The South of France has long been associated with luxury. From the glitterati that frequent Saint Tropez in the summer months to the equally glamorous Cannes. Then, of course, there are those beautiful hidden chateaux, deep in the countryside, that are often converted into the best luxury hotels in the South of France.
The best thing about holidaying in the South of France is the wide choice of accommodation on offer for a luxury traveller. Whether you are planning a trip with the family and need plenty of activities and space or you want a property complete with Michelin starred dining, our gurus have compiled a list to suit everybody's needs.
For a rural break
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Hotel Crillon Le Brave is a hilltop hotel in the heart of Provence surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Elegant rooms offer style, views and deep indulgent bath tubs. Expect fine dining on the terrace, drinks by the pool and an indulgent spa. Rural perfection.
- Chateau de Berne is a luxurious five star manor farm-cum-chateau on a 1,500-acre private estate of vineyards, also in Provence. Expect chic elegant rooms, exceptional, Michelin starred french cuisine and wine options (many of which come from the estate). With a glorious spa and infinity pool, this is a truly indulgent French escape.
- The magnificent Château St. Pierre de Serjac (complete with a vineyard) is set amidst 200 acres of rolling Languedoc countryside. Accommodation includes eight rooms, lovingly decorated in a classic French style and 36 self-catering properties. All achingly stylish.
For a private beach
- For some serious glamour Cap Estel is a perfect choice. Located between Nice and Monaco, it's a beautifully converted mansion sitting on a clifftop peninsula. With a gourmet restaurant (Michelin starred), spa, salt-water infinity pool, and its own private beach you will be left wanting for nothing here.
- Hotel Belles Rives is a beautiful coastal property set on the Cap d’Antibes. Art deco rooms boast terraces with spectacular views. With its own private stretch of beach and a range of watersports on offer this is a perfect choice for a spoiling beach break.
For five stars
- For classic French style and a Riviera setting it does not get much better than Château de la Chèvre d’Or. Featuring elegant rooms, an indulgent spa, and a choice of three restaurants; there's hardly a need to leave!
- Les Bories is a sublime five star hotel overlooking the Luberon Valley. Boasting beautiful surrounds, a spoiling spa, and superlative dining. Perfect for a relaxing rural escape.
For foodies
- Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a fairytale property set in the hills above St Paul de Vence. Boasting spectacular sea views and interiors that are perfectly rural-chic. The Michelin starred restaurant is the obvious draw, however, there's that superb spa too. A very attractive stay.
- Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat has all the elegance and glamour one would expect of a luxury French Riviera stay. With wonderful sea views, an infinity pool and a Michelin starred restaurant, this is a tough one to beat.
- La Mirande is an immaculately decorated former Cardinal's mansion in Avignon. The suites have a feel of a bygone era and the acclaimed Michelin starred restaurant draws patrons from far and wide.
- La Bastide de Gordes is perched atop the stunning hillside village of Gordes. Louis XV style rooms exude opulence and luxury, whilst the Sisley Paris spa is divine. Pick this property for the Michelin starred restaurant with magnificent views over the Luberon Valley.
- While Villa Gallici may not have the Michelin star credentials of others on this list, the restaurant here is one of the best in Aix and is reassuringly popular with locals. The hotel itself is flamboyant and fun, surrounded by Florentine gardens and terraces.
- The 19th-century castle with wine estate, Chateau Les Carrasses, has been lovingly turned into a luxurious stay in the Languedoc region. Accommodation ranges from suites to three bed villas with private pools. The food and wine pairing are ever popular as is the Mediterranean Brasserie.
For a wellness retreat
- Lily of the Valley is an exclusive retreat set in an enviable position on the French Riviera. The hotel's bespoke suites feel like private residencies and personally tailored wellness programmes ensure a rejuvenating stay.
For families
- Chateau des Alpilles is a truly magnificent hotel set in beautiful parkland, not far from St Remy de Provence. Comprising of three buildings; the manor, chapel, and farmhouse. With self-contained apartments offered and ample space, this is perfect for those travelling with children.
For Cannes
- Five Seas Hotel offers beautiful rooms, views and superlative food in one of the most luxurious locations in the world. Metres from the beach, yet in the heart of Cannes, this hotel really does have it all. Treatments and massages in Cinq Mondes Spa, delicious food in SeaSens, and a rooftop pool with unbeatable views.
For Nice
- The luxurious Negresco Hotel is centrally located in Nice just a short distance from the beach. Offering a VIP stay with opulently decorated rooms and dining in the spectacular two-Michelin starred Le Chantecler restaurant.
For Saint Tropez
- This property may not be in the heart of Saint Tropez (in fact it is on a hill just outside) but that is exactly Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose's charm. With romantic suites offering spectacular views over the bay, plenty of space, and a luxury spa this is a very alluring stay.
- Simplicity and elegance combine at Muse, a luxury five-star hotel just outside St Tropez. Everything is geared towards relaxation with a spa, a tranquil outdoor pool, a stunning landscaped garden and a superb seafood restaurant.
- Lou Pinet is a luxury hotel occupying a picturesque and tranquil spot set back from the coast. Spacious rooms have a retro-cool feel, the building is centred around a glorious pool, and there's a glamorous restaurant. The epitome of Saint Tropez chic.
If you haven’t found your ideal property on our Guru’s list of 20 of the best luxury hotels in the South of France you could:
