Nestled in the gastronomic greenlands of the Normandy border,
Chateau de Saint Paterne is a luxe yet lived-in family affair. With
stone walls and classic interiors, the hotel comes with a
impressive history; King Henri IV once slept here and you too can
kip in his bedroom. For those seeking more modern amenities, the
chateau’s most modern room – the amber-coloured “chambre des
mystères” – will be better suited. There’s a heated outdoor pool
and each evening owner (and self-taught chef) Charles-Henry de
Valbray prepares an opulent dinner, served at 8PM on the dot. Dress
to match Charles-Henry and his wife Ségolène: bohemian chic.

This beautifully restored 19th-century manor has a working winery and is one of the best stays around, equipped with a heated outdoor infinity pool, modern French restaurant and Cinq Mondes spa. Surrounded by vineyards, it offers the opportunity to discover Languedoc grapes through a tasting session and tour of the estate’s winery. If you’re looking for a bit more privacy, book into one of the manor’s 36 self-catering cottages – with cobbled walls they look like they’ve been plucked straight out of Hansel and Gretel.

The former holiday estate of the late Didier Primat (one of
France’s wealthiest businessmen), Domaine des Etangs is as suave as
you might expect. Expanding over 1000 hectares of forests,
grassland and ponds, the property features seven suites and
bedrooms in the main house as well as four suites in a separate
building. The main draw is the 11th-century chateau with interiors
curated by Isabelle Stanislas; a continuous dialogue runs between
old and new, boldness and simplicity, with antiques and bespoke
creations interspersed with unique objects and original artwork.
Work up an appetite on the impressive elevated tennis court before
heading to the Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner.

This Dutch-owned boutique hotel with modern interiors and surrounded by expansive vineyards is charming as they come. Rooms comprise of criss-crossing wooden beams, velvet chairs and open bathrooms, while a lack of room service coaxes guests into assembling their own wine and cheese plate for an in-room picnic. The surrounding area is famous for wine – particularly pinot noir and chardonnay – so it’s worth taking a tour of the vineyards at Chablis and the underground cellars at Saint-Bris-les-Vineux. The Chateau de la Resle also houses a gallery’s worth of hyper-modern Dutch paintings, sculptures and objets d’art. After taking a self-guided tour, laze by the pool or in the spa’s hammam.

The French heartlands have long provided inspiration for artists
and creatives, and the medieval town of Saint-Paul de Vence is a
particularly whimsical spot. On your drive to the hotel, clock
Matisse’s masterpiece – the Chapelle du Rosaire (Rosary Chapel) –
before rolling up to your new home. Following its 2018 refurb, the
hotel’s rooms, villas and Michelin-starred restaurant, Le
Saint-Martin, have all been given a spruce up; the vibe is
historical charm meets modern traveller. Take in views of the Côte
d’Azur – all the way from Nice to Cannes – from your room while
enjoying a classic vintage alongside on lightly seared langoustine,
French caviar and octopus carpaccio. For a change of scene, head to
Spa Saint-Martin Sisley and breathe in the pine-fresh mountain air.
Opt to have your treatment al-fresco by claiming a gazebo in the
hotel’s beautiful gardens.