France is the Goldilocks of beach vacation destinations: it’s not too warm, it’s not too crowded, and the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean aren’t unnecessarily refreshing. Not only that, but while luxury offerings abound, they are never over the top. The same goes for the vibe: it’s chic, but never tacky. Excess isn’t a part of French culture. And you don’t have to take our word for it – you can see it with your own eyes by booking yourself at one of the following three hotels that recently opened in the country. We selected them for their excellent accommodations, great atmosphere, remarkable amenities, and for the fact that they present the perfect balance of luxe and laid-backness.
Villa Colette – Opened since April 2026
Address: 39 Boulevard de la Plage, 3950 Lège-Cap-Ferret, France
Many think that the French Riviera is the ultimate seaside destination for deep-pocket travelers, but experts know that Cape Ferret, a small, pine-filled headland close to Bordeaux, is where it’s at. Cape Ferret is for travelers who prefer quiet luxury to anything flashy, and who want a relaxed, nature-focused stay.
Newly opened Villa Colette is located in the heart of this heaven of peace and tranquility, facing the famously beautiful Arcachon Bay. With only 28 rooms and suites, this 19th-century-villa-like property keeps things very intimate. The decor, the work of none other than world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, matches the destination perfectly: soft tones, simple, high-quality furnishing, natural materials, and subtle touches of colors and patterns to bring in bursts of joy. There are only six suites, all of which offer views of the bay, the pine forest, or the village from their balconies or terraces. While we rarely say no to water vistas, we love the Garden Junior Suite for its 430-square-foot private garden space.
The onsite restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon crêpes, and dinner, as well as for brunch on Sundays. The menu is packed with seafood, fish, and choice cuts of meat, and the dessert list is as long as it is mouth watering. The hotel’s bar offers a small menu of curated cocktails and snacks, including lobster rolls and Wagyu beef cecina.
To make your stay extra special, Villa Colette can organize some special experiences just for you, including a private boat ride in the bay, a surfing lesson, a personalized yoga class on the beach, and even an al-fresco oyster dinner. And for those who want to do nothing but relax, there’s the spa, of course.
COMO Le Beauvallon – Opened since April 2026
Address: Boulevard des Collines, 83310 Grimaud, France
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez, part of the French Riviera, is a no-brainer for travelers looking for an opulent destination. After all, the village of Saint-Tropez and its surrounding area has been the favorite beach hangout of celebrities and wealthy travelers for about 75 years – a surefire sign that it’s worth the hype.
COMO Le Beauvallon is one of the newest hotels in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and one that you’d be remiss to pass on. First opened in 1914, the historic property of 10 acres was fully renovated and reopened in April 2026. Located in the verdant hills above the gulf, COMO Le Beauvallon offers killer panoramic views of the Med, and the best way to enjoy them is to book one of the suites – or have a cocktail on the rooftop terrace.
Perhaps the most iconic part of the property is the beach club and its rotunda. There, you can opt to go for a swim in the sea or the glittering pool, sunbathe on one of the many plushy loungers, sit down for a refined meal at the restaurant. In fact, don’t hold back and do all three.
You can see the village of Saint-Tropez from the hotel and the beach club and if you fancy visiting. Take advantage of COMO Le Beauvallon’s shuttle service leaving from the property’s private pontoon from 9 AM to 7 PM every day. If you’d rather do something different, the hotel can arrange a tour of the French Riviera in a private yacht, wine tastings, art gallery tours, and more.
Zannier Île de Bendor – Opened since May 2026
Address: Île de Bendor, 83150 Bandol, France
No need to go to Greece or the Caribbean for a private island experience: France delivers. Île de Bendor is a 17-acre island located just seven minutes by boat from the town of Bandol on the French Riviera. The entire island is managed by Zannier, and in the past five years, the hospitality brand has renovated it from top to bottom.
There are three properties on Île de Bendor for travelers to stay at: Delos, Madrague, and Soukana, each with a different vibe and aesthetics. Because it consists of five private houses built in the Provencal style, we have a preference for Madrague, but all three properties are beautifully thought out. Note that between all three properties, the island only has 93 rooms and suites on offer, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the crowds.
There are three restaurants, four bars, a café, and a crepe and ice cream venue spread out over the island and we encourage you to explore and try something different at every meal and snack time.
As a guest on Île de Bendor, you can partake in a range of activities, from scuba diving to wine tasting, kayaking, boating, getting a flying lesson, and more. We highly recommend that you give pétanque a try if you want to fully immerse you in the culture of southern France.
The wellness and fitness facilities are immense, with tennis and pickleball courts, a yoga platform, indoor and outdoor pools, a pilates space, and lots of treatment rooms for your to indulge in some much-deserved self-care.
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FAQs
Q: Does Villa Colette have a pool?
A: No, there is no pool at Villa Colette but the property is located across the road from Archachon Bay where you can swim.
Q: How far is COMO Le Beauvallon from the village of Saint-Tropez?
A: It’s a quick eight-minute ride by shuttle boat from COMO Le Beauvallon to Saint-Tropez.
Q: How far is Île de Bendor from the French coast?
A: You can reach Île de Bendor from the town of Bandol on the French Riviera by taking a seven-minute boat ride.
