The French Riviera, with its glamorous coastline and sun-drenched landscapes, has long been a magnet for discerning travellers seeking luxury and relaxation. From the star-studded streets of Cannes to the tranquil beauty of Cap d’Antibes, this Mediterranean paradise offers a diverse array of accommodations to suit every taste. Whether you’re drawn to opulent palaces, intimate boutique hotels, or eco-friendly retreats, the Côte d’Azur promises an unforgettable stay amidst its azure waters and pine-scented hills.
Luxurious accommodations in Saint-Tropez: cheval blanc and byblos hotel
Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, now stands as a symbol of Riviera chic. The town’s transformation into a playground for the rich and famous is reflected in its exceptional hotels. Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez, perched on Bouillabaisse Beach, offers an intimate retreat with just 30 rooms and suites. Its understated elegance and Michelin-starred restaurant La Vague d’Or make it a top choice for those seeking exclusivity.
Not to be outdone, the iconic Byblos Hotel has been a Saint-Tropez institution since 1967. This sprawling village-style resort captures the essence of Provençal charm while catering to a jet-set clientele. The hotel’s legendary nightclub, Les Caves du Roy, continues to be the epicentre of Saint-Tropez’s famed nightlife.
The true luxury of Saint-Tropez lies not just in its opulent hotels, but in the way they seamlessly blend with the town’s carefree spirit and natural beauty.
Both Cheval Blanc and Byblos offer guests access to private beaches, ensuring a serene escape from the bustling port. Their concierge services are unparalleled, often securing reservations at the most sought-after restaurants and arranging bespoke experiences like private yacht charters or helicopter tours of the coast.
Cannes’ iconic hotels: carlton intercontinental and majestic barrière
Cannes, synonymous with cinematic glamour, boasts hotels that are stars in their own right. The Carlton Intercontinental, with its striking Belle Époque façade, has been a landmark on La Croisette since 1911. Its guest list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood royalty, and its suites offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
Just a stone’s throw away, the Majestic Barrière stands as another bastion of luxury. Known for its impeccable service and Fouquet’s restaurant, this hotel becomes the epicentre of activity during the Cannes Film Festival. Its private beach and expansive spa provide a sanctuary for guests seeking respite from the glitz and paparazzi.
Both hotels have recently undergone extensive renovations, blending their historic charm with modern amenities. State-of-the-art technology now complements the plush interiors, ensuring that guests enjoy the best of both worlds – timeless elegance and contemporary comfort.
Exclusive resorts in cap d’antibes: hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and cap estel
The Cap d’Antibes peninsula is home to some of the most exclusive resorts on the Riviera. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame’ of the Côte d’Azur, has been welcoming elite guests since 1870. Its clifftop location offers unparalleled views, while its saltwater infinity pool, carved into the rocks, is nothing short of legendary.
For those seeking ultimate privacy, Cap Estel provides an intimate setting with just 28 suites spread across 5 acres of lush gardens. This former private mansion feels more like a secluded estate than a hotel, offering guests a level of discretion that is increasingly rare in today’s world.
Both resorts pride themselves on their exceptional gastronomic offerings. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s Eden-Roc Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Meanwhile, Cap Estel’s La Table de Patrick Raingeard holds a coveted Michelin star, delighting diners with innovative French cuisine.
Monaco’s opulent stays: hotel de paris and hôtel hermitage Monte-Carlo
Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country, is synonymous with luxury and extravagance. The Hotel de Paris, adjacent to the famous Monte Carlo Casino, epitomizes this opulence. Recently renovated, it offers guests a taste of Belle Époque grandeur combined with modern sophistication. Its three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse , is a temple of haute cuisine.
Just steps away, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo presents a more understated elegance. Its Eiffel-designed glass and steel dome is an architectural marvel, while its Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa is one of Europe’s finest wellness centres. The hotel’s Crystal Bar is a favourite among connoisseurs for its rare whiskies and cognacs.
In Monaco, luxury is not just a concept, it’s a way of life. These hotels don’t just accommodate guests; they immerse them in a world of unparalleled refinement and service.
Both hotels offer guests access to the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, a private stretch of coastline where the Riviera’s elite come to see and be seen. The concierge services at these establishments are legendary, capable of fulfilling almost any request, from last-minute Grand Prix tickets to private jet charters.
Charming boutique hotels in nice
Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, offers a delightful contrast to the glitz of Cannes and Monaco. Here, charming boutique hotels provide intimate and often more affordable alternatives to the grand palaces of the coast. These smaller establishments often capture the essence of Nice’s artistic heritage and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
La pérouse: cliffside elegance overlooking baie des anges
Perched on Castle Hill, La Pérouse offers panoramic views of the Baie des Anges and Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais. This boutique hotel seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, with rooms carved into the rocky cliff face. Its secluded terrace and heated outdoor pool provide a tranquil oasis above the bustling city.
