the indiennes and toiles de Jouy in vogue in the 18th century. There are also carefully concealed modern features, such as invisible televisions integrated into the antique mirrors that adorn the walls.

Last but not least, nothing could sublimate a romantic getaway for two more than a haute couture gastronomic experience at one of the region's finest restaurants. Led by young chef Florent Pietravalle, La Mirande's Michelin-starred restaurant offers endlessly creative cuisine, with an emphasis on local produce. Available in 6 or 9 courses, the tasting menu evolves with the seasons and new arrivals. Highlights include oysters, sublimated by an XO sauce created by the Chef, matured beef aiguillette, which brings out all the authenticity of Aubrac meats, and lisette with peas, worked with pods and morels in a perfect harmony of land and sea.

The chef sources these products from producers within a 150 km radius, many of them organic, and uses them in a zero-waste approach. For example, the bones of excellent fish such as tuna and turbot are dried and infused into juices. This commitment to sustainable cuisine has been rewarded by the Michelin Guide with a green star in 2021, and extends to the hotel's roof, where aromatic herbs grow, and the cellar, where kitchen compost and coffee grounds from Avignon's restaurants serve as a substrate for beautiful mushrooms.

Where is it? Right in the heart of Avignon's historic center. From Paris, it's a 2 hour TGV train ride to Avignon.

What do we like?

• The sophisticated decor, which perfectly captures the spirit of the Age of Enlightenment
• Florent Pietravalle's virtuoso culinary experiments
• The calm of the hotel, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Shall we visit?

• The Palais des Papes, to fully immerse yourself in the city's episcopal heritage
• Notre-Dame-des-Doms cathedral and the English garden of Rocher des Doms, 30 meters above the Rhône
• The Collection Lambert, featuring previously unseen works collected by art dealer Yvon Lambert.

La Mirande
4 Place de L'Amirande, 84000 Avignon
From 375€ per night in a deluxe double room.

Hôtel & Spa du Castellet | Exceptional dining and spa in the Var

Why book? Just 40 minutes from Marseille lies one of the region's finest addresses. The Hôtel & Spa du Castellet is a luxurious Relais & Châteaux establishment, well known to gourmets for its fine dining by chef Fabien Ferré, who sublimates Mediterranean cuisine in his resolutely contemporary restaurant. In the hotel, where you can relax and unwind, classic charm pervades the 43 rooms and suites set in a vast estate with three swimming pools and a multi-award-winning spa.

Where is it? In the commune of Castellet, between Marseille and Toulon. You can get there from either station by transfer provided by the hotel.

What do we like?

• Fabien Ferré's three-star restaurant
• The 6-hole golf course, ideal for both beginners and advanced players in a splendid natural setting
• Three swimming pools and a magnificent new spa with original facilities.

Want to visit?

• The typical Provencal villages of Le Castellet and La Cadière d'Azur
• Hiking in the Sainte-Baume massif, through the Bandol AOC vineyards
• The mythical calanques of Cassis
• The Carmignac Foundation on the island of Porquerolles.

Hôtel & Spa du Castellet
3001 Route des Hauts du Camp, 83330 Le Castellet
From 334€ per night.

Hôtel Crillon Le Brave | Enchanted break in Provence

Why book? Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist season, the Crillon Le Brave hotel is located in the village of the same name, in the heart of the Vaucluse region. The hotel is made up of a dozen old stone houses, featuring 17 rooms and 17 suites, decorated by Maison Pariente's favorite interior designer, Charles Zana. On the culinary side, the bistronomic restaurant La Table du Ventoux showcases the richness of the region's produce, thanks to chef Thomas Lesage.

Where is it? In the village of Crillon-le-Brave, a 30-minute drive from Avignon. From Paris, it's a 2h30 TGV train ride to Avignon.

What do we like?

• The spa, located in the estate's 18th-century stables
• The magnificent swimming pool overlooking the village and facing Mont Ventoux
• The pétanque court, built into the terraces, where you can enjoy the region's most popular sport with family and friends.

