8 best places to stay in France
France is bursting with incredible architecture, vibrant culture and amazing scenery, and the best hotels in the country will deliver all three in tandem. If you’re planning a trip to France, your itinerary might include stops in destinations as diverse as Paris, Annecy or Antibes. In order to make the most of your time in France, be sure to choose accommodation worthy of the trip. These amazing places to stay in France represent some of the most unusual, luxurious and spectacular places to stay in all of Europe.
1. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
If you want to stay in a hotel steeped in French history, it is hard to imagine anything more fitting than the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris. The hotel was once a home of the Bonaparte family, and the luxurious environment is certainly something Napoleon himself would approve of. Oddly enough, his grandnephew, Prince Bonaparte, did not favor the knockout views of the Eiffel Tower, which today the hotel is most famous for. The Shangri-La is just a minute’s walk from a major metro station, but guests may never want to leave the premises thanks to a spectacular French eatery, a casual Cantonese dining room and marble bathrooms with heated floors.
2. Hotel Le Moulin du Roc
Exclusive and private, the Hotel Le Moulin du Roc is a spectacular retreat only minutes from the greenery and solitude of the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin. On the banks of the Dronne Rive, this former mill dating back to the 17th century has just 15 rooms, which means that guests can expect privacy. Four-poster beds, wooden beams and grand fireplaces are standard, but the grounds are really where the Hotel Le Moulin du Roc stands out. Guests will have access to pools and tennis courts, and a cigar lounge, a bar, a restaurant and even cooking classes to master the regional French cuisine.
3. Chateau Eza Eze
Perched on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and just a few miles from Monaco, the Château Eza dazzles guests and travelers alike. At nearly 400 years old, the structure is steeped in history, but the rooms are absolutely modern thanks to features like wireless Internet access and flat-screen televisions. Many of the rooms boast their original stone walls, and some offer spectacular ocean views. Perhaps the biggest talking point in the Château Eza is the restaurant, which is walled in glass and overlooks the water of the Mediterranean Sea below.
4. L'Imperial Palace, Annecy
See the Belle Epoque style brought to life at L’Imperial Palace, a grand hotel built in 1913. Overlooking the Lac d’Annecy, this hotel is a stunning retreat that gets you away from city life and steeps you in waterfront living and lush green views. Many of the rooms boast private balconies to maximize the location and the scenery. If you grow weary of the landscape and the outdoor recreation, L’Imperial Palace Hotel is home to a vibrant casino where gambling and nightlife can be a staple of every guest’s stay.
5. Carlton Hotel, Cannes
Cannes is known for its annual film festival, and entertainment industry professionals have certainly been known to stay at the InterContinental Carlton Hotel while visiting the area. The Carlton Hotel overlooks the Bay of Cannes, and many rooms have direct views of the water below. A private beach beckons for a refreshing swim, and it is not unusual to spot celebrities or even royals sipping cocktails or champagne in the swanky lobby bar of the hotel.
6. Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris
If you’re planning a visit to Paris and you want to the best of absolutely everything, then the Hotel Plaza Athenee may be ideal. Foodies will be delighted to discover that the hotel is home to four renowned restaurants, one from by famed chef Alain Ducasse, as well as a trendy cocktail bar. The hotel was opened in 1913, and ever since it has been the retreat for the wealthy and famous. This is French style at its very best, from charming ivy-climbed walls, to the red umbrellas of the Cour Jardin courtyard and a location just a short stroll from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
7. Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Antibes
One of the most desirable destinations on the French Riviera is Antibes, and one of the most desirable places to stay in Antibes is the Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc. Located right on the water’s edge and boasting a private beach, this 19th century hotel is the epitome of old French glamour. The decor is traditional French country in style, and some suites offer private seafront balconies, butler service and even private villas. You’ll love the resort feel, the amenities, the tennis courts, the pools and the quick walk to the stunning vantage point of Cap d’Antibes.
8. Chateau Grand Barrail
Staying at the Chateau Grand Barrail is like staying overnight in your very own castle. Built in the 19th century, the Chateau Grand Barrail is a beautifully refurbished palatial hotel with ornate decor and luxurious touches. The hotel is located in a sprawling green park, allowing for private walks and 360-degree views of the structure. You’ll love that the Chateau Grand Barrail boasts a world-class spa facility, a heated outdoor swimming pool that can be used year-round and an incredible dining room decorated with stained glass windows.
Source Touropia