Combining the beauty of its Mediterranean landscapes, the elegance of the French art of living, and a relaxed Southern European atmosphere, the French Riviera has established itself as one of the world’s most renowned vacation destinations since the late 19th centurye century. Among the myriad luxury hotels that line its streets (a quarter of France’s 5-star hotels are located on the French Riviera), we’ve selected six of the most beautiful hotels on the French Riviera, each offering a variety of amenities—from private beaches to top-notch gourmet restaurants and stunning swimming pools overlooking the Mediterranean.
Discover the Club Travellers Society : Up to 25% off the finest hotels
1. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
It is undoubtedly one of the jewels among the Hotels on the French Riviera, if not the most beautiful hotel. Located on the highly exclusive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula between Nice and Monaco—famous for its sumptuous villas—this Belle Époque palace opened in 1908 and instantly established itself as one of the most beautiful hotels on the Riviera.
More than a century later, the building, officially designated as « Palace » (only 30 hotels in France can boast this distinction) continues to embody the pinnacle of French luxury thanks to its exceptional features, starting with its 7-hectare estate—a true oasis of greenery—located at the tip of Cap Ferrat. The light-filled interiors, designed by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (Four Seasons George V in Paris, St. Regis Rome…), contrast with the deep blue of the Mediterranean, over which the hotel offers breathtaking views. Other highlights of the hotel, which has operated under the Four Seasons banner since 2015, include: 8 suites equipped with large private pools, a state-of-the-art wellness spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Le Cap, led by chef Yoric Tièche), and the legendary Club Dauphin, accessible via a glass-enclosed funicular. Its XXL-sized (33 meters long) infinity seawater pool is quite simply one of the most beautiful pools in the entire Mediterranean.
Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
71 Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Starting at €650 per night during the off-season, expect to pay more than €1,200 per night during the high season.
Discover the Club Travellers Society : Up to 25% off the finest hotels
2. Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez
It’s one of the latest hotels to be making waves in Saint-Tropez. Lou Pinet was opened in 2019 by the up-and-coming Maisons Pariente collection (Crillon-le-Brave Hotel in Provence, Le Coucou in Méribel…). Set apart from the heart of the village but within walking distance of Place des Lices (about a 10-minute walk), this 5-star boutique hotel pays homage to the 1960s, which many consider the golden age of this Var village. The hotel features elegant «vintage chic» decor designed by interior architect Charles Zana. For a little pampering, the spa—featuring products from the American brand Tata Harper, renowned for its natural products made on a farm in Vermont—is discreetly tucked away in a «grotto» at the far end of the garden. One of the Spa Hotels in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region the trendiest spots. Finally, when it’s time for dinner, head to the Beefbar. The restaurant, conceived by Riccardo Giraudi in Monaco in the mid-2000s, is making its debut in Saint-Tropez with the same unbeatable concept: offering the world’s finest cuts of meat on its menu, such as the exceptional Kobe beef.
Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez
70 Chemin du Pinet, 83990 Saint-Tropez
Starting at 430€ per night.
Discover the Club Travellers Society : Up to 25% off the finest hotels
3. Tiara Yaktsa Hotel
With just 7 rooms and 14 suites, the Hôtel Tiara Yaktsa—a hidden gem of the French Riviera—cultivates an intimate and romantic atmosphere nestled between the intricate red rock formations of the Esterel Mountains and the picturesque coves of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its proximity to Cannes (less than 20 minutes from the Croisette), this exclusive Relais & Châteaux property instantly captivates guests with its tranquil setting: breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, terraced gardens and private courtyards where you can enjoy a peaceful lunch in the shade of cypress and pine trees. Not to mention the infinity pool and jacuzzi with ocean views. Inside the hotel, built in the 1920s, the rooms feature an exotic and immersive decor, blending Art Deco influences, traditional Provençal style, and Eastern touches. As for the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Or Bleu, led by Chef Alain Montigny (MOF 2004), it offers guests the chance to savor gourmet cuisine while enjoying one of the most beautiful terraces on the Côte.
Tiara Yaktsa Hotel
6 Boulevard de l’Esquillon, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer
Starting at €325 per night.
4. Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
Another gem on the Côte d’Azur, the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel opened in the late 2000s on the site of the Maison des Pêcheurs, a famous restaurant in Cap d’Antibes that had been a favorite haunt of the international elite since the 1950s. Since then, the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel—a 5-star hotel on a human scale (with just 35 rooms)—has hardly needed any advertising to fill up every summer. Regulars—many of whom return year after year—appreciate both the private beach (it’s one of the very few hotels on the French Riviera to feature a landscaped fine-sand beach) and the decidedly contemporary design aesthetic. The polished concrete contrasts with huge floor-to-ceiling windows that let in light and offer unparalleled views of the Mediterranean and the Lérins Islands. The icing on the cake: the gourmet restaurant Les Pêcheurs is the place to be to treat yourself to a Michelin-starred dinner while watching the sunset.
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
10 Boulevard Maréchal Juin, 06160 Antibes
Starting at €250 per night.
5. Lily of the Valley
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez, in the hills of Croix-Valmer on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, Lily of the Valley opened its doors in the summer of 2019, helping to stylishly redefine luxury hospitality on the French Riviera. For one thing, behind the decor of this contemporary 5-star hotel a style inspired by design superstar Philippe Starck. Furthermore, despite its «boutique» size (38 rooms and 6 suites with private terraces), Lili of the Valley offers the luxury and amenities of a grand hotel: two swimming pools, two restaurants—including a « From the Garden to the Plate », and no less than 2,000 m2 dedicated to wellness, with a fitness center, a holistic spa, and customized programs. These world-class amenities allow the resort to offer the very best in wellness: this is a Wellness and Fitness Hotel truly exceptional. To take a dip in the clear waters of the Mediterranean, head to Gigaro’s fine-sand beach, one of the most beautiful on the entire Riviera.
Lily of the Valley
Colline Saint-Michel / Gigaro Neighborhood, 83420 La Croix-Valmer
Starting at 650€ per night (900€ per night during peak season).
Discover the Club Travellers Society : Up to 25% off the finest hotels
6. The Beaulieu Reserve
Just a stone’s throw from Nice and a short drive from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, La Réserve de Beaulieu has the air of a Florentine villa. Behind its pink façade, the hotel combines the «grand hotel» spirit with the charm of an intimate retreat. In the 39 rooms and suites, the neoclassical décor designed by the eminent luxury hotel specialist Richard Martinet (Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel de Crillon, The Peninsula Paris…) creates a rare sense of luxury and comfort (antique furniture and plush bedding complement chandeliers and gilded details), serving as a heartfelt tribute to the Côte d’Azur’s glorious past. During the day, guests can enjoy the impressive seawater pool (20 meters by 10) overlooking the Mediterranean, unless they prefer to be pampered at the brand-new Maria Galland Spa. Come evening, guests can take a seat at the Restaurant des Rois. Whether in the grand dining room or on the terrace with its sweeping views, guests can savor the cuisine of Julien Roucheteau. Having arrived in September 2019, the chef—a recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France title, who previously earned two Michelin stars at the Lancaster in Paris—has already elevated the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant to the pinnacle of the Côte d’Azur’s gastronomic scene.
The Beaulieu Reserve
5 Boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Starting at €310 per night.
