Nine Beautiful Hotels In The South Of France

Sun-soaked and sophisticated, the South of France is just the ticket for a summer getaway, whether you're basking in St Tropez or getting a lungful of lavender in Provence. Serving up beautiful beaches, gallery-worthy art and a touch of celebrity, this guide to the region's best hotels will get even seasoned Riviera pilgrims talking.

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Cap‑Estel

Èze, France

Situated on a private peninsula Cap‑Estel offers the ultimate in isolation. Split your time between your bedroom (decorated in seashell-inspired hues), the hotel’s beautiful private beach and saltwater infinity pool. As the clock strikes 8pm, dine at La Table. End your evening at the luxe on-site cinema.

Address

1312 Avenue Raymond Poincaré Èze-Bord-de-Mer 06 360

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Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Antibes, France

Immortalised in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of the French Riviera's most-prized postings. Originally intended as a retreat for writers, this 116-room resort is replete with marble terraces and sweeping curtains. After seeing the room bill, make a quick exit via the carefully placed diving boards which plunge straight into the sea.

Address

Boulevard J. F. Kennedy BP 29 Antibes 06601

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La Colombe d’Or

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

This family-run inn is a gallery come to life. During WWII artists seeking refuge - think Matisse, Picasso - traded their works for accommodation, and today La Colombe d'Or's walls are casually hung with masterpieces. Despite its location, the hotel remains discrete. Yet discretion is overwritten by the large Calder mobile hanging over the swimming pool - a mere taster of La Colombe d'Or museum-worthy collection.

Address

Place du Général de Gaulle Saint-Paul-de-Vence 06570

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Campagne Des Jumeaux

Ramatuelle, France

A laid-back bolthole designed by the architect Rudy Ricciotti, Campagne Des Jumeaux is a simple hideaway plotted in an untamed garden. The B&B’s loft-like interior is rammed with contemporary art while bedrooms are simple: whitewashed walls and Provençal beds. Wander down the lavender-scented garden path to the beach with a croissant in your pocket for breakfast.

Address

450 Chemin des Barraques Ramatuelle 83350

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Hotel Ermitage

Évian-les-Bains, France

With bedrooms designed by the likes of Christian Louboutin and Chloë Sevigny – and their visitors equally starry –the Hotel Ermitage delivers in exclusivity. A hotel with a celebrity seal of approval, everyone from Kate Moss and James Franco have clinked glasses here to one of the prettiest views of the town.

Address

14 Avenue Paul Signac St Tropez 83990

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Villa La Coste

Le Puy-Staine-Réparade, France

In Cézanne's garden you'll find this modern boutique hotel with a minimalist palette - plus rolling vineyards and an André Fu-designed spa. It's all very harmonious at Villa La Coste. Dinner at Le Restaurant is a non-negotiable affair. Dine suspended over water in a glass-walled room and order a medley of smoked salmon and mushroom risotto - the chocolate tart with lemon and ginger sorbet will make you sing.

Address

2750 Route de La Cride, 13610, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France

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Les Roches Rouges

Saint-Raphaël, France

With a Le Corbusier twang to its facade, Les Roches Rouge is luxurious on every level - expect interiors designed by Hugo Sauzay and Charlotte de Tonnac and a swimming pool overlooking the sea. Wake to megawatt sunshine and the sound of waves crashing, then teeter down to enjoy breakfast like you've never tasted before.

Address

90 Boulevard de la 36e Division du Texas 83530 Saint-Raphaël

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La Réserve Ramatuelle

Ramatuelle, France

With olive groves and lavender fields for neighbours, La Réserve Ramatuelle feels positively provincial despite its close proximity to St Tropez. Twelve villas designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte sit next to a manicured garden and private pool by Rémi Tessie, while the Crème de la Mer spa boasts a menu of made-to-measure treatments.

Address

736 Chemin de la Quessine Ramatuelle 83350

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EPI 1959

Ramatuelle, France

The storied (and star-studded) EPI 1959 in Ramatuelle has housed everyone from Sylvester Stallone to Madonna in its 10-cabin compound. Relaunched in 2018, the hotel has an intimate, undone vibe. At the edge of Pampelonne beach – Saint-Tropez’ most iconic three-mile strip of sand – EPI 1959 is prime hotel real estate.

Address

1128 Route de l'Épi 83350 Ramatuelle