While Paris remains a mainstay in romanticised European travel adventures, France’s intimate palace hotels and family-run Relais & Châteaux properties are driving a quiet renaissance in luxury tourism and reimagining the quintessential summer escape. LUXUO goes beyond the Champs-Élysées to spotlight boutique hotels and rural Michelin-starred escapes that cater to luxury travellers seeking a calm retreat beyond Paris’ city bustle.
From Provence to the Loire Valley, this travel guide looks at how French boutique hotels experiment with design and culinary distinction, offering more than the average hotel experience. These destinations offer an all-in-one experience — with château suites overlooking rose gardens, Michelin-starred meals served in antique salons and vineyard walks in the golden light of southern hills — LUXUO explores France through a different lens.
Le Grand Contrôle, the Hotel at the Château de Versailles
Tucked within the storied grounds of the Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle offers guests a rare chance to experience French history from within. Designed in 1681 by Louis XIV’s famed architect — Jules Hardouin-Mansart — the building once served as the residence of the palace’s Finance Controller. Today, it stands as an opulent restoration of 18th-century grandeur. Its period furnishings, ornate fabrics and curated antiques transport guests to the height of the royal court.
Each of the 13 rooms and suites overlooks the Orangery Gardens, with interiors that maintain the hotel’s historic charm alongside the ease of modern-day comfort. Personal butlers attend to every detail while a refined culinary programme led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse ensures a stay is worthy of Versailles itself. From elegant breakfasts to dramatic, candlelit banquets — each dining experience reflects the indulgence of the palace’s golden age.
Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Château beyond regular visiting hours — from early-morning horseback rides in the royal park to private tours of the Hall of Mirrors. The Airelles Spa by Valmont provides a tranquil counterpoint to the grandeur outside with its serene pool and signature treatments. For younger guests, Le Grand Contrôle offers whimsical adventures — pony rides, mermaid swims and playful afternoon teas inspired by Queen Marie Antoinette.
Location: 12 Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine, 78000 Versailles, France
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Les Hauts de Loire Relais & Châteaux
Just two hours from Paris, Les Hauts de Loire is a historic 19th-century residence surrounded by 70 hectares of tranquil woodland, ponds and manicured parkland. Once a noble hunting lodge, the estate has evolved into one of France’s most celebrated countryside escapes. This Relais & Châteaux property reflects the elegance of a true French family home.
Set in the heart of the Loire Valley — often called “the garden of France” — the estate lies amid a region famed for its Renaissance châteaux, UNESCO-listed landscapes and over 70,000 hectares of vineyards producing distinguished wines like Chinon and Vouvray. Guests can unwind in serene rooms, explore wooded trails or relax by the pool. Be it enjoying a quiet morning walk, a game of tennis or a spirited round of pétanque near the lakes, the estate offers a gentle rhythm of living that celebrates the best of the region.
Art remains a vital thread in the property’s identity. Sculptures and installations by contemporary artists are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape — most notably The Great Deer of Les Hauts de Loire by Pierre Yermia, which welcomes guests at the entrance. With its charm, natural beauty and impeccable hospitality, Les Hauts de Loire offers an idyllic escape for couples, families or groups seeking space, culture and culinary excellence just beyond Paris city.
Location: 79 Rue Gilbert Navard, 41150 Veuzain-sur-Loire, France
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Castel Beau Site
Tucked into a serene cove along Brittany’s famed Pink Granite Coast, Castel Beau Site is among the most picturesque addresses in the Côtes d’Armor. Following a restoration, this beloved hotel has reclaimed its place as an elegant seaside retreat — making it the ideal base to explore the region’s raw coastal beauty. Just minutes from Perros-Guirec, Castel Beau Site invites travellers to savour one of France’s most enchanting coastlines.
Only a few hours from Paris by train, the journey brings guests through the quiet charm of Lannion before arriving at the shores of Ploumanac’h — a land steeped in legend, marked by striking pink-hued rock formations and wide ocean views. Originally built in 1928, Castel Beau Site began as a modest guesthouse before being requisitioned during WWII, later serving as a military holiday home. In 2002, it was revived by new ownership and eventually joined the H8 Collection in 2018.
