Paradise Found: The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in The French Riviera

Nestled along the southeastern coast of France, the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is a captivating and glamorous destination that has been the playground of the rich and famous for decades. This stunning stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea offers an exquisite blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and undeniable elegance. From the glitz and glamour of Cannes to the charming allure of Nice, the French Riviera is a place that beckons travelers with its luxurious charm and breathtaking landscapes. Without further ado, let’s have a look at the best luxury hotels in the French Riviera!

Anantara Plaza (Nice)

The Anantara Plaza in Nice is located in a historic building with a Belle Epoque façade inaugurated in 1848 and completely renovated by award-winning studio David Collins, local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and TBC Interiorismo Studio, in a contemporary style. It has an exceptional location in the heart of the city and luxury shopping nearby, facing the Place Masséna, the Albert 1er Garden and the Promenade des Anglais. From the panoramic roof terrace in the lobby, discover the restaurants and bar, including the SEEN with its sea view. You can also escape to a wellness bubble at the Anantara Spa.

Carlton Cannes (Cannes)

From a sunny break by the swimming pool, bathed in the fragrance of flowers and aromatic herbs growing on the patio, to fitness and wellness centers… each space at Carlton Cannes is dedicated to your well-being, giving rise to a true journey of the senses. While the city-view rooms overlook the beautiful city of cinema, the garden-view rooms and suites reveal the serenity of the new interior patio. From the Croisette, another journey awaits you with a panoramic view over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. With its 3 restaurants, the Grande Dame celebrates culinary art in all its variations. A true ode to Mediterranean gastronomy, excellence only gives way to creativity.

Château de la Messardière (Saint-Tropez)

Offering the promise of total escape, immerse yourself in Provencal life during an idyllic stay at Château de La Messardière. This sumptuous, refined and warm hotel has a stunning view of the Mediterranean and is the ideal place to spend quality time with your family. It’s an exceptional place, an incarnation of serenity with its sublime Valmont Spa, a true refuge dedicated to well-being and relaxation. To refresh yourself, take a dip in our infinity pool, or the new lane-swimming pool nestled among ancient olive trees. This sanctuary tucked away in the restaurant terraces has a beautiful view of Pampelonne Bay. It’s the perfect place to relax, breathe in the Mediterranean air and feel the sun on your face.

Château Eza (Èze)

Château Eza is a stunning 5-star luxury boutique hotel blended into the historic medieval village of Èze, on the Côte d’Azur. The property offers 14 unique rooms with exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea from every suite, as well as from the Michelin-starred restaurant, exclusive event spaces and spectacular bar terraces. Located between the iconic destinations of Nice and Monaco, Château Eza is considered one of the most romantic hotels on the Côte d’Azur. The buildings of Château Eza were constructed over 400 years ago within the medieval city walls of Èze village, still recognizable by its unique composition of several individual homes blended together.

Cheval Blanc (Saint-Tropez)

The Cheval Blanc Hotel, situated in the heart of Saint-Tropez, is a masterpiece of architectural brilliance and tasteful design. This haven of luxury is part of the prestigious Cheval Blanc collection, owned by LVMH Hotel Management. Known for its commitment to unparalleled service and attention to detail, Cheval Blanc Hotel redefines the art of hospitality. The hotel boasts a limited number of exclusive suites, each meticulously designed to provide an intimate and indulgent experience. It also offers an array of dining experiences that tantalize the taste buds and a world-class spa that enhances well-being and restores balance.

Commandery of Peyrassol (Flassans-sur-Issole)

The Commandery of Peyrassol was founded in the 13th century by the Order of the Templars. Located on the foothills of the Maures massif, between the Mediterranean Sea and Verdon, the property has nearly 850 hectares of oaks, olive trees and scrubland which protect at their heart the centuries-old vineyard of great reputation, Château Peyrassol. Owned by Philippe Austruy since 2001, the vineyard produces sublime AOP Côtes de Provence wines. The estate houses its owner’s exceptional collection of contemporary art. The Commanderie de Peyrassol also welcomes visitors for a gourmet meal, a discovery day or a Provençal stay. Without forgetting weddings and seminars which are organized there throughout the year.

Five Seas Hotel (Cannes)

The tone is set from the moment you set foot in Rue Notre Dame. The building’s structure has something of the Eiffel style about it. Iron framework, large picture windows, visible bolts. The Five Seas Hotel lives and breathes the history of architecture. The interior design of the Five Seas Hotel Cannes was entrusted to the architects and designers Pascal Allaman, Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet. It is dedicated to the theme of travel and features many works of art in the bedrooms and suites, as well as in the lobby, restaurant and spa, celebrating contemporary art in all its forms. The hotel’s shared spaces resemble an art gallery where the Cannes sculptor David David exhibits many of his pieces.

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)

With a guestbook signed by everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Winston Churchill and an enviable perch overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the palatial spread of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel has been the epitome of Côte d’Azur chic for more than a century. Today, sumptuous rooms with views from Nice to Monaco, Michelin-starred Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine and a lively pool club keep this landmark hotel at the forefront of Riviera life.

Belles Ribes (Antibes)

The Belles Ribes can be found on the sun-kissed road of the Cap d’Antibes, nestled in a cove by the water with the Lérins Islands and the Estérel mountains as a backdrop. The gentle frenzy of the Roaring Twenties is still felt there with a party atmosphere that is enhanced by an informal elegance. All the Riviera glamour is united in a place where charm, serenity and exclusivity go hand in hand. Also, there’s a cuisine to suit the summer, light and of the best quality Provençal flavors and, of course, a perfectly chilled glass of rosé. The summer mood is ever present whether there’s just the two of you or if you’re in family mode, gathered around sharing platters that are conducive to the best memories.

Le Cap Estel (Èze)

Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, Cap Estel is set right on the sea in a location unique in France. Surrounded on three sides by water, with magnificent panoramic views, it was voted the Best Sea-front Hotel in France in 2011 by the World Travel Awards. A boutique hotel in its own gated estate, set amid lush greenery and beautiful trees, Cap Estel is secluded and discrete, a quiet oasis where you can escape the crowds and enjoy complete rest and privacy. No wonder International celebrities have been coming here for over 50 years to unwind and enjoy its quiet and relaxed elegance.

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