10 best hotels to stay in France for a top-notch French experience

France is one of the most visited spots in the world being a perfect mix of family and couple destination. And if you are from India, you would have already dreamed about visiting the wonderful place over a hundred times. But have you also figured where to stay in France? Because we have crafted a list of 10 best hotels in France that will make you fall in love with the country even more. And to put all your dream plans to use? Go Pickyourtrail!

1. Château de Bagnols

Set in the heart of Beaujolais vineyards is the fortified castle of Château de Bagnols. Originally a chateau, Château de Bagnols is a classified historical monument which has seen over 8 centuries of history and is now an esteemed country accommodation in France.

The interiors are decorated keeping in the mind the era of the chateau and it varies from classic to contemporary. Take a look inside and you will find the rooms furnished with antiques and 16th-century frescoes that teleport you to a whole different era. Taste the traditional French cuisine on offer, enjoy the unparalleled views from the terrace and go on a bike excursion to the medieval village of Oingt. The hotel also offers horse riding, hot-air balloon trips, and helicopter tours.

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Surrounded by French style gardens, moats, tower, and vines, Château de Bagnols is one of the best hotels in France.

Where: Le Bourg, 69620 Bagnols, France
What’s special: Medieval architecture, Vintage decor, Fascinating views, Fine dining restaurant, Spa, Swimming pool
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Aquatic Center Nautile

2. Villa Florentine

Housed in a 17th-century villa which was previously a convent, Villa Florentine is a luxury five-star hotel in Lyon that comes with panoramic views of the city. Placed in the timeless location of Vieux Lyon, Villa Florentine breathes of a charming Italian Renaissance architecture that makes it hard to blink.

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Savour the taste of a delicious French cuisine on the outdoor terrace, go explore the wonderful gems around Vieux Lyon, and rejuvenate yourselves in the wellness centre. The rooms in the hotel are chic with wooden flooring. And there is also a heated outdoor pool that comes with excellent views. So you don’t have to worry about taking a plunge even in the winter.

Where: 25 Montée Saint-Barthélémy, 69005 Lyon, France
What’s special: Prime location, Excellent views, Italian architecture, Great food, heated outdoor pool, Wellness centre, Conference room
Who’s it for: Couples, Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Lyon Cathedral, Place Bellecour, River Saone

3. Château Eze

Tucked away in the serene location of Eze, inside a 400-year-old Chateau is the lavish boutique hotel of Château Eze. Former residence of a Swedish Prince, Château Eze is now one of the best hotels in France. Uniquely designed like a castle, the hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic landscape in the backdrop makes it an instant sell.

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The hotel boasts of 14 suites and rooms each uniquely designed to stand out from the rest. Try out the interesting cocktails and the snacks on the terrace as you admire the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The enchanting location of Cote d’Azur and the sun-kissed horizon adds to the charm of the hotel.

Where: Rue de la Pise, 06360 Eze Village, France
What’s special: Architecture, Hilltop location, Views,
Who’s it for: Families, Couples
Attractions nearby: Parfumerie Fragonard – The Laboratory Plant Eze, Nietzsche’s Footpath

4. Villa Lara Hotel

Located in close distance to the famous museums, offering amazing views of the Bayeux Cathedral is the upscale 4-star accommodation of Villa Lara Hotel. Perched on a cliff in the midst of lemon groves and bright bougainvillaea, the hotel is all about elegance. The rooms are traditionally designed in varied colour schemes and carry the furnishings from the famous French cabinet maker Moissonnier.

Treat your taste buds to a hearty breakfast that consists of fresh pastries and hot coffee, lose yourselves to the incredible views, and grab a drink at the empire style bar. Come night & Villa Lara Hotel glows with light. The sight is just incomparable & is a testimony to its beauty.

Where: 6 Place de Québec, 14400 Bayeux, France
What’s special: Elegant architecture, Views, Accessibility to attractions, Breakfast
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, Museum of the battle of Normandy, Bayeux Cathedral

5. Shangri-La hotel

So you walk along the tree-lined Avenue d’Iéna and you are awestruck by this building. You wonder what it could possibly be within the classic facade. Say hello to the legendary Shangri-La hotel. Once home to Napolean Bonaparte’s grandnephew Roland Bonaparte, the princely residence is now an exquisite 5-star hotel that you shouldn’t miss out on your trip. Take a step inside and you will understand the significance.