Want to visit?

• Provence's markets, always colorful and lively - every village has its own
• The prestigious vineyards around the hotel: Ventoux, Côtes-du-Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape..
• The city of Avignon and other medieval villages steeped in history, which abound in the surrounding area.

Hôtel Crillon Le Brave
Place de l'Eglise, 84410 Crillon-le-Brave
From 346€ per night.

Hôtel Le Prieuré Baumanière | Charm, luxury and gastronomy in Avignon

Why book? With its 14th-century cloister surrounded by lush vegetation, Le Prieuré Baumanière offers a restful stopover for lovers in search of authenticity and gourmet delights. Unaffected by Avignon's tourism, but just a 10-minute bike ride from the city center, the 5-star hotel boasts modern, stylish decor, a curate's garden and a superb outdoor swimming pool. Don't miss chef Christophe Chiavola's Michelin-starred restaurant, offering generous, inspired cuisine. In summer, lunch is served on the terrace overlooking the garden that feeds the kitchens.

Where is it? In Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, 5 minutes by car or bike from the center of Avignon.

What do we like?

• The peace and quiet, the swimming pool, the gardens, the old stones of the historic building and cloister combined with a modern decor
• Close proximity to Avignon
• Christophe Chiavola's Michelin-starred restaurant.

How about a visit?

• Avignon, of course, with its Palais des Papes, Place des Carmes flea market and lively city center
• The Musée Calvet and the Lambert collection, one of the world's most influential art dealers between 1960 and 2010
• Fort Saint-André in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel, for the finest panoramic view of Avignon and the Rhône.

Le Prieuré Baumanière
7 Place du Chapitre, 30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
From 334€ per night.

Romantic hotel in Burgundy

La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa | Gastronomy and well-being in Burgundy

Why book? For couples looking for a romantic, gourmet getaway, with rooms and suites overlooking the Yonne, La Côte Saint-Jacques (a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel) ticks all the boxes for a successful stay for two. The hotel boasts a splendid spa bathed in natural light, with a large heated indoor pool, a solarium and an intimate Jacuzzi overlooking the flowing Yonne...

Where's the hotel? In Joigny (Yonne), in northern Burgundy (1h45 drive from Paris).

What do we like?

• Chef Jean-Michel Lorain's 2-Michelin-star cuisine, with specialties such as Poularde à la vapeur de champagne served whole
• Sommelier Thomas Noble's cellar, one of the finest in Burgundy
• The superb 800-square-metre spa for romantic relaxation.

Want to visit?

• The vineyards of Chablis
• The Burgundian hilltop village of Vézelay (1 hr drive)
• Romanesque abbey church, starting point of the Chemins de Compostelle.

La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa
14 Faubourg de Paris, 89300 Joigny
From 297€ per night.

Romantic hotels and restaurants in the Loire Valley

Fleur de Loire | Christophe Hay's new address

Why book? A country and heritage getaway along the Loire, discovering Blois, the magnificent Château de Chambord, the poetic Chenonceau spanning the Cher, Chaumont... Fleur de Loire is ideally located close to the most beautiful Loire castles, for a romantic getaway in total simplicity. Chef Christophe Hay's 2-Michelin-starred restaurant features freshwater fish caught in the Loire and local produce (caviar, game and Sologne Wagyu beef) enhanced by organic vegetables from the garden.

Where's the place? In Blois (Loir-et-Cher), not far from the Château de Chambord (2 h from Paris by car).

Do we like it?

• Chef Christophe Hay's 2-star Michelin restaurant, one of the finest in the Loire Valley, ideal for an unforgettable romantic dinner
• The sustainable, locavore approach of the chef, who is very committed to these issues
• The proximity of the Loire castles
• The 5-star hotel, ideal for a luxurious stay in the Loire Valley.

Want to visit?

• Château de Chambord, just 15 kilometers away
• The banks of the Loire by bike
• Chenonceau, Blois, Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise...

Fleur de Loire
26 Quai Villebois Mareuil, 41000 Blois
From 179€ per night.