6 Hand-Picked Special Hotels in France
Some hotels in France are more than just places to sleep. They’ve been convents, castles, or artists’ retreats. Every hallway, window, and courtyard has a past. If you’re after something with character, not just corporate decor, you’ll want to see these.
1. La Divine Comédie, Avignon
Sitting inside the old city walls of Avignon, in the heart of Provence, La Divine Comédie is a private mansion turned five-suite guesthouse.
Each suite is oversized and uniquely styled with antiques, original art, and bold decor. The owners live on-site and welcome guests personally.
The 2,500 m² garden is one of the largest in the city, with palm trees, sculptures, and a small pool.
Breakfast is served in the orangery or under the trees when the weather’s warm. It’s a peaceful base just a short walk from the Palais des Papes.
2. Hôtel de la Cité (MGallery), Carcassonne
This stunning 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 will stay in a castle surrounded by a fortress and walk through a city that’s been around for centuries.
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3. Le Couvent des Minimes, Luberon (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.
Mane is a small village in southeastern France, near Forcalquier, in the Luberon area of Provence. Surrounded by lavender fields and low mountains, it’s a peaceful place with an old citadel, Roman bridge, and the Salagon Museum and Gardens.
The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant serving local gourmet cuisine. The outdoor pool is set among terraced gardens.
4. 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 has an artistic vibe and Alsacian charm. The building itself feels like a living piece of art. 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.
5. 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 has 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.
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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.
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.
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.