The coastline’s dramatic granite formations — shaped over 300 million years — paint the landscape in soft shades of grey, rose and salmon. One of only three such sites in the world, it offers a compelling backdrop for coastal hikes, boat excursions to the Sept-Îles and restful days by the sea. Castel Beau Site’s unbeatable seafront location, historic charm and immersive setting, offers a rare chance to truly switch off.
Location: 137 Rue Saint-Guirec, 22700 Perros-Guirec, France
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Château de Berne
In the hinterland of Provence — in the heart of 500 hectares of nature, a small road winding through forest and olive groves leads to Château de Berne — a five-star Relais et Châteaux in Provence. The journey begins with the Château’s different wines, all from the 150 hectares of organic vines. It continues with experiences based on nature and a certain idea of the art of living in Provence.
Wine, wellness and the rhythms of Provençal life come together here. The estate’s elegant rooms, private villas, award-winning dining by Michelin-starred chef Louis Rameau and list of activities — that range from spa rituals to cooking classes and vineyard tours — are designed to make every moment reflect the art de vivre of the region.
The hotel’s 34 rooms and villas overlook the surrounding vines, with each space styled to balance rustic charm and contemporary luxury. Meanwhile, the estate’s culinary identity is anchored by Le Jardin de Berne, where locally sourced, seasonal ingredients guide a thoughtful, sustainable menu. For something more casual, guests can opt for the on-site bistro, the Chef’s Table experience or a picnic under the Provençal sun. From immersive wine tastings to moments of stillness at the spa or leisurely countryside walks, Château de Berne invites guests to connect with nature in one of France’s most idyllic regions. The estate also hosts weddings, private events and seminars, offering an intimate alternative to city-based hospitality.
Location: Chemin des Imberts, 83780 Flayosc, France
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Les Prés d’Eugénie
Les Prés d’Eugénie (also known as The Meadows of Eugénie) is a romantic Relais & Châteaux estate that is a sanctuary of haute cuisine and French elegance. At its heart is legendary chef Michel Guérard — a pioneer of nouvelle cuisine — whose three-Michelin-starred restaurant continues to enchant gourmands from around the world. Set within an 18th-century retreat surrounded by rose gardens and mineral-rich thermal springs, the property embodies the art of slow living.
This poetic hideaway was brought to life by Christine and Michel Guérard and is now lovingly stewarded by their daughters Adeline and Eléonore. Each part of the estate — from the herb gardens and centuries-old hot springs to the symphonic kitchens — reflects the family’s heritage. Scattered across lush gardens and historic buildings, the 45 rooms and suites are decorated with antiques and fine art and each space opens out to tranquil views of the estate’s rose and water gardens.
For over 45 years, the gourmet restaurant at Les Prés d’Eugénie has held three Michelin stars — showcasing a longstanding legacy of culinary excellence. Michel Guérard and Hugo Souchet craft menus inspired by the land, combining seasonal ingredients with imaginative techniques. Expect dishes like hearth-roasted lobster, morel-stuffed parcels and airy Béchamel soufflés — all served in the stately Empress Lounges with intuitive service.
For a more rustic take on Gascon tradition, La Ferme aux Grives offers comforting fare in a setting of stone walls and open fireplaces. Here, plump Landes chickens and suckling pigs roast slowly in the hearth, alongside slow-cooked casseroles and truffle-studded mac and cheese. Warm hospitality and generous table d’hôte settings make this countryside inn a favourite for families and friends.
Location: Place de l’Impératrice, 334 Rue René Vielle Vieille, 40320 Eugénie-les-Bains, France
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Chateau Lagrezette
Just under five kilometres from the V86 route, Château Lagrézette is a historic wine estate in southwest France where heritage, architecture and viticulture converge. With a winemaking history stretching back over 500 years, the estate today spans 90 hectares of vineyards across three distinct terroirs, all harvested by hand. At the heart of the winemaking operation is a striking, three-level underground gravity-flow cellar — a marvel of modern engineering built in 1992. Guests are invited to discover the château through curated tastings and wine workshops, offered year-round by reservation. Direct-to-door wine sales and international shipping are also available.
The château itself stands on 12th-century foundations and was rebuilt in the 15th century by Adhémar de Massaut. Originally a medieval fortress perched above the Lot River, it was enhanced in the Renaissance era with elegant architectural details. By the mid-20th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair, but was rescued in 1980 by entrepreneur and art patron Alain Dominique Perrin. His ambitious restoration efforts returned Château Lagrézette to its former glory and earned it classification as a Historic Monument in 1982. Perrin — also known for his work with Cartier and Richemont — remains closely involved with the estate, hosting dinners and sharing wines from his private cellar with guests.