Carrying a European-Asian vibe, everything inside Shangri-La is crafted with utmost detail to make sure not even a single tourist feels left out. Dine in one of the 2 Michelin starred restaurants, unwind in the spa, catch a romantic sunrise/sunset from the terrace, and enjoy a pool game in the remarkable billiard room that comes with a fireplace. A stay in Shangri-La is a memory to remember forever!

Where: 10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
What’s special: Location, Sunrise/sunset views, Michelin restaurants, Spa, Indoor pool
Who’s it for: Business travellers, Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Eiffel Tower, River Seine, Champs-Elysées, Quai Branly Museum

6. Four Seasons Hotel George V

Sitting inside an original 1982 art deco building, Four Seasons Hotel George V is a luxurious 5-star hotel styled after Louis XVI. Your first interaction with the hotel will be the neatly decorated flowers that immediately lighten up your mood. Proceed a little further and you will spot the exemplary art collection along with the fine dining restaurants that bask in a lovely sunlight on a clear morning.

Go on a gastronomical journey tasting the mouth-watering delicacies from the renowned restaurants in place, explore the whimsical streets of Paris getting close to the world-class monuments, and ogle at the unparalleled views from the terrace. For a delightful stay in the city of lights, Four Season hotel is the place to go.

Where: 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
What’s special: Multi-cuisine restaurants, Location, Decor, Views
Who’s it for: Couples, Families, Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Champs-Élysees, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral

7. Hôtel La Pérouse

Placed on top of the Castle Hill overlooking the Bay of Angels is the 4-star luxury boutique accommodation of Hôtel La Pérouse. The location is so wonderfully perfect that you will be willing to stay here regardless of the price. What’s so special about the location? You ask. While Hôtel La Pérouse is so private, it is accessible as well.

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The rooms in the hotel are modern with a Mediterranean flair and the marble flooring elevates the overall feel of the place. Take a dip in the private beach of Castel which is very close by, enjoy every bit of the sumptuous provencal cuisine by your balcony, and let your stress out on a healing sauna session. Hôtel La Pérouse is definitely one of the hidden treasures in France.

Where: 11 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France
What’s special: Incredible location, Views, Sauna, Hot Pool, Solarium
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Cours Saleya, Nice Opera house, Castle Hill, Old Town

8. Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port MGallery by Sofitel

Operating since 1816, the 19th-century accommodation of Grand Hotel Beauvau is the first hotel to be open in the city of Marseilles. Imagine staying in the first ever hotel in Marseilles. The thought itself is amazing. While the legendary hotel has been renovated from time to time, the timeless aura still remains intact and it is up to you to experience it to the fullest.

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Decorated with vintage furniture, the suites and the rooms carry a blend of modern and traditional ambience. Toast to the fascinating views of the Vieux port, browse through the travel diaries showcased in the library and take a stroll in the night discovering Marseille at your own pace. Grand Hotel Beauvau is pure luxury.

Where: 4 Rue Beauvau, 13001 Marseille, France
What’s special: Location, Views, Decor
Who’s it for: Families, Couples
Attractions nearby: Notre-Dame de la Garde, Stade Velodrome, Old Port

9. Le Petit Nice Passedat

Looking for a 5-star property in Nice that comes with excellent views? Head on to Le Petit Nice Passedat. The seafront villa hotel which is just minutes away from the Notre-Dame de la Garde is classy and sports elegant decor. But the highlight of the hotel is that you have unlimited access to the panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea.

And to get the best of the sea views dine in the 3-starred Michelin restaurant. Almost all the rooms and the suites in Le Petit Nice Passedat come with air conditioning and private terraces from where you can gaze at the splendid views all the time. Best way to spend time while in the hotel.

Where: 17 Rue des Braves, 13007 Marseille, France
What’s special: Private terraces, Michelin restaurant, Views, Location
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Planier lighthouse, Old port of Marseille, Notre-Dame de la Garde

10. Hôtel Kyriad Prestige Mérignac

You get down at the Merignac Airport and look around for a good hotel to crash at, what do you see? Hôtel Kyriad Prestige Mérignac. Highly affordable, the hotel with its classic rooms is a great place to stay for short time, especially if you are on a business trip.

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There is an airy bright restaurant that offers buffet-style meals. Not to forget the tasty homemade jams. Wondering what else to do? Plunge into the swimming pool, check out the fitness centre, unwind in the sauna room, grab a drink at the bar, and stargaze from the terrace.

Where: 116 Avenue de Magudas, 33700 Mérignac, France
What’s special: Outdoor, Meeting room, Business centre, Restaurant, Sauna, Minibars
Who’s it for: Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Bordeaux Convention centre, Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux

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