6 Quirky Hotels in France with Stories You Won’t Believe
Looking for a hotel with a story to tell? These French spots are far from ordinary. They’re steeped in history, full of charm, and definitely quirky. No cookie-cutter rooms or bland experiences here. Just places that make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
1. Hôtel de la Cité (MGallery), Carcassonne
This hotel is housed within the medieval walls of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building’s historical architecture gives it an old-world charm that stands out from typical hotel experiences. You can stay in a castle surrounded by a fortress and walk through a city that’s been around for centuries.
2. Le Couvent des Minimes, Mane (Relais & Châteaux)
Formerly a 17th-century monastery, this hotel combines a deep history vibe with relaxation and wellness. The transformation from a religious retreat to a luxurious hotel with modern amenities creates an interesting contrast. The setting in Provence adds another layer of uniqueness, offering a quiet, spiritual escape with modern comforts – far from your typical hotel stay.
The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant serving local gourmet cuisine. The outdoor pool is set among terraced gardens.
3. La Maison des Têtes, Colmar (Relais & Châteaux)
La Maison des Têtes gets its name from the 106 sculpted heads adorning the building’s facade. This historic 17th-century structure blends the charm of Alsace with an artistic vibe. The building itself feels like a living piece of art, and staying here feels is like being in a story or museum.
You can dine at Restaurant Girardin, a Michelin-starred spot serving refined local cuisine, or enjoy more casual dishes at the Brasserie Historique.
The hotel is within walking distance of the Unterlinden Museum and Place Jeanne d’Arc, and is a great base for exploring Colmar and its charming streets and canals.
4. Hotel Particulier Montmartre, Paris
The smallest hotel in Paris, Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a haven of peace and elegance, once the property of the Hermès family. It offers five unique suites, a refined restaurant, a sophisticated cocktail bar, and lush gardens. A hidden gem.
You can dine at Le Grand Salon, enjoy the garden seating during warmer months, or have a sophisticated night out at Le Très Particulier, the hotel’s cocktail bar.
5. Château D’Isenbourg, Rouffach
Château d’Isenbourg is a 16th-century castle in Alsace that has been transformed into a 5-star hotel. Located on the Alsace Wine Route, it’s surrounded by vineyards, a great base for exploring the region’s wine heritage. The hotel has 41 rooms with medieval charm and modern comfort. The restaurant features a dining room with Louis XIII décor, and another opening to a terrace overlooking the Clos d’Isenbourg Vineyard.
The spa includes an indoor pool, sauna with a view, hammam, and jacuzzi.
6. Les Roches Blanches, Cassis
Built in 1887 by the sea, this former manor house takes its name from the limestone rocks that line the coast between Cassis and Marseille. Located just past the marina, it has a unique position between the village and the Calanques, with an unbeatable view of the majestic Cap Canaille cliff. It wasn’t until the early 1920s that the property was transformed into a hotel and opened to the public. Winston Churchill, and later Edith Piaf, stayed here.