Where to Stay in France – Three-Star Hotels
Whether you’re in search of sea air, a city break or a haven of tranquility, our selection of three-star hotels in France has something for everyone
LE CRÊT L’AGNEAU – La Longeville, Doubs
Deep in the Jura mountains, a mere six kilometres from the Swiss border, hosts Lili and Yves have been welcoming guests to their cosy 17th-century farmhouse for over forty years; in fact, Le Crêt l’Agneau was the first B&B to open in Haut-Doubs. The five wood-panelled rooms are traditionally yet comfortably decorated, with four-poster beds for that extra touch of luxury.
Thanks to its rural location, the guesthouse has established itself as an ideal base for outdoor pursuits all year round, from snowshoeing in winter to kayaking in summer.
After an action-packed day, succumb to the temptation of some home-cooked organic food. Le Crêt is particularly renowned for its jams and Lili has even written two cookery books.
Doubles from €95 a night.
Tel: (Fr) 6 89 93 24 49
MOB HÔTEL – Lyon, Rhône
The transformation of Lyon’s Confluence district from industrial wasteland to cultural heartland has been catalysed by the introduction of a range of hip new places to stay, such as the quirky Mob Hotel. It is the latest venture in a fast-growing French chain that now includes accommodation in Rome and Los Angeles. Each of the 99 ‘minimalist chic’ rooms comes complete with its own balcony and even a free smartphone for guests to use during their stay.
Eco-conscious foodies will appreciate the fully organic breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, with the pizzas on the latter a particular highlight.
But the real selling point of this hotel is its programme of events; there are weekly farmers’ markets, regular yoga classes and pop-ups.
Doubles from €99, breakfast €16.
Tel: (Fr) 4 58 55 55 88
HÔTEL LE GALION – Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Ile-de-Ré
Experience the hype about Ile-de-Ré for yourself with a stay at this hotel, ideally situated at the picturesque seaside port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, on the island’s rugged north coast.
Bedrooms are simply furnished but stylish nonetheless. No matter which of the three floors you opt for, you are guaranteed a good view. Ground floor rooms look out on the renowned ramparts of Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while rooms on the upper floors, although a little more expensive, enjoy far-reaching ocean views that are certainly worth the enhanced price tag. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for the area’s cute donkeys, as they walk up and down the sand.
Doubles from €95, breakfast €14.
Tel: (Fr) 5 46 09 03 19
LA MAISON DU LIERRE – Bordeaux
Escape the busy streets of Bordeaux by checking-in to this boutique city-centre oasis. Named after the ivy that hugs its terrace, this 18th-century mansion offers 18 charming rooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. The wooden floors and grand historic staircase give the hotel a warm and authentic feel.
Around five minutes’ walk from the hotel are the Allées de Tourny, Bordeaux’s luxury shopping and dining quarter. It’s also just a ten-minute walk to one of the oldest theatres in Europe, the Grand Théâtre, where you can enjoy an opera or ballet. Once you’ve taken in all the sights of the city, you can relax with an evening aperitif in the courtyard.
A plentiful breakfast includes locally-baked croissants and fresh bread, homemade jams and freshly-pressed orange.
Doubles from €105, breakfast €12
Tel: (Fr) 5 56 51 92 71
hotel-maisondulierre-bordeaux.com
LE MAS DES TOURTERELLES – Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This peaceful Provençal farmhouse, which has been recently renovated by its British owners, is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests can choose from five luxurious bedrooms, each with ultra comfortable Vi-Spring mattresses.
The star of the show is a stunning square swimming pool and in the morning you can enjoy an al fresco continental breakfast in the courtyard garden.
A five minute stroll is all it takes to reach the lively historic centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, nestled at the foot of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles. In case you needed another reason to go, the town enjoys more than 300 days a year of glorious sunshine!
Doubles from €115 (breakfast included)
Tel: (Fr) 9 54 64 83 30
HÔTEL L’UNIVERS MONTLUÇON – Montluçon, Allier
The medieval citadel of Montluçon, the second-largest town in Auvergne, is within easy reach of this hotel, housed in a 19th-century building. The boldly decorated rooms are generously sized and every guest can make use of WiFi and flat-screen TVs. There is a buffet breakfast crammed with local produce, but it is worth shelling out a little extra to enjoy a restful breakfast in bed before a busy day of sightseeing. Car parking is free but why not take advantage of the bike storage facilities and explore your surroundings using pedal power? Local attractions include the unique MuPop music museum with its exceptional collection of instruments.
Doubles from €59, breakfast €9
Tel: (Fr) 4 70 28 44 30
en.inter-hotel.com/hotel/auvergne/montlucon/de-l-univers
HÔTEL FLORENCE – Nice
This eco-friendly hotel has some very special guests creating a buzz on its roof, with three beehives producing an average of 40kg of honey every year.
The 52 elegant rooms are small but comfortable. Upgrade to one of the deluxe rooms, some of which come with terraces, where you can enjoy your breakfast in a morning. If shopping is your bag, the property is situated right at the heart of Nice’s main high street. What’s more, directly opposite is the Nicétoile shopping centre, boasting over a hundred stores.
You will only need to walk five minutes to reach the famed Promenade des Anglais, and the route there leads you through the Place Masséna and the old town of Vieux-Nice.
Doubles from €65 (including buffet breakfast)
Tel: (Fr) 4 93 88 46 87
HÔTEL L’ARAGON – Carcassonne, Aude
Just 50 metres from the Porte Narbonnaise, the main entrance to Carcassonne, Hôtel L’Aragon is a great base from which to explore the medieval cité and the rest of the Aude department. The hotel has an outdoor pool with views of the fairy-tale citadel, a lounge and terrace, as well as a dining room where the buffet breakfast is served.
There are 33 rooms in total including seven family rooms sleeping between three and six people, all of which have a private bathroom, air conditioning and a TV.
Free private parking is available.
Tel (Fr) 4 68 47 16 31
Doubles from €68, breakfast €9.50 per person
DOMAINE SAINT-CLAIR LE DONJON – Étretat, Seine-Maritime
This stunning hotel is housed in a former donjon, a small 19th-century Anglo-Norman castle, and a Belle Époque villa in the centre of the town of Étretat. Famous for its cliffs which have been immortalised by poets, writers and artists such as Monet, Étretat is a charming seaside town on the Alabaster Coast and the beach is just a short walk from the hotel.
There are 21 en-suite rooms and suites all decorated in a contemporary style and each one inspired by a different famous figure, from Gustave Flaubert to Sarah Bernhardt.
The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, four guest lounges, a library and a restaurant that uses fresh seasonal produce from the garden.
Doubles from €90, breakfast €15 per person.
Tel: (Fr) 2 35 27 08 23
LA FERME DU VERT – Wierre-Effroy, Pas-de-Calais
Nestled in the countryside near Boulogne and Calais, La Ferme du Vert is a family-run hotel in a renovated 19th-century farmhouse. There are 16 comfortable rooms spread across different wings of the farm including in former cow sheds and haylofts. Surrounded by nature, La Ferme du Vert has a garden and courtyard and is just 12 kilometres from the Côte d’Opale. The hotel restaurant holds a Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ and serves traditional cuisine made using fresh produce including artisan cheese made by the family in a dairy behind the hotel.
Doubles from €79, breakfast €14.50 per person.
Tel (Fr) 3 21 87 67 00
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