Heading to the French Riviera this autumn? The only way to do it is in style, and thanks to the affluence of this beautiful coastal region of France, you’ll never have to look far to seek out a taste of luxury. From Nice to Monaco, Cannes to Saint Tropez, here you can expect to rub shoulders with the elite as you wander the streets, find yourself surrounded by the rich and famous as you eat dinner, and be blown away by the succession of luxury yachts that line their respective harbours.
Thanks to the French Riviera’s high calibre of visitors, here you will find some of the most luxurious hotels in the country, providing breath-taking views and a range of opulent amenities to make your stay as comfortable as can be. We’ve rounded up five of the most lavish – all you have to do is sit back and relax.
Hotel de Paris – Monaco
Situated next to the infamous Monte Carlo Casino, the Hotel de Paris gives its neighbour’s opulence a run for its money. As you step inside the hotel, it is almost impossible not to feel like royalty, with a grand entranceway giving way to sweeping staircases and plush sofas adorning the length of the foyer. The star of the show, though, is a breath-taking stained-glass panel on the ceiling encompassed by intricate carvings.
The hotel was inspired by the royal Monagasque Grimaldi family, and even features a Princess Grace Diamond Suite which pays tribute to Princess Grace’s legacy and the mark her elegance, refinement, and generosity left on the country. The hotel boasts 3 restaurants, a jazz bar, a ballroom, a wine cellar, pool, fitness room and every other amenity imaginable, making it the ultimate place to base yourself during your stay in the French Riviera.
Le Majestic – Cannes
Nestled on the city’s croissette, just beside the Palais, the Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes is perfectly located for enjoying all the best bits of Cannes. Featuring its own private beach with a pier and loungers, as well as a secluded outdoor pool heated to exactly 27°C every day of the year, Le Majestic also offers a Petit VIP area for children ages 4-12, keeping them occupied so that parents can relax and enjoy the spa. The highlight of this hotel for foodies has got to be the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, La Palme d’Or. Chef Christian Sinicropi’s gastronomical cooking embraces the concept of ‘movements’ by preparing the featured food in three different ways. This restaurant has earned reader recognition and was featured in Elite Traveler‘s Top 100 Restaurants in the World.
Intercontinental Carlton – Cannes (F)
With room prices starting at 540 EUR a night and over 205 hotel locations, the Intercontinental Carlton’s Cannes offering is well located on the Croisette and promises to provide everything you could need for a comfortable stay. In fact, this hotel has perfected the height of luxury, boasting an exclusive beach club and an expansive patio which has the privilege of sweeping views over the coastline – the ideal vantage point from which to indulge in a spot of start spotting over dinner.
This timeless hotel is the epitome of traditional yet modern elegance, and was even featured in the classic Alfred Hitchcock film ‘‘To Catch a Thief’’.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Located on an extended peninsula between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Cap-Ferrat Four Seasons provides spectacular views of the French Riviera coastline. The signature symbol of the hotel is the iconic infinity pool with breath-taking views of the sea. The Four Seasons features a special Pool Suite which gives guests access to their own private infinity pool.
The most glamorous aspect of this hotel is the Villa Rose-Pierre; a 5,920 sq. FT villa which is secluded from the hotel to provide privacy-seeking guests with the utmost in relaxation. Featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two powder rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace, private pool, tennis court, pétanque play, indoor fitness studio, sauna, TV room, a handful of personal staff and an attendant at your disposal 24 hours a day, this is how the stars holiday – so if you’re looking for a real slice of luxury on the French Riviera, then this is your place.
Saint Amour La Tartane – Saint Tropez
A five-minute drive from downtown Saint-Tropez, the five-star Saint Amour La Tartane receives privileges coastal views that you could sit and take in for hours. Designed with well-being and relaxation in mind, it features a spa centre with a heated swimming pool and a treatment room, as well as a variety of other amenities. As an added luxury bonus, this hotel also owns a 26m yacht ready for yacht charter. Moored in the Saint-Tropez harbour, it boasts four bedrooms each with an en-suite bathroom – a truly unique draw that is reason enough in itself for guests to come flocking.
Nestled in the country-side of one of the most prominent regions of France, the Saint Amour provides the ultimate luxury escape.
