Our Little Black Book of Intimate Hotels in France
Sometimes bigger isn’t better. And it’s no different when it comes to hotels during your stay in France. If you’re on the hunt for an exclusive stay for your trip, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite intimate hotel addresses in France. When referring to intimate hotels, we’re referring to establishments with few rooms or a particular boutique approach. Think confidential and reserved experiences from staying in a private floating lodge to having private beach access. Listed by region, here’s our little black book of the most intimate hotels in France.
Our Little Black Book of Intimate Hotels in France
Provence
Villa La Coste
Tucked in the sun-soaked region of Provence, this five-star hotel is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Provençal countryside en toute intimité. Villa La Coste offers 31 villa suites with a third of them boasting their own private pool. You’re just steps away from Château La Coste, a domain with a handful of restaurants, art exhibitions and wine experiences. Along with tasting La Coste’s renowned rosé, we recommend a reservation at its Michelin-starred restaurant under the direction of chef Hélène Darroze.
La Divine Comédie
This guesthouse in Avignon will charm you with its five suites, extensive gardens and spa. This history of La Divine Comédie‘s property dates back the 14th century, but it wasn’t until the 21st century that it was converted into a guesthouse. Thanks to its outdoor pool, sauna and additional spa services, this bed-and-breakfast is the ideal place for some R&R in the heart of Provence.
Le Galinier
Treat yourself to an exclusive stay in the Luberon with a reservation at Le Galinier. This bastide, or Provençal country house, is nestled in Lourmarin, named one of France’s most beautiful villages. Whether enjoying a meal on its terrace or trying your hand at pétanque (the unofficial sport of Provence), relish in the slow pace of village life in Provence at this guesthouse with its private rooms and suites.
French Riviera
Monte-Carlo Beach
A trip to the French Riviera requires a trip to the beach. (Trust us, we’re experts!) Not only will this five-star hotel enchant you with its 40 rooms and suites but also with its private beach access. No need to make a long trek or worry about crowded beaches with a stay at Monte-Carlo Beach. Savor a meal at its Michelin-starred restaurant Elsa Marcel Ravin. If you’re looking for an even more exclusive experience, we recommend a stay in their Diamond Suite, with its private terrace and jacuzzi. The hotel also offers butler and limousine service.
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
For a confidential experience with the French Riviera, Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel allures with its 35 rooms and suites. Book Le Cap Suite for sea views and your own private jacuzzi. When you’re not exploring the darling town of Antibes or nearby Cannes, you’re sure to spend hours at its private beach. Taste some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine with a meal at Les Pêcheurs. Designed by architect Bernard Dubois, the hotel is a marriage between Palm Springs and Mediterranean villas.
Normandy
Hôtel Saint Délis
For travelers looking for an intimate stay in Normandy, look no further than Hôtel Saint Délis. Nestled in Honfleur, the former residence of artist Henri de Saint-Delis was converted into a boutique hotel. The 9 rooms of this adults-only Relais & Châteaux hotel all include hammam steam showers and garden views.
Hôtel Tardif Noble Guesthouse
A stone’s throw from the beaches of Normandy, this 18th century mansion welcomes guests in its 5 rooms and 8 apartments. The furnishings and decor of this guest house in Bayeux will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. Get lost in the historic town of Bayeux by foot, or take a dip in the guest house’s heated pool with cathedral views.
Jardin des Plumes
At first glance, Jardin des Plumes seems more like a princess’ house from a storybook and less like a hotel. It only makes sense as it once was the home of a Parisian engineer in the 1800s before it was transformed into a restaurant and hotel. Nestled in Giverny in the heart of Normandy, this guesthouse offers four rooms and four suites. Taste the craftsmanship of chef David Gallienne at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. We have to warn you that your dish might look too perfect to eat!
Loire Valley
Les Sources de Cheverny
Dive into the beauty and charm of the Loire Valley with a trip to this five-star hotel. Indulge in a stay in one of its 49 rooms and suites. You certainly won’t go hungry during your time at Les Sources de Cheverny. Whether an elegant dinner at its Michelin-starred restaurant or nibbles at its wine bar, find the flavor that suits you. With the region’s castles a stone’s throw away, you’re sure to find your bonheur at the hotel or its surroundings.
Relais de Chambord
For a confidential stay in the Loire Valley, Relais de Chambord has a suite with your name on it. Stay in one of its 55 rooms and suites or indulge in a stay in La Toue du Relais, a riverboat converted into a cozy haven on the Cosson River. Unwind in your private suite with views of Château Chambord and reserve your on-board dining experience.
Château des Grotteaux
For one of the most intimate hotel stays in the Loire Valley, we recommend a trip to Château des Grotteaux. Housed in a 17th century château, its five rooms and suite are an invitation to step back into a different century. This family-run establishment also offers outdoor and tennis court access. Even more, guests are a hop, skip and jump from the forest and bike paths.
Paris
1, Place Vendôme
For an ultra confidential experience in Paris, one of the best names to know is 1, Place Vendôme. With 15 rooms and suites each with a unique theme from pearl to emerald, you’re sure to enjoy a privileged stay in Paris.
JK Place Paris
Located in the 7th arrondissement, this ultra chic boutique hotel boasts 29 rooms and suites. Book at table at its Italian-inspired restaurant Casa Tua. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or a visit to its indoor pool. For travelers in search of an intimate hotel with a prime location in Paris, J.K. Place Paris is the move.
Basque Country
Brindos Lac & Château
You can’t go wrong with a stay in one of its 29 rooms and suites. But the real draw to this five-star hotel is its floating lodge on its private lake near Biarritz. An electric boat will bring you to your luxury lodge with 24/7 room service available.
At French Side Travel, luxury is the name of our game. And for our privacy-minded travelers who prioritize exclusive experiences, we get it. With our list of most intimate hotels in France, we’re sure that these places are just the beginning of an exceptional adventure. Now that we’ve shared our little black book of exclusive hotels, contact a travel designer to help you plan the rest of your trip. You might also like: An Exclusive and Unique Tour of Paris or Luxury Escape to the Loire Valley.