France may be known for its grand châteaux, glittering Riviera resorts, and chic Parisian stays, but some of the country’s most unforgettable experiences lie off the beaten path. Beyond the familiar landmarks, there are tucked-away inns in medieval villages, seaside escapes on quiet stretches of coast, and countryside retreats surrounded by lavender fields or vineyards. These hidden gems offer a more intimate glimpse into French life- places where you can slow down, savor local flavors, and connect with the landscape and culture in a deeper way.
With 44 rooms in a historic building, commissioned by Gaston d’Orléans, brother of King Louis XIII, Fleur de Loire turns hospitality into an art form. Taking design inspiration from a family home, the property boasts a welcoming yet sophisticated feel. Here and there, the décor evokes the natural world and a certain pride in everything the Loire Valley has to offer: it’s the little details which make every stay truly unique.
Nestled within 2,500 forested acres (1,000 hectares), Domaine des Etangs is a magnificent stone château where balance is found through art, nature, and the time-honored traditions of French country living. Built over 700 years ago by the knights of Chasteignier de la Roche-Posay, this storybook castle is a serene retreat devoted to l’art de vivre, past and present. Resting beside the tranquil ponds that inspired its name, the Domaine offers nature-inspired guest rooms, charming farmhouse cottages, the One-Michelin-starred Restaurant Dyades, the award-winning Le Moulin spa, and an art collection woven seamlessly into its landscape—each element embodying the harmony symbolized by its dragonfly emblem.
This French hotel is a 19th-century “place du village” inn at Puligny-Montrachet – one of the world’s most renowned wine destinations. It encompasses the best of COMO: inimitable hospitality, excellent dining and discreet service, which is reflected in its One MICHELIN Key award in 2025. Named to evoke different types of homes in the traditional French village, rooms are designed to be quiet, elegant spaces for peaceful rest each night. The hotel restaurant is helmed by Chef Romain Versino. Every menu is rigorously refined and the result is authentic dishes made with the finest local produce. The sommeliers also gladly recommend wine pairings from an extensive list.
Choosing to stay at La Caserne Chanzy is choosing a unique experience. Why? Because this hotel offers an unparalleled look at Champagne, both the region and the drink. Legends, curiosities, life underground… a chance to experience the story of Reims through different eyes found only in the margins of official histories. What’s more, there’s the location, a former fire station, a picturesque piece of local heritage whose spirit can still be felt in the walls. This building is the beating heart of a town where everything happens. An address which brings everyone together. The sense of immersion is immediate, sophisticated, cultural, and culinary in a land of fantasy, the art of living, and memory. Finally, it is a unique point of view looking at one of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals. Located just in front, it is perfect for private reflection at a moment’s notice, a pleasure for the eyes. A hotel where everything is a surprise to be discovered from the walls to the furniture, from the menu to the spa.