From the mountains to the seaside, via verdant estates, these five establishments are a showcase for the French hotel industry. Perfect for an idyllic, romantic weekend with your partner.
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois in Megève
Owned by the Rothschild family, the Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, located in the prestigious ski resort of Megève, has changed manager. Formerly run by the Four Seasons group, the establishment became the seventh hotel managed by Beyond Places, a company owned by the famous family, at the beginning of October. under the impetus of its new operator, and should quickly be snapped up.
Three chalets make up the estate: Ève, Noémie and Alice. These were named in honor of three of Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild’s daughters. The 40 rooms, including eight suites, are everything you’d expect from a mountain chalet. Rough-hewn wood on walls and ceilings, refined furs, checkered carpets, comfortable armchairs to curl up in with a warm plaid… Alpine charm par excellence. We can imagine two in front of the crackling fire, a hot drink in hand.
Three restaurants are part of the five-star concept: the ephemeral “Âme” restaurant by Amélie Darvas, the Taverne du Mont d’Arbois and the Pizzeria de la Taverne. From poetic vegetarian fare to Savoyard brasserie and fish dishes, not forgetting transalpine cuisine, there’s something for every palate. To relax after a gourmet stay and dynamic days in the snow, head to the spa by Suzanne Kaufmann. The mountain becomes the ultimate source of rejuvenation. The heated indoor/outdoor pool facing the peaks is a particular highlight.
The Peninsula Paris
Set course for the City of Light, where romance can be felt in its purest form. In the 16th arrondissement, the Peninsula Paris reflects all the glamour of the capital. This is evident right from the marble lobby, with its distinctive artistic ceiling design that is as organic as it is poetic. The palace houses 200 rooms, including 93 suites, some with rooftop terraces overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Elegance and sobriety reign supreme in this decor stripped of the ostentatious pomp of luxury. This timeless chic is echoed in L’Oiseau Blanc, the two-star restaurant led by chef David Bizet, and the Chinese restaurant Lili. Not to mention the princely Kléber bar and the verdant, covered Kléber terrace for enjoying the Parisian sunshine. The legendary palace also boasts a beautiful spa that combines the art of French well-being with the expertise of Asian medicine.
The domaine de Roncemay
Let’s hit the road to Burgundy! The Domaine de Roncemay, in Chassy near Auxerre, has been part of the landscape since the 19th century. Rich in this history, the property, renovated in 2018, is a resounding success. While the exposed beams and Burgundy stonework have been preserved, the premises have been sublimated by contemporary design and family furnishings. The four-star hotel also boasts a new spa, flooded with light and protected by stone and wood. Five treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a hammam, a sauna and sensory showers will ensure you enjoy a romantic moment worthy of the name. The same goes for the 23 rooms and suites, with their authentic, elegant character, like a charming country house, with headboards woven by a local upholsterer. On the dining front, guests can enjoy Le Roncemay, the gourmet restaurant run by new chefs Virginie Jacquet and Anish Chourey, and Le Sausson, a bistro with a convivial atmosphere. In both settings, the wine selection is finely tuned and immerses us in Burgundy’s vineyards. And in addition to strolls in the gardens, where we recommend you switch off your phone to make the most of a moment in the countryside for two, golf enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the estate boasts a perfectly maintained 18-hole course in the heart of nature.
The Jiva Hill
Not far from Geneva airport, in Crozet, the Jiva Hill has discreetly set itself up in the Haut-Jura regional nature park, where Mont Blanc can be seen. Behind the wooden facades, 50 rooms, including four Jacuzzi lodges, are available for reservation, all with the environment in mind. An ode to well-being, the resort boasts a Nordic spa, one of the finest in eastern France, with sauna, hammam and treatment and sculpting cabins. The indoor and outdoor swimming pools invite you to relax, while the cold bath provides an opportunity to discover Scandinavian culture. The Relais & Châteaux establishment features a gourmet French restaurant and an Italian table. Wine tastings are available in the estate’s cellar, where the stonework lends a truly enveloping ambience. In summer and winter alike, you can take your time strolling around the estate and enjoying the activities on offer, from golf to tennis. An ideal destination to recharge your batteries as a couple, visit the region or spend a romantic weekend in peace and quiet.
L’Agapa
Nestled on the Côte de Granit Rose in Perros Guirec, this hotel facing the sea and the 7-island archipelago is characterized by its glass-and-steel architecture. The 45 rooms and suites, with their sober, meticulous decor, are spread over three buildings: the granite Villa Eden Roc, the Agapa, which looks out over both gardens and the sea, and the Villa Désirade, named after Christopher Columbus’s ship. For dining, chef Steve Carda’s Bélouga offers an exceptional culinary interlude, in a setting enhanced by large bay windows that reveal the sea in a magnetic way. French cuisine and flavors from near and far tantalize the palate, as does the Breton menu. The rooftop bar is the place to be for an intimate drink in the fresh Brittany air. Finally, the hotel’s 400 m2 spa is well known in the region for its heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam and sauna. The Nordic course treatment is a must-try!
See also: Albania, today’s hottest travel destination
Featured photo: © Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois
