Sweet Dreams: A Selection of Standout Hotels in France

When it comes to finding a place to stay, France is a visitor’s paradise. Enjoy browsing our newest and loveliest accommodation picks…

YOUR COUNTRY CLUB IS CALLING

Picture the scene: you’re in the heart of the majestic French countryside, with undulating oak forests and a perfectly manicured 18-hole golf course laid out before you. You’ve just played the round of your golfing life, and now you’re unwinding with a glass of chilled wine on the bar terrace, before heading back to your stylish holiday home: a luxurious, spacious lodge. Dinner at the resort’s reputed bistro awaits later.

This idyllic image of a French golfing break is what awaits at the famous Souillac Golf and Country Club, just 20 minutes from Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne airport with its direct UK links. Located on the borders of the Lot, Dordogne and Corrèze départements, the resort represents a superb base for exploring some stunning local villages or enjoying the abundant activity options that this lovely part of France offers (such as biking, rambling, horse riding). Or why not just enjoy another round of golf and then relax beside the pool…?
www.souillaccountryclub.co.uk

A SINGULAR STAY

Discreet, ultra-sleek Hôtel Singulier in Bordeaux’s Gambetta district, has a real trump card: the rooftop terrace offering a breathtaking view of the Gironde capital’s cathedral.
hotelsingulierbordeaux.com

REVEL IN GRANDEUR

Located near Revel, at the source of the Canal du Midi, the 18th-century Domaine de Montcausson is a superb events venue but also has five immaculate guest house rooms.
www.domainedemontcausson.fr

GOLDEN TOUCH

Les Cailloux Dorés in Massillargues Attuech, Gard, is a restored farmhouse dating from the 18th century, combining olde-worlde charm and modern decor. Boutique hotel spirit with a Provençal touch.
en.les-cailloux-dores.com

RIVERSIDE RETREAT

Figeac in the Lot is a great short-stay destination. For a cosy, two-star central stay, head to the Hôtel des Bains, beside the Célé river. A range of rooms for all group sizes, plus the option of having a picnic prepared for your sightseeing days out.
www.hoteldesbains.fr/en-GB

EXCEPTIONAL BEAUNE

Beaune has so much to offer, from its beautiful tiled roofs and historic buildings to rich wine heritage. So when visiting this Burgundian gem, why not treat yourself to a sumptuous stay? Le Cep is a bona fide institution here, a five-star hideaway formed from two former private mansions – with their courtyards – that boasts a prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World affiliation. Choose from 62 rooms (including 32 suites), each offering the requisite level of luxury, uniquely decorated and enhanced by antique furnishings. Grand Cru wine tastings, plus dining and spa options, are as haut de gamme as you would expect.
www.hotel-cep-beaune.com/en

COUNTRY LIFE

The Auberge de Gironval in Thin-le-Moutier, Ardennes, is a five-bedroom chambre et table d’hôtes in an old flour mill where home-cooked meals are served in a rustic dining room with a beautiful veranda overlooking the valley.
auberge-de-gironval.eatbu.com

SO NEAR, SO SPA

Take a short hop across the Channel to Brittany for a 100% organic spa break. Ideal for a fitness, health, slimming or beauty themed break in splendid surroundings with sea views.
www.thalazur.fr/carnac

GREEN GLAMOUR

Quelle surprise – this authentically luxurious ‘eco-lodge’ in Paris proves that green can also be glamorous. Wellbeing, relaxation, sustainability are the keywords… along with a sense of space.
www.edenlodgeparis.net/en

DANDY IN DORDOGNE

The world’s most convoluted web address should not deflect from the major appeal of this striking 17th-century hotel, listed as a historical monument.
www.hoteldebouilhacmontignaclascaux.fr

BE THEIR GUEST

Chantal and Jean-Pierre Lesage are your hosts at Le Paddock du Val de Lys in Blessy, a small village in the Pas-de-Calais countryside. Choose from gîtes and guest rooms.
www.lepaddockduvaldelys.fr

HOME FROM HOME

Tucked away in the small village of Lorigné in Poitou Charentes, Le Gîte is a splendid ‘boutique’ three-bedroom gîte that makes a perfect home-from-home for a group of friends or family. Open plan, light-filled lounge-diner, fully fitted kitchen and a heated swimming pool. A great holiday option all-year-round, including for Christmas breaks. www.le-gite79.com

YELLOH WITH ENVY

If you are looking for a family holiday destination guaranteed – 100% guaranteed, that is – to satisfy the little ones’ need for fun and frolics then Yelloh Village in Languedoc cannot come more highly recommended. It ticks all the boxes: beach, pools, play areas and spectacular evening entertainment. Located at Sérignan Plage – with direct access to la plage, which is so welcome – on Hérault’s magnificent Med shore, it provides relaxed yet superbly well-organised campsite holidays. The accommodation is exceptional, staff are super-friendly and there is a raft of great activities and facilities (an organised mini-club, playroom for toddlers, trampoline and playground). Oh, and Mum, Dad, Granny and Grandad needn’t worry – there is a spa pool for adults too. Book via Alfesco Holidays:
www.alfresco-holidays.com

From France Today magazine