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French Riviera stays I’d save!

15 items

Jeannine Rey

I love the South of France and visit at least twice a year. Here is my curated edit of beautiful places to stay along the Côte d’Azur, without defaulting to the obvious palace hotels. Think smaller boutique stays, hidden gems, sea views, historic hou...

Some are more elevated, some are surprisingly reasonable, but every one has something that makes it worth saving. This is the French Riviera for people who want somewhere special, stylish and full of character.

Map

The art lover’s Côte d’Azur stay. More like a beautifully curated private estate than a conventional hotel, with art throughout, pools, gardens and Saint-Paul-de-Vence just down the road. One of those places where the hotel itself becomes part of the...

Best for: interiors / art / romantic trip.

TOILE BLANCHE

I’ve actually stayed here and would recommend it for the view alone. High above the Mediterranean between Nice and Monaco, with an infinity pool, spa and those ridiculous Èze sea views. It gives you the Côte d’Azur feeling without needing to stay at ...

Best for: Èze + Monaco / sea views / spa.

LES TERRASSES D'EZE

One for people who want the quieter end of the Riviera. A beautiful villa hotel in Menton, just behind the sea, with a pool and classic Côte d’Azur architecture. You’re also perfectly placed for Monaco and even popping across the border into Italy.

Best for: couples / Menton / Monaco without Monaco prices.

VILLA GENESIS

Nice, but not the obvious grand hotel. Colourful rooms, vintage furniture, art everywhere and a much younger Riviera feel. This is the one I’d save if you want somewhere stylish but still want to spend most of your day actually exploring Nice.

Best for: girls’ trips / younger couples / city break.

HOTEL AMOUR NICE

For something with actual history rather than manufactured “Riviera style.” A tiny château built into the medieval walls of Haut-de-Cagnes, above the coast. Stone streets outside, Mediterranean views and rooms inspired by artists who lived and worked...

Best for: romantic weekend / medieval village / something different.

CHÂTEAU LE CAGNARD

A very small Antibes-area find that still feels under the radar. Contemporary, polished and right in Juan-les-Pins, so you get beach access and Antibes without staying in a huge resort.

Best for: beach trip / restaurants / short stay.

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

My Cannes alternative to the big Croisette hotels. Modern, clean and design-led, but tucked closer to Le Suquet rather than feeling like you're sleeping inside the Cannes Film Festival.

Best for: Cannes / design / couples.

HÔTEL & SPA BELLE PLAGE - Cannes

Five rooms. That’s it. A beautifully restored old house hidden in the gardens outside Mougins. If your ideal South of France trip involves breakfast outside, antiques, roses and driving into little villages for dinner, save this one.

Best for: secret-gem factor / slow travel / couples.

LES ROSEES - Mougins

The one I’d choose if I wanted this coastline without staying in Saint-Tropez itself. High above the sea in Rayol-Canadel with beautiful Mediterranean views and a much slower feel than the big-name Riviera towns.

Best for: road trip / sea views / quieter Côte d’Azur.

HÔTEL LA VILLA DOUCE - France/Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer

Saint-Tropez, but hidden in the countryside. A small family estate in Gassin surrounded by vineyards, fruit trees and incredible Mediterranean gardens. This is exactly the sort of place I’d choose over a flashy Saint-Tropez hotel.

Best for: Saint-Tropez access / gardens / private feeling.

DOMAINE LES MÉSANGES - Gassin, France

This is exactly the kind of little Riviera hotel I love finding. Soft neutral interiors, a courtyard pool and views towards the village of Biot. One I’d save for a slower South of France trip, with Antibes nearby when you want a day by the coast.

Best for: couples / village exploring / relaxed Riviera escape.

La Bastide de Biot

Only 18 rooms and suites, a lovely pool and your own balcony or terrace. I’d choose this for mornings spent wandering galleries and little villages, then coming back for an afternoon by the pool. Such a beautiful part of the Côte d’Azur to base yours...

Best for: art lovers / romantic getaway / slow days by the pool.

Les Vergers de Saint Paul

I like the idea of doing Cannes from somewhere a little quieter. Tucked into a garden of olive trees, with just 32 rooms and understated interiors, this would be high on my list for exploring town and having somewhere peaceful to come back to.

Best for: Cannes exploring / couples / a peaceful city base.

La Bastide de l'Oliveraie

This is much closer to my idea of a Saint-Tropez escape. Provençal houses, vineyards, Mediterranean gardens and a pool, with Pampelonne beaches close by. I’d save this for long lunches and lazy beach days. Worth comparing dates, as summer prices can ...

Best for: beach days / Provençal charm / a quieter Saint-Tropez-area stay.

Hôtel La Figuière

The tropical garden is what caught my eye here. An art-filled hotel in Nice with individually decorated rooms and a pool tucked into the greenery. I love somewhere with personality, and I’d take my time choosing a room because they’re all different.

Best for: art lovers / Nice city break / quirky interiors and a garden escape.

Le Windsor, Jungle Art Hotel