The South of France, specifically the French Riviera, boasts beautiful views of the sea, sandy beaches, and towns painted in pastel colors. The iconic red and white candy-style parasols complete the scene, which has served as the setting for numerous Hollywood movies. Visiting this part of France will feel like stepping into a vintage film!
For over 50 years, the French Riviera has been renowned for its luxury and glamour. Popular destinations such as Cannes and St. Tropez offer 5-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a great choice for a summer vacation.
Furthermore, there are many hidden gems and retreats throughout the entire southern region of France. The charming area is full of small coastal towns, medieval villages, and well-preserved vineyards on the hillsides, which all contribute to its appeal.
Our Guest Editors and lovers of the French Riviera gathered their top 8 spots you shouldn’t miss this summer if you want to immerse yourself in this European gem!
Nice
One of the top places to visit in the South of France is Nice, which is the largest city on the French Riviera. If you want to be in the middle of all the action, Nice is an ideal spot for its big city-like atmosphere. It’s a great place for shopping and trying out all sorts of delicious cuisine. When you’re done, take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for some amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea!
Best hotels in Nice
Hotel Le Negresco
One of the most iconic landmarks in Nice, Hotel Le Negresco is a must-visit for its luxurious accommodations, unique interior design, and famous roof terrace offering panoramic views of the city. The hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant La Chantecler serves some of the best French cuisine in the country!
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel
This 5-star hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a modern and stylish place to stay. The property features multiple restaurants and a top-notch spa, including a sauna and fitness center!
Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa
If you wish to stay close to the bustling center of Nice, the Boscolo Hotel is a great choice. The hotel has a charming Belle Époque architectural style and offers several amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and a scenic rooftop terrace. The terrace includes a heated swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
Cannes
If you’re looking for a city experience while visiting Southern France, a must-visit destination is Cannes. The city is renowned for its glitz and glamour and it’s the most famous spot on the French Riviera. It’s a beloved destination for celebrities and is home to the annual Cannes International Film Festival. Additionally, there are many popular beaches and cultural attractions in the area.
Best hotels in Cannes
Hôtel Martinez
Hotel Martinez is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the famous La Croisette Boulevard in Cannes. Guests can enjoy a private beach and dine at the two-Michelin-star La Palme d’Or restaurant, which offers cuisine inspired by cinema and a view of the Croisette. In addition, the hotel’s restaurant Le Jardin du Martinez offers seating on a terrace surrounded by palm and cypress trees. In good weather, 1930s-themed garden parties are hosted at the restaurant.
Carlton Cannes
The hotel, which was built in 1911, has a view of the bay on the Boulevard Croisette. The hotel also has its own private beach, pier, and Belle Epoque façade. It is situated in central Cannes and is located 2625 feet from the Palais des Festivals!
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is situated on La Croisette Boulevard in Cannes and offers stunning Mediterranean Sea views. It is just 361 feet from the Palais des Festivals and the old port. The hotel has various amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, a spa, and a private beach. Guests can indulge in massages and relaxation therapies at the hotel spa, Spa Diane Barrière, which utilizes Biologique Recherche and LIGNE ST BARTH products.
Saint Tropez
If you want to be close to the ocean, Saint Tropez is an excellent choice. It offers some of the best hotels and restaurants in France but in a quieter setting than cities like Nice. This small town on the French Riviera was once a fishing village, now the center of luxury. Plage de Pampelonne, Plage St. Tropez, and Bouillabaisse Beach are some of the most beautiful beaches around and a must-visit while you’re here.
Once you are done with the beach, be sure to check out the town’s hospitality scene and visit the Place des Lices market in the central square. Treat yourself to some traditional French cuisine.
Best hotels in Saint Tropez
Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose
The Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose is situated on the hills of the Côte d’Azur and is just a five-minute drive from Saint Tropez. It provides panoramic views of the bay and the French Riviera’s coastline. The hotel also features a fine dining restaurant called “Club l’Indochine,” which offers gourmet cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. There’s a spa and wellness center on-site, which includes an outdoor and heated 200-square-yard pool that overlooks the bay. Moreover, guests can indulge in a range of luxurious spa treatments for their face and body.
Domaine de l’Astragale
Domaine de l’Astragale is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Saint-Tropez that boasts 4 heated swimming pools and a spacious Mediterranean-style garden. Guests can also enjoy the use of a tennis court. The hotel’s Restaurant de l’Astragale serves a blend of Mediterranean and French cuisine with highlights of Asian and other international flavors.
Mas De Chastelas
The Le Mas De Chastelas hotel is situated on the St Tropez peninsula and boasts a 98-square-foot garden. This 18th-century manor, decorated with art pieces and paintings, has been transformed into a hotel.
Gordes
When you’re traveling to the south of France, make sure to visit the village of Gordes. This ancient village is situated on top of a cliff that is 340 meters high and provides stunning views of the beautiful Luberon Valley.
Gordes, a village with a rebellious spirit, has a vibrant history of overcoming the plague, earthquakes, and bombings. The locals, referred to as Gordians, have a reputation for rebelliousness, having ignited medieval invasions and supported Resistance fighters during World War Two. This little place is perfect for soaking up some regional culture!
