Discovering luxury hotels in the French Riviera is, among many things, one of my favorite pastimes.
I’ve had the pleasure of staying in a few of the Hotels mentioned myself, and I can say with certainty that these are the best luxury French Riviera hotels on the beach.
“There is direct access to the sea, so you can choose whether to enjoy the views from your ensuite luxury bathtub/jacuzzi, or from the gorgeous beach just steps in front of you.”
The French Riviera is home to some of the most beautiful, world-renowned hotels and after reading through this blog post, you will see why. There are more Michelin star restaurants in these hotels than I can keep track of!
The Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) is renowned for its remarkable density of premium hotels, each one more awe-inspiring than the last, vying with one another in terms of stunning beauty, spectacular ocean vistas, world-class dining establishments, and beautifully appointed accommodations.
Without further ado, I implore you to peruse through my selection of the 10 best luxury French Riviera hotels on the beach ↓
1. Hôtel Cap Estel, Èze
The Hôtel Cap Estel is pure luxury on the French Riviera. If you’re looking for a hotel that sits directly atop the beautiful Mediterranean waters, this would be the one.
This stunning hotel is located just 10 minutes from Monaco, 10 minutes from both Beaulieu-Sur-Mer and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and 30 minutes from Nice, making it the ideal French Riviera beach hotel.
The glistening Mediterranean Sea surrounds the hotel on 3 sides, giving it that classic panorama view we’ve all dreamed and fantasized about. Further, the World Travel Awards named this hotel the Best Sea-front hotel in France.
When you think of a “luxury stay”, quietude, elegance, and solace most likely come to mind. Hôtel Cap Estel is one of those stays that is secluded and discrete, where you truly will be able to escape the city crowds and feel like you’re in your own little private oasis.
This hotel is famous among celebrities as it dotes a quiet and relaxed elegance that is quite unmatched anywhere else.
2. Chateau Eza, Èze
There’s a good chance you’ve seen this fairytale-like Hotel on Pinterest, and yes, the hype is absolutely true.
This stunning hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is the only and only, Chateau Eza, located in the beautiful Èze village.
This hotel sits atop the historic village of Èze, so naturally it’s got that medieval feel, which can be seen in the decor of the bedrooms and en-suites. Make sure to book well in advance if you plan to stay here, as the hotel is quite small, doting only 14 -each uniquely different- rooms, all with exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea.
It also includes a world-famous Michelin Star restaurant! This is probably the photo you see most commonly on Pinterest, which is of the hotel restaurant.
This hotel is considered one of the most romantic on the French Riviera, so if you’re planning a honeymoon getaway, Chateau Eza is the ideal spot.
3. Cheval Blanc, Saint Tropez
Are you ready for this one? Cheval Blanc is where time stands still and the Riviera glows.
Experience terracotta rooftops nestled in the arms of pine trees and the slight maritime breeze passing through. There is no other way to describe the Cheval Blanc Hotel other than a timeless classic.
This hotel boasts contemporary innovation, meaning that there is a huge emphasis on works-of-art and design, ensuring that every ‘maison’ or hotel apartment is a living gallery. Quite exquisite, really.
The 4 pillars that this hotel stands on is: Privacy, Craftsmanship , Creativity, and Art de Recevoir, They aim to provide unique hospitality experiences in rare and exceptional destinations. And what better location for a Cheval Blanc Hotel than St. Tropez?
Reserve your stay at Cheval Blanc Hotel & indulge in the true, luxury Riviera experience.
4. Althoff Villa Belrose, Saint-Tropez
Located on the border of the sky and sea, atop one of the Gassin hills, and 5-minutes away from St. Tropez is where you will uncover the beautiful Althoff Villa Belrose.
A hotel that deserves every single star and a few more. This hotel in Saint-Tropez is an absolute gem, and a bit lesser-known given its exclusivity and upscale luxury.
The dining at Althoff is an experience in itself, so breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between is a culinary delight. There are 2 restaurants on the property, one being the infamous ‘club l’indochine’, where European culinary arts meets the intense herbs and spices of Indochina’s cuisine.
The rooms are spacious and luxurious, each with fantastic views from your very own private balcony, where you can also enjoy your breakfast every morning.
If you’re in the mood to splurge (and I mean, really, splurge) you will not be disappointed with what Althoff has to offer.
5. Le Negresco, Nice
Ah, so you plan to stay in Nice, the gem of the French Riviera. Nice is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful vacation right on the Riviera, while also being close to so many other beautiful villages and attractions.
Described as ‘Incredibly French Riviera’, one of the most luxurious hotels you can stay at here is the one and only, Le Negresco, Nice.
Le Negresco stands on the three foundations of enjoyment, relaxation, and comfort, and you will find that integrated throughout the design, rooms, and service of this beautiful hotel.
If you are an aesthete, you would quite enjoy the likes of this hotel, as is is like “jumping into a a joyous mixture of eras and styles. Each room will surprise you as you move between the various saloons and rooms of Le Negresco, as you will discover a unique selection of artwork, different from the last.
6. Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel and Spa, Cannes
When I talk about elegance, the Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel is what I mean. What a treat to stay at this absolutely gorgeous hotel along the French Riviera.
The Miramar Beach Hotel is a a seaside slice of paradise. The Miramar’s soothing atmosphere, seamless service, and refined details reflected in the sheer decor guarantee guests a memorable and enchanting stay.
The beautiful resort village Théoule-sur-Mer, which lies just 20 minutes west of Cannes, is home to the Tiara Miramar Hotel.
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing luxurious getaway, this will be the hotel to stay at. Get your R&R in at this elevated, upscale beachside property.
The dazzling view of this hotel over the horizon blends into the Mediterranean. It doesn’t get better than Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel, one of my favorite French Riviera hotels on the beach.
7. Hotel Martinez, Cannes
A timeless hotel in Cannes, Hotel Martinez takes home the award for embodying the light-heartedness of the Côte d’Azur.
Martinez is part of The Unbound Collection by the Hyatt brand, so you can expect world-class standards to be met while staying in this iconic abode.
They have a beautiful on-site spa called, ‘L’oasis Du Martinez’ for those looking to relax, which includes message cabins, a hair salon, barber, manicure/pedicure, and so much more. Ask the concierge to book you in between your hot tub soak & post-spa luxury bath.
Also, if you’re traveling with a luxury furry companion, Hotel Martinez Cannes is pet friendly (unlike most others listed here!), for an additional fee/night. A total win.
8. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This one speaks for itself. I have never seen a more elegant, classy hotel than the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This is not only one of my favorite French villages, but one of my favorite hotels in the French Riviera.
A Four Seasons Hotel, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat has been the epitome of Côte d’Azur chic for more than a century, with everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Winston Churchill gracing their presence at this luxurious property.
It definitely encapsulates that, je ne sais quois element, where you can’t quite find the words to describe it. Magnificent, Elegant, Luxurious. Classy, & Upscale are just some of the ones that come to mind.
The lavish rooms boast views from Nice to Monaco, and there is a Michelin star Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine on the property.
The pool area is serene with views straight out of a movie. Overlooking the glistening sea, Grand-Hôtel-du-Cap-Ferrat is exactly what you would expect when you think of “South of France luxury.”
9. The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrun-Cap-Martin
How hotels like this even exist is beyond me. This extraordinary hotel, carved into the rocky peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is The Maybourne Riviera Hotel.
The striking, modernistic architecture of this hotel is enough to earn its place among the World’s 50 Best Hotels.
Known as the ‘Jewel of the Riviera’, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is perfectly positioned near Monaco, yet high up in the quietude of the rocks & sky. It is here that you can find your peace within this one-of-a-kind hotel.
People say that the design of this hotel inspired by the movement of the sea, the landscape, and the spectacular views beyond. Can you imagine stepping onto your private terrace to enjoy the sun setting over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea? That’s why The Maybourne Riviera Hotel is honestly one of my favorite French Riviera Hotels on the beach.
As expected, a Michelin Star restaurant exists on the premise, led by the world-renowned chef Mauro Colagreco.
10. La Villa Mauresque, Saint-Raphael
If you haven’t heard of the beautiful seaside resort town in southeastern France, then let me introduce you to Saint-Raphael— a highly-prized vacation destination.
The beautiful hotel, La Villa Mauresque, perches along the red rocks of the Estérel, nestling its private yacht ports between the secret coves on the Côte d’Azur. Saint-Raphael is known for its luxurious yacht and boat scene, so Villa Mauresque boasts its own private port.
This hotel screams elegance and refinement, and that shows through the 22 luxurious suites, each equipped with its own private terrace and jacuzzi.
There is direct access to the sea, so you can choose whether to enjoy the views from your ensuite luxury bathtub/jacuzzi, or from the gorgeous beach just steps in front of you.
The luxurious possibilities are endless here at La Villa Mauresque, and you should definitely see it for yourself.
11. La Réserve De Beaulieu, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
La Reserve is a legendary hotel, standing since the ‘Belle Epoque’, where tradition and elegance are at the forefront.
This timeless hotel is for those in search of a luxurious stay and want to enjoy the historical & culinary pleasures of France.
Located in the coveted ‘Beaulieu sur Mer’, a seaside community on the French Riviera, it is equal distance between Nice and the Principality of Monaco. You can easily connect to other seaside villages because it is close enough to the train line, yet it is private enough that you’ll feel as if you have been transported to your own island.
La Reserve is made up of 30 rooms, suites, and villas, all decorated with sophistication and elegance and offering ocean-side views.
The hotel boasts 4 restaurants across its vast premises, a Michelin Star restaurant which serves as a place for high culinary fashion, Côte d’Azur inspired bistro, a restaurant on the terrance overlooking stunning ocean views, and a gourmet restaurant atop the exquisite landscaped patio.
And there you have it! I hope this list of luxury French Riviera hotels on the beach helps you plan an incredible, relaxing trip to the one place where seaside retreats meet elegance! Comments below if you have any queries, or add any recommendations of your own.
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