6 romantic places to stay in France
Make your Valentine’s Day special with our pick of romantic places to stay in France, including a five-star hotel on the Côte d’Azur and a fairy-tale castle suspended in the trees
Le Mas Candille, Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes
Whoever claimed that Paris was the favourite place for lovers obviously hadn’t discovered Provence. A land of fragrant lavender fields and twisted grape vines, crumbling hilltop villages and shimmering coastline – it’s pure romance. In perfect harmony with this idyllic setting is Le Mas Candille, a five-star hotel in a converted former farmhouse. It lies in four hectares of private parkland on the outskirts of Mougins, the village where Picasso once lived. Rooms in Le Mas have an authentic charm, with old beams, gorgeous antiques and elegant wall hangings, while the newer Bastide nearby feels more contemporary and spacious. There is the Pergola restaurant,the Shiseido spa, an infinity pool, two smaller pools and a mosaic-tiled heated Jacuzzi. Doubles from €180.
Puybéton Treehouse Spa, Dordogne
Love nests don’t come finer than this fairy-tale tree castle suspended in the branches of an enchanted forest near Bergerac. Modelled on the turret-topped châteaux of the Dordogne, its luxurious interiors are kitted out with fabulous creature comforts and there is even a whirlpool bath on the terrace. Rolling out of bed to see unbroken views of the countryside is a memory that will surely to be cherished long after your feet touch terra firma. When you do leave your treetop home, a ground-level infinity pool and 11 hectares parkland await. From £235 per night for two.
Château de Bagnol, Beaujolais, Burgundy
Set amid the famed vineyards of Beaujolais in Burgundy, this stunning honey-stoned château is rich in old-world allure and full of romance. Under arched ceilings and old beams, the sumptuous interiors are decorated with antique furnishings and make an inviting setting for snuggling next to the roaring fire or enjoying a romantic meal in the stately restaurant. Prices from £178 per night.
La Loge de Courtoux, Sarthe, Loire Valley
You can’t fail to fall for this dreamy former wine producer’s cottage, hidden away on a hillside in a château vineyard of the Loire between Tours and Le Mans. Lovingly restored by the owners, Christine and Bernard de Mianville, the cottage is rich in romantic detail; a tuffeau-stone chimney and wood-burning stove make it wonderfully cosy, while the light-filled bedroom, complete with old beams and parquet floors, has stunning views of the open countryside. Arrivals receive a welcome box of home-made jams and the local Jasnières wine. Venture out to find more delights, including walks in the Bercé forest and the châteaux of the Loire. Prices from €790 per week sleeping two.
La Caloge, Finistère
Add a maritime twist to your romantic trip for two at this sweet little thatched boathouse moored in a fishing village on a remote peninsula in western Brittany. Set in the garden of a B&B, the cottage is full of nautical paraphernalia, from ropes and buoys to the original mast from its past life as a fishing boat. The quarters are pretty spacious too; fitted with a double bed, adjoining bathroom and separate kitchen, with a deck that is great for summer lounging. Don your nautical stripes to explore the surrounding area, where a sweeping coastline and unspoilt headlands are at your disposal. Price from €105 for two.
Hôtel Saint-James, Paris
Paris is the city of lovers so where better to go on your romantic holiday? You’ll be sure to impress your partner at the flamboyantly luxurious Hôtel Saint-James, which occupies a neo-classical mansion in the swanky 16th arrondissement of Paris. Expect extravagantly designed interiors that differ wildly room to room; from zingy leopard prints to the more classical royal blues. The hotel counts a Michelin-starred restaurant, a soothing spa and an atmospheric library-cum-cocktail bar. Don’t miss the terrace garden dominated by a magical hot-air balloon fashioned out of patterned silk. Doubles from €351.
Looking for more Valentine’s Day inspiration? Don’t miss our other articles:
French Valentine’s Day recipes.
The best and worst French chat up lines
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