9 Best Hotels in The French Riviera, France

For unforgettable luxury—whether you're a couple seeking romance or you want a family retreat—head to this historical château just 10 minutes from St-Tropez but a world away from its bronzed beach crowds. Set back from the coastline amid 30 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, the property has breathtaking Mediterranean views and guest rooms with private outdoor terraces. Your every need is met with amenities that include three pools, tennis courts, three fabulous restaurants (one by Japanese celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa), and several bars. Tucked away in a lovely corner of the grounds, a recreation area for children ages 4–16 has a cinema, a big kids-only pool, pinball, a pirate play ship, cooking classes, and much more—with all-day attendants so adults can relax on their own.

Perhaps the most opulent of St-Tropez's luxe hangouts, La Résidence de La Pinède—with its balustraded white villa built in 1936—has been transformed into Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, an LVMH property. It’s still the only hotel where you can dip your feet right into the sea from a private waterfront, but French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte refreshed the interiors, with the predominant theme being light. The Guerlain Spa (featuring a snow shower) transforms you with the Glamor Saint-Tropez: three experts provide a facial or body treatment, pedicure, manicure, hair styling, and a beauty makeover in just 90 minutes, leaving more time to linger over dinner at chef Arnaud Donckele’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Vague d'Or (set menu from €360). You're already dropping some serious cash here, so it's worth paying extra for a seaside room where you can lean over the balcony and take in the coastal views.

Now managed by the Four Seasons, this extravagantly expensive hotel at the end of the peninsula has long been the exclusive playground for Hollywood's elite, and it continues to set the standard for discreet Cap-Ferrat luxury, with amenities like Michelin dining and two new private villas (Beauchamp and Clair-Soleil). Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with views of crashing waves and far beyond out to sea. Even the Kids' Clubhouse here outshines the offerings at other area hotels.

Set smack dab on the famous Croissette, facing the Palais des Festivals, a stay at this Grand Dame hotel at any time of year is a high-end pleasure thanks to the classic-contemporary rooms (many with balconies), soaring suites, and unparalleled views of the azure Mediterranean beyond (and during the film festival, ocean-facing rooms give guests front-row views of the iconic red carpet). The hotel’s elegant Fouquet’s restaurant and bar—offshoots of the famous Paris Fouquet’s, a haunt of French movie stars and politicians—adds a touch of film star glamour. Or you can dine on grilled specialties designed by Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco on the hotel’s private beach. There’s also a photogenic outdoor pool, a full-service Diane Barrière spa by the sought-after Parisian brand Biologique Recherche, a private projection room, and a private beach and jetty.

Set at an altitude of 3,000 feet, this four-star Châteaux & Hôtels Collection escape has breathtaking panoramas of La Palud's countryside from the breakfast table, plus plenty of activities for non-hikers. You'll also find the right amount of post-day pampering for the whole family, including a spa and heated pool. Traditional cuisine makes up the daily changing menus (with vegetarian options), and the hotel also opened a second restaurant, Le Styx, in town.

Dating from the 17th century and the only hotel set within Vence's old walls, this former stagecoach inn has been owned by the same family since 1919, and they still go out of their way to make your stay memorable. Upstairs, guest rooms are airy and bright, with drapes, bedspreads, and bureau runners in matching hues de Provence. Some rooms have great views, as does the breakfast terrace. Downstairs, the restaurant—all copper pots and wood trim—has a rustic, frozen-in-amber charm and specializes in roasted meat (the chicken prepared on a spit of vines instead of wood is magnifique); it's very popular, so book well in advance.

Tucked into a residential neighborhood—on the crest between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins and surrounded by greenery and well protected from traffic noise—this cool, cozy inn feels like the 1920s private home it once was. Rooms, decked in bright colors and floral prints, have either views of the garden or the sea. If you are looking for a bargain, book the double room with bathroom in the hallway. The well-maintained (though unheated) swimming pool is a haven if you don't feel liking hiking down to Salis Beach.

In a restored 18th-century house on La Palud's only street, this lovely little complex with a B&B, restaurant, and a sports store is run by charming owners. The rustic, simple rooms include one with a large double bed and another with a double and three singles. A small house is available for larger families or groups. Don't expect a TV, but rooms are furnished with a lot of good books and a CD player. A healthy breakfast (€8) includes homemade jam.

Nestled in the countryside, this resort is larger than Monaco and comes with an impressive roster of amenities—four pools, two world-class 18-hole golf courses, a two-story spa, and four restaurants including Michelin-starred Le Feventia. Each of the hundred or so suites and 3 OTT villas at this Provençal Xanadu is equipped with a private terrace and marble bathrooms that have both a bath and separate shower, complete with exclusive Fragonard toiletries.