La Pérouse’s restaurant, Le Patio, serves refined Provençal cuisine in a romantic garden setting. The hotel’s location, just minutes from the Old Town, makes it an ideal base for exploring Nice’s cultural attractions and vibrant markets.
Hotel negresco: belle époque grandeur on promenade des anglais
While not strictly a boutique hotel, the Negresco deserves mention for its unique character and historical significance. This palatial hotel, instantly recognizable by its pink dome, has been a Nice landmark since 1913. Each of its rooms and suites is individually decorated, showcasing French art from the 14th to the 21st centuries.
The Negresco’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Chantecler, is renowned for its innovative take on classic French cuisine. The hotel’s Bar Le Relais, with its wood panelling and red velvet armchairs, offers a glimpse into the glamorous Riviera of yesteryear.
Villa otero: art deco gem in quartier des musiciens
For those drawn to the aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties, Villa Otero offers a stylish Art Deco experience. Located in the elegant Quartier des Musiciens, this boutique hotel pays homage to the Belle Époque courtesan and actress La Belle Otero. The rooms feature bold geometric patterns, rich fabrics, and vintage-inspired furnishings.
Villa Otero’s honesty bar and cosy lounge areas encourage a convivial atmosphere among guests. Its location, away from the tourist-heavy Promenade, provides a more authentic Nice experience while still being within easy reach of the city’s main attractions.
Hôtel la villa nice victor hugo: contemporary luxury in city centre
Situated in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo offers a contemporary take on Riviera luxury. Its sleek, minimalist design is offset by warm touches like parquet floors and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides stunning views of Nice and the surrounding hills.
The Villa’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Nice’s cultural offerings, from the Musée Matisse to the vibrant Cours Saleya market. After a day of sightseeing, guests can unwind in the hotel’s wellness area, complete with a sauna and hammam.
Eco-friendly accommodations along the côte d’azur
As environmental awareness grows, the French Riviera has seen a rise in eco-friendly accommodations that cater to the conscientious traveller. These establishments prove that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering unique experiences that connect guests with the natural beauty of the region.
Orion tree houses in moulinet: sustainable forest retreats
Nestled in the mountains above Menton, Orion Tree Houses offer a truly unique eco-friendly experience. These elevated cabins, built from locally sourced wood, blend seamlessly into the forest canopy. Solar panels provide electricity, while composting toilets and rainwater collection systems minimize environmental impact.
Guests at Orion can enjoy hiking trails, outdoor yoga sessions, and stargazing from their private terraces. The on-site permaculture garden supplies fresh produce for meals, embodying the farm-to-table concept in its purest form.
La vague de saint paul: Solar-Powered serenity near Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Located just outside the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, La Vague de Saint Paul combines contemporary design with eco-conscious practices. The hotel’s striking modernist architecture houses 50 rooms and suites, all powered by rooftop solar panels. A heat recovery system ensures energy efficiency throughout the property.
La Vague’s restaurant, Au Jardin de la Vague, showcases organic and locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s extensive grounds include an organic kitchen garden and beehives, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Mas de pierre: organic Farm-to-Table experience in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Mas de Pierre offers a luxurious eco-retreat set amidst olive groves and fragrant gardens. This Relais & Châteaux property has implemented numerous green initiatives, including a comprehensive recycling program and the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling.
The hotel’s organic farm supplies its restaurants with fresh produce, herbs, and eggs. Guests can participate in gardening workshops or simply relax in the eco-spa , which uses natural, locally sourced products for its treatments.
Hi hotel eco spa & beach: environmentally conscious urban oasis in nice
In the heart of Nice, Hi Hotel Eco Spa & Beach proves that urban hotels can be both stylish and sustainable. This design-forward property uses eco-friendly materials throughout, from organic cotton linens to low-VOC paints. Energy-efficient lighting and a grey water recycling system further reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint.
Hi Hotel’s rooftop pool offers panoramic views of Nice, while its private beach club on the Promenade des Anglais provides a sustainable seaside experience. The hotel’s organic restaurant and juice bar cater to health-conscious guests, serving locally sourced, plant-based cuisine.
These eco-friendly accommodations along the Côte d’Azur demonstrate that luxury travel can be both indulgent and responsible. By choosing these properties, guests can enjoy the beauty of the French Riviera while minimizing their environmental impact, ensuring that this stunning coastline remains pristine for future generations to enjoy.