In a country as magnificent as France, where class and style are as prevalent as the grapes in the endless vineyards, selecting our favorite Backroads hotels is a nearly impossible task. But we've done our best! Here are seven exceptional properties visited on Backroads trips in this remarkable country. To stay at any of these incredible accommodations is to immediately recognize that you've arrived somewhere truly special. Whether enjoying a Michelin-starred meal, vistas of imposing mountain peaks or the scent of immaculate gardens, each of these hotels promises a complete sensory tableau.
Grand Hôtel Barrière Dinard: Stay here on Backroads' Brittany & Normandy Walking & Hiking Tour.
After a lovely day spent traversing the apple and cherry orchards of the Breton Coast, wind down at the Grand Hôtel Barrière Dinard, an elegant oasis perched above the sparkling Emerald Coast. With rooms decorated in sandy beiges and navy blues, this hotel offers nautical elegance that mimics the crashing waves, just steps away from its doors. Expansive ocean panoramas are the perfect backdrop to a gourmet restaurant that pairs locally sourced French fare with an excellent selection of wines. With aperitif in hand and the sparkling English Channel before you, let your imagination run wild with visions of French corsairs and seafaring adventurers.
Château de Berne: Stay here on Backroads' Provence to the French Riviera Bike Tour.
No matter the length of stay, a visit to Château de Berne leaves you wishing for more. To reach this secluded hotel one must first meander along a miles-long forested road that leads to one of the greatest properties in Western Europe. Over 1,200 acres of private grounds encircle this five-star hotel, world-class spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and centuries-old vineyard. Intimate and exceptionally elegant, this is a place where your heart will remain long after you've left.
Domaine des Hauts de Loire: Stay here on Backroads' Loire Valley Bike Tour.
When biking the Loire Valley, it's easy to lose oneself in history. Châteaux seem dusted across the landscape like powdered sugar on a croissant aux amandes. Known as the "garden of France," the essence of the Loire is encapsulated within the Domaine des Hauts de Loire. Grab a refreshment and stroll the extensive grounds on one of several walking trails or spend some time on the tennis courts to build an appetite for Chef Rémy Giraud's Michelin-starred cuisine, complemented by seasonal offerings from the hotel's garden. A member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux designation, staying here is a glimpse into the aristocratic life a bygone era.
Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa: Stay here on Backroads' Champagne & Alsace Bike Tour.
Rising up from the vineyards and hills of Champagne is an amphitheater-shaped structure of light-colored stone. Started as a quaint inn, the Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa was brought to its current splendor by architect Giovanni Pace, famous for his work at the renowned champagne house Moët & Chandon. Wake up refreshed amid interiors decorated in oak, cream and gold and get ready to explore nearby villages nationally recognized for their beauty. If you'd rather stay in and relax, head down to the tasting room for a glass of fine champagne or soak up the views from the terrace or outdoor pool. Le Royal is the gastronomic restaurant, which serves exquisite dishes beneath a gold-leafed ceiling. The overall effect is light, airy and as effervescent as a glass of good bubbly.
Abbaye de la Bussière: Stay here on Backroads' Burgundy Bike Tour.
This Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1131 and, while historians point to the end of the 13th century as its peak, Backroads guests would argue that today is still a strong contender for one of France's best hotels. A Relais & Châteaux property boasting a Michelin-starred restaurant, Abbaye de la Bussière is situated in an immaculately landscaped garden and park, ideal for reflection over the perfect glass of Bourgogne. Tread through tranquil and ornately carved halls that monks inhabited nearly 900 years ago and let the same harmony they found here envelop you as you slip peacefully into sleep.
Hôtel de Pavie: Stay here on Backroads' Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour.
Centered in the world-renowned village of Saint-Émilion, Hôtel de Pavie is the perfect destination for wine connoisseurs and passionate historians. A name that holds great weight in the wine world, Saint-Émilion is the first region to have their ancestral vines deemed worthy of UNESCO's World Heritage status. As you putter about the village, grab a macaron—produced here since the 1600s—but save room for a six-course meal at the hotel's restaurant, where exemplary sommeliers are on hand to help find the perfect wine pairing for each bite!
Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix: Stay here on Backroads' French & Italian Alps Walking & Hiking Tour.
After a day spent trekking in the Alps, life often seems at its zenith. However, the five-star Hôtel Mont-Blanc extends that sense of euphoria to another level. Centered in the heart of Chamonix, hotel guests will discover why this town has the reputation of Europe's preeminent outdoor sport destination. As the last evening light lingers on the snowcapped Alpine peaks, admire Mont-Blanc's majesty from the heated outdoor pool. Recently renovated, this mountain retreat beautifully blends modern amenities with timeless elegance.