Hotel Les Bories & Spa
Les Bories & Spa is situated a short 5-minute drive from the heart of Gordes. The property spans across an 8-hectare estate with a beautiful landscape of olive trees, cypresses, oaks, and lavender, all of which you can admire from the hotel’s vantage points. Among the amenities, you’ll find a 66-foot x 66-foot heated outdoor pool and tennis courts. Additionally, the hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant and bistro, where you can indulge in meals made using the region’s best seasonal produce by chef Gregory Mirer.
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide is situated in the hilltop village of Gordes and boasts 18th-century décor and multiple terraces and hanging gardens that provide breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley. Guests can enjoy the Sisley Paris Spa, which features a fitness center, four treatment rooms, and an indoor swimming pool. The garden also houses an outdoor pool with a sun deck that offers unrestricted views of the valley.
Le Petit Palais D’Aglae
Le Petit Palais D’Aglaé is a hotel in Gordes, located 30 miles away from Avignon. The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a sun terrace, and a luxury spa with massages, a hot tub, and an infra-red cabin.
Marseille
Marseille, located on the Gulf de Lyon, is the oldest city in Southern France, and indeed, the entire country. It is the second largest city after Paris and has a unique combination of African and French culture. Marseille has been a trading hotspot and port hub since 600 BC, making it an ideal destination to experience history and ancient culture in the South of France.
To fully enjoy Marseille’s seafood scene and top attractions, we recommend staying for at least three days. Don’t miss a day trip to Chateau d’If, which was made famous by Alexander Dumas in his novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.”!
Best hotels in Marseille
Sofitel Marseille
Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port is a high-end hotel located right by the river. Guests can enjoy free access to the hotel’s spa facilities, including a sauna and hammam. The hotel also features three terraces that offer stunning views of Marseille’s Old Port. Furthermore, guests can dine at Les Trois Forts restaurant, which serves gourmet cuisine and fine wines and champagnes while overlooking the harbor.
Hotel C2
C2 in Marseille is a hotel situated in a 19th-century private mansion called the Pierre Puget Courtyard. The hotel retains its original features, such as marble and parquet floors, columns, bas-relief sculptures, frescoes, and bronze banisters. It has been designed with a minimalist, contemporary twist. Furthermore, guests can avail of the hotel’s specially chartered boat with the beach package, departing from the Vieux Port.
Toulouse
Toulouse, a city located inland along the Spanish border in the south of France, is called “La Ville Rose,” or the “Pink City,” due to the pink bricks used to construct most of its buildings. Despite being France’s fourth largest city after Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, Toulouse can easily be explored on foot. When visiting Toulouse, one will experience authentic France; locals dining in outdoor cafés and students relaxing by the river bring back memories of Paris fifty years ago.
Best hotels in Toulouse
Pullman Toulouse
The five-star Pullman Toulouse Center offers modern and stylish accommodations within walking distance of the city center. The business hotel offers great Wi-Fi, conference rooms, and a 24-hour concierge and driver service!
La Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa
The La Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa is a five-star hotel located in the city center. The property offers a range of luxurious facilities, such as an on-site spa with signature treatments, a fitness studio, and a conference room.
Le Grand Balcon Hotel
The 4-star Grand Balcon Hotel is located in the center of Toulouse and boasts a 1930s-style decor and round-the-clock reception. In addition, the hotel provides guests with access to a fitness center, spa treatments, and an outdoor pool.
Vence
Vence is a peaceful town located around 20 km from Nice, surrounded by the Baous Massif and the Col de Vence. The town is built around a medieval center and features charming, crooked streets lined with medieval houses. The old town walls are still visible and add to the town’s character. Vence has numerous chapels, but the main attraction is the Notre Dame de la Nativité Cathedral, which has served as the seat of bishops over the years.
Best hotels in Vence
Domaine du Mas De Pierre
Domaine du Mas de Pierre is a charming family residence located in the gardens surrounded by olive trees on the hills of Saint-Paul de Vence. You will be welcomed with luxurious Provencal-style accommodation among fountains, gardens, green paths, porches, and gates. The establishment has 9 Provencal-style buildings, including the Bastide des Fleurs, which has 6 new suites and junior suites with butler service. In total, there are 76 luxurious rooms and suites available, each with its own terrace or garden.
Hotel Le Saint Paul
Hotel Le Saint Paul is situated in the heart of Vence’s old town, offering a unique charm and atmosphere. The hotel features 12 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with modern yet traditional comforts.
Arles
Our final recommendation for a must-visit destination in the south of France is Arles. During the Ancient Roman period, it served as a provincial capital and still boasts an array of well-preserved architectural and historical sites today, such as the Arles Amphitheater. Coming to Arles is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a Van Gogh city tour to witness the stunning areas that inspired his masterpieces, attending a performance at the Arles Amphitheater, and exploring the beautiful cloisters at St. Trophime!
Best hotels in Arles
Mas Antonine, Grenouille
The villa Mas Antonine Grenouille is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Arles’ old town. The property features a garden, terrace, and swimming pool.
