6 French Hotels We Love

The Loire Valley with its hundreds of palatial castles, idyllic landscapes, pretty villages, gastronomy and some of France’s best wines has attracted visitors for years. The Château de Chambord, commissioned by the 25-year-old King François I in the early 16th century to show off the splendour of the French monarchy, is probably the most iconic Loire château. If you want to wake up with stunning views of this fairytale castle, book into the Relais de Chambord which is situated within the château’s expansive estate along the banks of the Cosson river. This sophisticated 55-room hotel now sits withing a modern wing of the castle’s renovated 17th-century stables – expect splashes of colour, elegant modern furnishings and black and white murals depicting the château. Be sure to opt for a room or suite with castle views or, if you want to splash out, La Toue du Relais was once a traditional flat-bottomed riverboat which has been transformed into a luxe suite for two, docked on the river immediately in front of the château’s entrance.

This is the perfect, tranquil place to get away from it all – guests can explore the grounds, meandering along winding cycle paths through the nature reserve and discover the Renaissance charm of the château itself. Enjoy a brasserie summer lunch on the castle-facing terrace and, in the evening, head to fine dining Le Grand Saint-Michel restaurant which showcases traditional French food through its seasonal menus. The hotel also has a Nuxe spa, steam room, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. If you want to venture out, several of the other châteaux of the Loire are within easy reach – Blois, Chenonceau, Cheverny, Chinon, Amboise – and there are several quaint villages to visit too. 

Rates at Relais De Chambord start from £119 per night, room only.

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If you’re after a relaxed stay in the centre of Paris, possibly in August when the city is empty as residents flee for their month-long holiday, La Fantaisie captures the essence of Parisian living. About ten minutes’ taxi ride from the Gare du Nord (perfect if you’re arriving on the Eurostar) and tucked away in the Rue Cadet in the 9th arrondissement, the hotel has a shady, tree-filled courtyard garden (a rarity in a Paris hotel), rooms have Juliet balconies and private terraces, and there’s a chic rooftop bar, all of which make this a tranquil haven from the bustling city, especially in the summer months.

The verdant theme of the garden permeates the flamboyant interiors, the work of renowned Swedish hotel designer Martin Brudnizki. His design plays with botanic maximalism, soft greens mingling with sun-drenched yellows and coral accents, and ceilings blooming with floral frescoes. The floral theme is slightly more restrained in the 63 rooms and ten suites – think bold colours and textures, cane, hessian, petal-like glass, botanical wardrobes, Versailles inspired wallpaper, bespoke furnishings and vibrant marble. The spacious sixth-floor Suite Terrace tops the building and gets our vote as the ultimate urban retreat, with its terrace bordered by wildflowers and with sublime views of the city.

When it comes to eating and drinking, the hotel has a trio of choices. The Restaurant de La Fantaisie with its parquet flooring, floral chairs, conservatory and open kitchen showcases French traditional cuisine with a twist, using seasonal, local ingredients – think seabass carpaccio with lovage gel; razor clams with herbs butter; monkfish medallions with roasted fennel; and ribeye steak, French fries and Béarnaise sauce. The bright and bustling Le Café, which is set at the front of the hotel, attracts both passers-by and hotel guests, and is open for breakfast from 7.30am and for lunch and dinner until 10pm  – here, you can enjoy the likes of country terrines, charcuterie platters, escargots as well as more substantial dishes such as beef tartare with roasted baby potatoes and salmon fillet, pilaf rice and beurre blanc sauce. Finally, ascending to the rooftop, the chi chi Le Bar Sur Le Toit awaits – a jewel box of 1920s-style glamour in a swathe of bold pinks, golds and greens where you can enjoy sublime cocktails and small bites.

In the basement, lies the spa, an expansive sanctuary for holistic well-being and relaxation. The emphasis is on water-based therapies, with a Jacuzzi, mineral water pool, hot and cold baths, a sauna and hammam. You can also discover the Holidermie brand’s holistic, vegan products with a range of face and body treatments. There’s also a fitness room kitted out with stylishly timbered gym equipment. 

Maybe what we love most about this hotel is that every detail is a sensory indulgence: La Fantaisie’s signature floral scent greets guests upon arrival; elevator soundscapes shift from morning birdsong to a symphonic crescendo by evening; the mini bar has thoughtful touches such as a CBD lip balm and tongue scrapers, and turndown gifts include melatonin and CBD gummies.

Rates at La Fantaisie start from £408 per night on a B&B basis. 

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Known as the “Island of Beauty” for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain scenery and pretty villages, Corsica is the Med’s fourth largest island where life moves at a slower pace, especially outside of the main holiday months of July and August. Nestled in the mountain village of Zonza in the rugged Alta Rocca region, this Relais & Châteaux hotel reopened last month after a total refurb by its new owners. The stately early 20th-century residence is set on 50 acres amid ancient chestnut trees and Lebanon cedars and blends Belle Epoque charm with contemporary elegance. The 20 rooms and suites in the main building are light and breezy with diaphanous fabrics and have views of the Aiguilles de Bavella mountain range. Or, for a totally peaceful refuge, you can choose to stay on the edge of the forest in one of the two secluded converted bergeries (sheepfolds) which sleep four. 

The hotel restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and celebrates Corsican flavours – chef Sébastien Chauchat deliberately limits his culinary compositions to three or four ingredients each in order to preserve the pure taste of produce harvested from his vegetable garden. If you’re after some adventure and want to discover Corsica’s wild beauty, you can explore nearby hiking, biking and canyoning routes, including a section of the famed GR20 trail, then return home to unwind in the heated outdoor pool. Or, for something more leisurely, head to one of the many pretty beaches (about 40 minutes away by car) or to chichi Porto-Vecchio with its walled citadel, narrow lanes, upscale restaurants and smart shops. 

Rates at Domaine Le Mouflon D’Or start from £272 per night on a B&B basis.

Visit RelaisChateaux.com