One of the estate’s most remarkable historical figures is Marguerite de Massaut, granddaughter of the château’s original builder and its first female heir. In 1503, she initiated the estate’s earliest recorded harvest. Her stewardship of the property during her husband’s wartime absence earned her the title of “Dame d’Honneur,” a legacy still honoured today through one of the estate’s most prestigious cuvées and commemorated in the castle’s ceremonial fireplace.
Visitors to Lagrézette can choose from a variety of immersive wine experiences from “the discovery Workshop” — offering a one-hour guided tour of the barrel cellar, ending with a tasting of a signature Malbec to the comprehensive — to the Introductory Workshop — offering a floor-by-floor look at the winemaking process from harvest to barrel, concluding with a tasting of the château’s top vintages.
The estate’s wines are rooted in centuries of tradition and terroir. Malbec has been cultivated here since at least the 15th century and under Perrin’s guidance — with oenological input from Michel Rolland — the grape was re-established as the signature of the domaine. Today, the vines stretch across more than 60 hectares in Caillac, producing Malbec, Merlot and Tannat on mineral-rich clay-limestone and siliceous soils. Manual care — including stripping and thinning — ensures that only the most aromatic and high-quality grapes are selected.
The estate also extends to Rocamadour, home to 10 hectares of white varietals including Viognier and Chardonnay. Grown in dense plantings and harvested in the cool hours of early morning, these grapes produce fresh, aromatic wines that have received international acclaim.
Location: Domaine de Lagrézette, 46140 Caillac
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Les Sources de Caudalie
Located in the heart of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards, Les Sources de Caudalie is Bordeaux’s leading luxury hotel and spa. Built to integrate with its natural surroundings, the property offers a comprehensive hospitality experience that focuses on sustainability, regional gastronomy and wellness. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the hotel was recently awarded the European Ecolabel — recognising more than two decades of ongoing work to reduce its ecological footprint.
Les Sources de Caudalie is also home to La Grand’Vigne, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Nicolas Masse. The menu is driven by seasonality and local sourcing, with much of the produce coming directly from the hotel’s vegetable garden or regional partners. On the wellness front, the on-site Vinothérapie Spa — the first of its kind — features treatments developed by Caudalie using grape-derived antioxidants and thermal spring water drawn from 540 metres underground. Facilities include a hammam, jacuzzi, thermal pool and relaxation areas.
The hotel comprises 62 rooms and suites distributed across six buildings inspired by traditional regional architecture. Each space is individually styled with a mix of vintage furnishings and modern touches. For larger groups or families, the property also offers a private lakeside apartment and the nearby Chartreuse de Château le Thil, a separate building with 11 rooms set within a forested park. Guests staying at the Chartreuse de Château le Thil benefit from full access to the main hotel’s facilities. Overall, Les Sources de Caudalie presents a model of sustainable, experience-led luxury hospitality in one of France’s most well-known wine-producing regions.
Location: Smith Haut-Lafitte, 33650 Martillac, France
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Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez is one of the French Riviera’s most exclusive properties, holding the rare Palace distinction and located just steps from the Mediterranean shoreline. Designed as a contemporary homage to the village’s artistic heritage, the hotel integrates a curated gallery space with and a strong emphasis on service. Its design draws from local materials and architectural traditions, reinterpreted through a modern lens to appeal to luxury travellers seeking privacy and hospitality. The property offers a range of rooms and suites, many with views of the sea or pine-shaded gardens and all appointed with bespoke furnishings and subtle nods to the region’s cultural identity.
The hotel’s culinary programme is led by chef Arnaud Donckele, whose approach to Provençal cuisine has earned critical acclaim for its technical refinement and focus on local sourcing. Dining at the Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez is structured around regional produce and seasonal availability. Beyond the kitchen, guests have access to a spa offering tailored wellness treatments, delivered in private rooms overlooking the surrounding pines. The overall experience is supported by a team of trained Ambassadors, whose role is to anticipate guest needs and personalise each stay with discretion. Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez positions itself not only as a leisure destination but also as a benchmark in luxury hospitality on the French Riviera.
Location: Plage de la Bouillabaisse, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
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