Nestled in idyllic, typically French landscapes, wine estates or Provençal landscapes, these five-star hotels promise unique moments. As well as their exceptional setting, the gastronomy, relaxation facilities, sumptuous rooms and on-site experiences are well worth the diversions.
Royal Champagne
The Royal Champagne is the perfect representation of uninhibited luxury. Located less than two hours from the capital and therefore ideal for a weekend close to Paris, this exceptional five-star hotel overlooks the vineyards of the Champagne region. Isolated and calm, the hotel is recognisable by its modern façade and immense panoramic terrace. The 47 rooms and suites, overlooking the listed vineyards, have been elegantly decorated by Sybille de Margerie. Soothed by the setting, you naturally head for the hotel’s immense spa – no less than 1500 m2 – where you can book an expert treatment, before eliminating your toxins in the hammam and sauna. There are also two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor with breathtaking views. On the gastronomic side, the brasserie Le Bellevue and the Michelin-starred restaurant offer tasty dishes and a fine wine list, including some great champagnes from the owners.
Villa la Coste
An icon of the south, just a few kilometres from the village of Le Puy Sainte Réparade, Villa Coste nestles in the heart of a 200-hectare organic vineyard. The 28 suites spread across the estate are sublimely decorated in immaculate white, with contemporary designer furniture. 10 of them have private swimming pools, the height of happiness when the sun heats up on the terrace! In the luxurious spa, you can discover the establishment’s signature rituals, featuring Himalayan salt scrubs and hot mud treatments in the hammams, floatation beds and affusion showers. But Villa la Coste is best known worldwide for its contemporary art centre, which takes at least half a day to visit. Louise Bourgeois, Calder, Le Corbusier, Fernand Léger, Picasso, Tadao Ando, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Damien Hirst and many other major artists exhibit their works around an astonishing circuit that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. After all that effort, you can take advantage of this exceptional venue’s extensive gastronomic offering, including a Michelin-starred restaurant led by top chef Hélène Darroze, a spectacular Argentinian grill by Francis Mallmann, the Italian bistro Vanina and the café-restaurant Tadao Ando…
Chateau de la Messardière, Airelles Saint Tropez
A landmark on the French Riviera, Château de la Messardière is a jewel bearing the Airelles logo and one of the finest hotels in Saint-Tropez. Set in 13 hectares of wooded parkland, surrounded by umbrella pines, cypresses and jasmine, this luxury hotel faces the Bay of Pampelonne. This nineteenth-century château houses 86 discreetly charming rooms with views of the pool, sea, gardens or private whirlpool bath, decorated in pure, natural tones. This enchanting setting extends to the 1,000m2 spa, with its gentle atmosphere. The best part? The open-air gym and sublime grounds. The culinary journey takes place in the restaurants of the five-star hotel, all beautifully decorated and offering Japanese, Peruvian, Mediterranean and Pan-Asian flavours. The swimming pools are a real paradise for lounging in the sun.
Chais Monnet
In Cognac, the Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa is an architectural jewel, combining period buildings and cellars with ultra-modern design. Around a hundred rooms and suites are spread across the four buildings of this iconic 5-star hotel in south-west France. They are simply sumptuous, with classic French chic decor combining wooden beams, upholstered furniture, herringbone parquet flooring and precious textiles. Flats are also available. The immense, modern wellness area is just as enjoyable, with its two pools, indoor and outdoor, and its natural light. The Michelin-starred restaurant Les Foudres, the contemporary brasserie La Distillerie and the jazz bar are housed in hushed, neo-industrial spaces, unless you prefer a rooftop sunset to admire the surrounding countryside. In keeping with the region’s tradition, cognac experiences are offered to guests.
Crillon le Brave
Head for the Vaucluse. This five-star hotel in the south of France is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city every season of the year. The magnificent stone residence hides sumptuous spaces behind its walls, just like a luxurious country house. Each room and suite is unique. Vintage furniture sits alongside meticulously selected antiques. All in a poetic, warm and comfortable atmosphere. It’s impossible to visit Crillon le Brave without trying its restaurant, La Table du Ventoux, an ode to Provence, led by Thomas Lesage. A pocket spa nestles under stone vaults with soft lighting. Here, everything is in place for you to indulge in a setting worthy of the most beautiful southern postcards, or to enjoy a romantic weekend for two.
Read also: Some ideas for luxury spa hotels
Featured photo: © Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
