a hotel terrace overlooking the ocean
Photograph: Booking.com
Photograph: Booking.com

The 10 best hotels on the French Riviera

Looking for a dreamy escape to the South of France? Head to the French Riviera for a luxurious trip of a lifetime

Alex Floyd-Douglass
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Hailed as the 'international capital of luxury travel', the French Riviera certainly comes with a healthy price tag if you’re planning a trip here. However, there can be the occasional sweet deal, and naturally, we’ve found them. Don’t be fooled, though – the usual five-star suspects have certainly made this list, but we have found a few affordable gems to throw in for good measure, too. Whether you’re visiting to escape the everyday or looking for a sunny holiday on which to splash the cash, Time Out and the French Riviera have got you covered. Oh, and to keep things interesting, we’ve highlighted one top hotel from 10 stunning locations along the French Riviera, so you’re truly spoilt for choice. A bientôt!

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🏖 See the best places to stay on the French Riviera 
🏨 The best hotels in the South of France
🇫🇷 The best places to visit in France

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Best French Riviera hotels, including the best luxury stays

1. Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, Cassis

Located just under a mile from Cassis, the Hôtel Les Roches Blanches is the ideal offering for those looking for a coastal retreat with easy access to town. Providing guests with a stunning outdoor infinity pool and on-site restaurant (unfortunately, seasonal), this five-star hotel knows exactly how to take care of its guests. Other amenities include a spa and wellness centre, fitness centre and a buffet breakfast served hot every morning. As for the rooms, they’re as blissful as you can imagine – many with sweeping sea views and terraces to boot.  

Pricepoint? Not as pricey as you’d expect. 
Vibe? Five-star luxury.

2. Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose, Saint-Tropez

From fine dining on fresh produce to a luxury spa with all the treatments you could think of, expect five-star treatment from start to finish at the Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose. Combining panoramic views over the French Riviera’s coastline with the convenience of being just a five-minute drive into Saint Tropez, this magnificent hotel is one of a kind. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has private terraces, many of which come with ocean views, as well as a marble bathroom to die for. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but not that you’d need it – the 200-square-metre outdoor heated pool invites you to leave the world behind for a day of bliss in the South of France.  

Pricepoint? Spenny AF – book well in advance.
Vibe? Luxe living.

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3. Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice

Nestled in the heart of Old Nice, the Hôtel du Couvent brings a very unique offering to the French Riviera. The hotel building itself presents a remarkable design with minimalist interiors and stone-washed walls throughout, all surrounded by one hectare of abundant greenery. There are three restaurants on-site, as well as two swimming pools and a spa. The best part of all? The Ancient Roman baths – complete with a 'succession of pools' that increase in temperature. Ready to relax in style? Time to book your trip here.

Pricepoint? Well priced for what’s on offer.
Vibe? Very demure.

4. Domaine Amourella, Lambesc

Searching for an adults-only accommodation on the French Riviera? Look no further. The Domaine Amourella is precisely what you and bae need for a romantic weekend away. This boujie aparthotel offers a great balance between convenience and privacy. You’ve got the choice between a cottage, apartment or a one-bedroom house – all fully furnished and equipped with all you could need for a beautiful break. There’s a fresh continental breakfast served each morning and after brekkie, you can enjoy some great local activities like a morning hike or a lunchtime picnic.

Pricepoint? A great variety of options.
Vibe? Romantic getaway.

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5. Five Seas by Inwood Hotels, Cannes

Blending modern design with world-class service, the Five Seas by Inwood Hotels is a five-star hotel nestled in the city centre of Cannes. From the outdoor heated swimming pool to the rooftop terrace (ideal for a sunset cocktail), this hotel offers guests the opportunity to immerse in local life with panoramic views over the Old Town of Cannes. Rooms are modern and sleek, with all the usual amenities you need, and extra amenities include a hammam and not one but two saunas. And despite being in the heart of the city, you’re just 100 metres from the beach – what more could you ask for? 

Pricepoint? An amazing deal. 
Vibe? Inner city living.

6. Hotel Belle Rives, Juan-les-Pins

Known for its white sandy beaches and fashion-boutique-lined seafront promenade, there’s no doubt Juan-les-Pins is a luxury destination. And if you’re looking for the best place to stay while you’re here, there’s no debate. The Hôtel Belle Rives is the place to be. From ‘gram-worthy photo ops in the beautifully designed guest rooms to the waterfront views over Juan-les-Pins, you’ll feel the luxury experience grab you from the get-go. In addition to its gorgeous design and location, there’s a Fitzgeral piano bar serving up delicious cocktails and a Michelin-starred restaurant (yes, really) on the terrace. Dreamy.

Pricepoint? Surprisingly affordable.
Vibe? Full-blown decadence.

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7. Skylark Bed & Breakfast, Grasse

If you’re more into the self-catering vibe, head to Grasse’s own Skylark Bed & Breakfast where you have the choice of a double room (with breakfast included) or the cottage that has all your self-catering needs. We’d opt for the cottage here as not only is it fully equipped, but it’s also been designed with a very contemporary feel, which is great for a group trip. You’re also an east 15-minute stroll from Old Town, where you can visit the Perfume Museum and find your own unique scent. Oh, and the B&B’s location offers sweeping views over Grasse, Antibes and Nice. Very nice, indeed!

Pricepoint? A great deal for Grasse.
Vibe? Home away from home.

8. Hotel Royal-Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The name’s a bit of a giveaway, but the Hotel Royal-Riviera does what it says on the tin. With stunning views over the Med on Cap-Ferrat’s peninsula, this French Riviera hotel is a real winner. From 96 rooms to choose from, the five-star Hotel Royal-Riviera offers guests the perfect balance between a luxurious waterfront hotel and the privacy of a villa. In terms of spoiling yourself, visit the hammam and sauna to unwind, or take a dip in the outdoor heated pool – also overlooking the water’s edge. And if you don’t fancy eating out in the cobblestone streets of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the hotel’s on-site restaurant La Table du Royal, will cook you up a storm. Bon appetit!

Pricepoint? Pricey but worth it.
Vibe? Opulent glamour.

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9. Hotel Napoléon, Menton

If you need a no-frills but super comfortable stay on the French Riviera, visit the little town of Menton and stay at Hotel Napoléon. Located on the seafront, this four-star hotel is within walking distance of the old town if you fancy a mid-morning stroll – or the beach, which is on your doorstep. Rooms are super modern, with bespoke artwork adorning the walls, while some come with balconies overlooking the ocean (we’d recommend booking one of these for the best experience here). Need a cheap and cheerful trip to the South of France? This hotel may just be the one for you. 

Pricepoint? An absolute steal.
Vibe? Modern convenience.

10. Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa, Antibes

While Antibes has gained in popularity in recent years as the yachtie haven of the South of France, it also has a lot to offer visitors beyond its wild nightlife. Take the Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa, for example. It’s a beautifully designed four-star hotel that presents guests with a great variety of amenities – including room service, a stunning terrace with an outdoor pool and a 24-hour front desk – as well as a great location with an easy walk into town and the various local beaches. Oh, and there’s a ‘sensory shower’ at the spa, as well as a winter garden to stroll through at your own leisure. What more could you need, really?

Pricepoint? Meets a range of budgets.
Vibe? Contemporary design.

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