6 hotel ideas for a romantic weekend in France or elsewhere

You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to enjoy a romantic break for two. From Nîmes to Saint-Emilion, via the centre of Italy, discover six charming residences where you’ll have the time of your life.

 

Hôtel Imperator Nîmes

 

 

A prestigious Nîmes address par excellence, this hotel has the romantic weekend of your dreams in store. On the one hand, its location means you can visit the major cities of Montpellier and Marseille, discover the Gard region and stroll through the Alpilles. On the other hand, its location in the heart of Nîmes, by the quayside, gives you the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Fans of the hotel, including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Ava Gardner, can testify to this.

 

The Hôtel Imperator Nîmes blends its historic heritage with Art Deco decor in both the public areas and the 54 bedrooms and 7 private houses. When the afternoon sun is too intense, the indoor and outdoor spa pools are there to refresh you.

 

 

The two-star Le Duende restaurant, designed by the emblematic Pierre Gagnaire, completes this escape to the south. Here you can enjoy a sweet onion broth flavoured with vegetal elements or a tuna and veal tartare. The Brasserie L’Impé is more traditional, with comforting dishes and flavours from Provence and the Camargue.

 

Château Hôtel Grand Barrail

 

 

In the heart of Saint-Emilion, near Bordeaux, the five-star Grand Barrail is nestled in a château built in 1902 and set in three hectares of parkland. Here, the vines stretch out on either side of the estate, gently enveloping it to the delight of wine lovers. So it’s hardly surprising that the restaurant, led by Quentin Merlet, boasts an excellent drinks menu. The menu highlights the flavours of the south-west, using seasonal produce. Dishes can be enjoyed in the sublime Mauresque dining room, decorated in a baroque style with coloured stained glass windows and oriental paintings, or in the Grand Salon, with its warm, contemporary ambience.

 

 

As far as accommodation is concerned, there are nine bedrooms in the château, which are distinguished by their princely atmosphere. The other 37 rooms in the annexes are more modern. The programme is ready-made: a morning stroll in the gardens, a picnic in the vineyards at lunchtime, a relaxing interlude in the spa, laps in the pool and cocktails on the terrace when the sun goes down.

 

Château de Théoule

 

 

 

Head for the Côte d’Azur to discover Château de Théoule. This former soap factory, built in 1630, enjoys a waterfront location in Théoule-sur-Mer, on the edge of the Bay of Cannes. The residence is characterised by the contrast between the stone walls and the immaculate façade with its large arches in front of the swimming pool. The 44 keys are divided between the Art Deco Villa, the Château and the Maison des Pêcheurs, and all face the sea. The decor is chic and colourful, with a real French Riviera feel.

 

 

This sunny atmosphere can be found in the bars, lounges and two restaurants, the Mediterranean Le Mareluna and the La Plage Blanche restaurant. These different areas are decorated with velvet upholstered sofas, wicker chairs, large gilded mirrors, herringbone parquet floors and red and white striped tapestries. To relax, head for the private white sand beach and the Éc(h)o spa.

 

Le Couvent des Minimes

 

 

Le Couvent des Minimes, a five-star hotel in the Relais & Châteaux collection, is an ode to the romance of Provence. Located in Mane above Aix-en-Provence, this typical house in the south of France captures all the charm of the region. The song of cicadas, the pine trees around the sublime swimming pool, the luminous beige stone facades, the terrace protected by majestic trees, the gardens with olive trees… You’d think you were in an old love film shot in the Occitanie region.

 

The interior decoration is just as grand. The historic building, which once housed a 17th-century convent of Franciscan nuns, has been preserved with its centuries-old vaults. The Couvent des Minimes enhances this architecture with modern, soft and refined furnishings. 49 keys are available, featuring a refined design based on wood, linen, wicker and natural colours such as beige, brown and olive green.

 

 

The hotel is proud to have been awarded its first Michelin star for its Le Feuillée restaurant by chef and MOF 2023 Louis Gachet. And for authentic, generous dishes, head for the friendly bistro Pamparigouste. The Couvent des Minimes is also renowned for its exceptional 2,500m2 spa. A true immersion in Provençal well-being.

 

The Château de l’Epinay

 

 

What could be better than a Château for a romantic weekend? Not far from Angers, this residence will give you a princely experience, from the entrance to the estate to the authentic restaurant and the royal bedrooms. The walls of this château, which was first built in the 12th century, are partly covered in lush green climbing plants that blend perfectly with the stone. The hotel’s 24 rooms offer a unique and luxurious setting, with a historic atmosphere (fireplace, beams) and a touch of modern elegance.

 

 

The l’Orangerie restaurant is lucky enough to be able to rely on produce from the château’s kitchen garden. Freshness and seasonality guaranteed. After a meal on the terrace, treat yourself to a duo treatment in the spa, housed in the château’s former bakeries.

 

Pieve Aldina Fontenille

 

 

Part of the renowned Domaines de Fontenille collection, Pieve Aldina lies on the wine route between Florence and Siena. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the estate has a strong identity that reflects all the charm of Tuscany. The four houses that make up the estate combine thick exterior walls, imposing wooden frames, tiled roofs and stone porticoes. All nestling in vegetation that smells of Italy, they back onto the church of Santa Maria Novella.

 

The advantage of Pieve Aldina is its privacy. In this countryside, the establishment, which has just twenty or so rooms, brings out the feeling of being alone in an idyllic estate. The property’s simple furnishings highlight the traditional architecture of the area, including frescoes dating back to the 16th century.

 

 

The restaurant, run by chef Niccolo Pini, features local produce such as Pici Freschi pasta and Fiorentina di Chianina beef, as well as characterful ingredients such as truffles and game. Spa treatments, a dip in the pool and a stroll among the cypress trees are all part of a romantic getaway.

 

Read also : THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOTELS WITH SPA IN ALSACE

Featured photo : © Le Couvent des Minimes