It’s no secret that one of the best hotels in the world is the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. But it’s also no secret that even if you’re willing to sacrifice an appendage and have a “B” in your net worth, it’s tough to get a coveted reservation. So, where do you go in France when it looks like the HdC might not happen this summer? We have the list.
Holidays in France are an affair to remember. The joy of experiencing well-aged wine and tasting varieties of cheese is unparalleled. If you are like us – and we know you are – then your go-to place in France is obviously Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. This classy and gorgeous hotel is quite possibly the best hotel experience in the world, so naturally, it is booked six ways to Sunday. which begs the question, where to go when you can’t get to the hotel of your dreams? Don’t worry, we got you sorted.
Hotel: Villa La Coste
Location: Provence
Villa la Coste. Courtesy of Villa la Coste on Facebook.
Villa La Coste is a great option if you’re trying to book a luxury one-of-a-kind stay and the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc isn’t available. You can still enjoy the extravagance of an exclusive getaway but with the bonus of a curated art collection. Artists like Paul Matisse, Damien Hirst, and Ai Weiwei have their works scattered throughout the property.
Another plus is the modern elements, large floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views, and an emphasis on clean whites, to name a few. Other highlights include a private pool, marble bathtubs, and three French restaurants to choose from. But what’s most enticing is their complimentary art and wine tours. What can be better than looking at an original Matisse with a glass of wine produced in your backyard?
Hotel: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Location: Champillon
The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa exceeds the usual hotel accommodations. With the vineyards of Champagne in plain sight, this is the hotel where your wine-country day dreams come to fruition. Set in the very place where your favorite bubbly drink originated, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is a celebration of champagne. We are not exaggerating. There are 200 champagnes, making this the place for a bucket list tasting.
The 47 rooms allow for a quieter stay. The contemporary design has a minimalistic approach so that the valley can take center stage no matter where you are during your stay. The swimming pools, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, and yoga room are complimentary. Of the two French restaurants, Le Royal is Michelin-starred and has a portrait collection of notable Napoleon women. A celebration of women and unlimited selections of champagne – count us in.
Hotel: Abbaye Des Vaux-De-Cernay
Location: Cernay-la-Ville
If you’re still struggling to get Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc out of your head, we get it, it’s hard to snag a reservation for a reason. Abbaye Des Vaux-De-Cernay is the most similar alternative. Just 45 minutes away from Paris, the 900-year-old estate holds onto its history. The hotel has the same luxurious eclectic feel of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc with intricate jewel-toned wallpapers, woodwork, and upholstery.
The vibe- cottage core meets royal extravagance. Each of the four dining areas, has fantastical allure, from the velvety couches and candelabras to the hearty French protein-focused menus. The two bars, down to the teacups, give the space an unparalleled warmth. Complimentary activities will keep boredom away, especially if it’s a family vacation. There is an indoor Kids Club, a cinema, tennis, fishing, and curated team game activities. If you have a competitive spirit and a love for all things whimsical, this one’s a must.
Hotel: Lily of the Valley
Location: La Croix Valmer
Lily of the Valley takes a different approach when it comes to well-being. Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to lounge by the semi-Olympic pool and drink a glass of wine at dinner but worked into a curated regime. So, if you’re trying to lose those last couple of pounds or generally take your health more seriously, they’ll have a program tailored to you.
Don’t compromise on relaxation, instead work it into your day with healthy meals, wellness coaches, and trainers. Access to their classes, personal training, and recovery experts will keep you on track with a sustainable plan even after your stay, much like Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Surrounded by the pristine Cap Lardier terrain and not too far off from Plage de Gigaro beach, Lily of the Valley has perfected “balance” in every sense of the word.
Hotel: La Réserve Hotel and Spa
Location: Paris
Talk about exclusive. La Réserve Hotel And Spa has the same air of intimacy as the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Many guests are regulars, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t room for new frequenters, aka you. And with the rooms right in Paris, you also get eye-popping views of iconic Parisian monuments – hello, Eiffel Tower. But the seclusion of a private mansion with large rooms and a 16-meter pool will have you feeling like you’ve left the city.
Details are not forgotten at La Réserve Hotel And Spa, with elegant moldings, intricate woodwork, and a secret smoke room with 400+ cigars. The high-tech tablet feature in the rooms allows control of lighting, temperature, and TV all in one. But, if food and drinks are your favorite travel experience, then wait until you hear about this mansion’s offerings. Le Gabriel has three Michelin stars in French cuisine, and a meal in The Duc de Morny Library is the definite place to eat amongst 3,000 books (some of which are first editions), plus a wine cellar exclusive to your palate.
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