The Most Iconic Luxury Hotels on the French Riviera
Planning the perfect Côte d’Azur escape starts with choosing the right hotel — one that doesn’t just offer a place to sleep, but becomes part of the experience itself. From the iconic elegance of the Negresco in Nice to the glittering sophistication of Cannes’ Majestic Barrière, to the serene exclusivity of Cheval Blanc in Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera is home to some of the most luxurious stays in the world. Whether you’re dreaming of sea-view suites, Michelin-starred dining, historic charm, or a modern boutique atmosphere, this curated list highlights the very best.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo
📍 Monaco
Located in the heart of Monte Carlo on the iconic Place du Casino, the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo offers an unrivaled experience in luxury and elegance. This legendary hotel, with its palatial surroundings, blends classic grandeur with modern sophistication, providing guests with a truly unforgettable 5-star experience. The property boasts Michelin-starred dining at Le Louis XV and Le Grill, where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the sea.
Guests can also indulge in the ultimate luxury with stays in the Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III Suites, unparalleled on the French Riviera. From the serene Jewellers Courtyard to the lively ambiance of Le Bar Americain, and the rooftop pool at the Wellness Sky Club, the Hotel de Paris offers a range of unique experiences that embody the spirit of Monaco. Just steps away is One Monte-Carlo, a new luxury shopping district, adding to the excitement and allure of this exceptional destination.
Five Seas Hotel
📍 Cannes
Situated in the heart of Cannes, only moments from La Croisette and the Palais des Festivales, Five Seas Hotel is a contemporary boutique property that offers a refined and tranquil atmosphere. The hotel’s discreet location provides a sense of seclusion, while remaining close to Cannes’ premier attractions, luxury shopping, and Mediterranean beaches.
Designed with modern elegance in mind, the interiors feature sleek lines, warm textures, and curated artwork that reflects the spirit of the Riviera. Guests can relax in stylish accommodations or unwind on the rooftop terrace, which offers a seasonal infinity pool and panoramic views of Cannes. Culinary experiences are elevated with gourmet dining and inventive cocktails served in a chic, relaxed atmosphere.
The hotel also features a spa with private treatment rooms, a hammam, and a fitness center, ensuring rejuvenation and well-being. Personalized service and attention to detail make Five Seas Hotel a distinctive choice for both leisure travelers and business guests seeking comfort, sophistication and, and an exceptional location in the South of France.
Le Negresco
📍 Nice
Experience the grandeur of the French Riviera at the iconic Hotel Negresco, a true symbol of luxury and history in Nice. Overlooking the famous Promenade des Anglais, this National Historic Monument has been a beacon of elegance for over a century. The hotel’s eclectic door, with its blend of art deco, art nouveau, and classic styles, offers a unique atmosphere that feels like stepping into a living museum. Each room is a masterpiece, furnished with exquisite pieces from various eras, ensuring a stay that is both luxurious and memorable.
Dining at Le Negresco is equally extraordinary, with the Michelin-starred Le Chantecler offering a refined culinary experience, while La Rotonde serves Mediterranean delights in a more casual setting. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Mediterranean, perfect for a discreet getaway or spotting the occasional celebrity.
For those seeing a blend of history, art, and luxury, hotel Negresco is the epitome of the French Riviera’s charm and sophistication. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Nice or simply relaxing in the opulent surroundings, this legendary hotel promises an unforgettable experience.
Majestic Barriere
📍 Cannes
Immerse yourself in timeless elegance at the Hotel Majestic Barriere in Cannes, a symbol of luxury on the French Riviera. Located on the iconic La Croisette, this legendary hotel offers 5-star accommodations where tradition meets modernity. The hotel’s 335 rooms and 14 signature suites feature breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, ensuring every moment is filled with serenity and splendor.
From relaxing on the private beach to indulging in the Spa, every detail is designed to offer unparalleled comfort. Experience the grandeur of the hotel lobby, a perfect blend of opulence and contemporary style, before savoring exquisite cuisine or enjoying a movie in the private projection room. Whether you’re here for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Hotel Majestic Barriere promises a stay as star-studded as the city of Cannes itself.
Cheval Blanc
📍 St. Tropez
Perched on its own serene stretch of Plage de la Bouillabaisse and just moments from the heart of Saint-Tropez, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is where Riviera glamour meets intimate, art-driven luxury. With only a small number of rooms and suites, the hotel feels more like a private beachfront residence than a resort. The design — reimagined by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte — leans into soft Mediterranean blues, contemporary elegance, and curated artwork that reflects the natural beauty outside every window. Its waterfront location offers guests tranquil sea views, easy access to the village, and a peaceful alternative to the region’s buzzy beach clubs.
What truly sets Cheval Blanc apart, though, is the level of service and the thoughtful, immersive guest experience. The hotel is home to La Vague d’Or, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Arnaud Donckele — making it a destination for culinary travelers on its own. The Guerlain Spa offers bespoke treatments inspired by the sea, while the infinity pool, private pontoon, and dedicated beach access create a sense of retreat in one of France’s most glamorous enclaves. Suites feature handcrafted furnishings, spacious terraces, and personalized touches that reflect the LVMH style of hospitality. For travelers seeking the highest caliber of luxury — intimate, refined, and deeply sensory — Cheval Blanc St-Tropez delivers an extraordinary Côte d’Azur experience.
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
📍 Antibes
Perched on the rocky coastline of Cap d’Antibes, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of the Riviera’s most legendary luxury properties — a destination synonymous with old-world glamour, discreet exclusivity, and cinematic beauty. For more than 150 years, it has welcomed artists, writers, royalty, and Hollywood icons drawn to its pine-lined pathways, sweeping Mediterranean views, and timeless Belle Époque architecture. The hotel’s location is unmatched: set on a private peninsula between Antibes and Cannes, it feels blissfully secluded yet perfectly positioned for exploring the Côte d’Azur. Its rooms and suites — many with sea-facing terraces — are spread across the historic main house, the modern Eden-Roc Pavilion, and charming villas tucked into the gardens, offering a variety of atmospheres while maintaining a consistent level of refined luxury.
What truly elevates Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is its unparalleled sense of place and the richness of its guest experiences. The iconic saltwater infinity pool carved directly into the cliffside, private cabanas along the water, and Eden-Roc’s signature diving boards create a Riviera setting unlike anywhere else. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at Louroc Restaurant, unwind at the Dior Spa Eden-Roc, or enjoy yacht charters, tennis courts, and impeccably maintained seaside gardens. Service here is famously attentive yet discreet — the kind that anticipates needs before they’re spoken. For travelers seeking a Riviera stay that blends historic prestige, natural beauty, and the highest standard of luxury, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc remains one of the most iconic hotels in the world.
If reading through these standout hotels has you imagining rosé-filled afternoons, private terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, or effortless luxury just steps from the beach, let’s make it happen. As a travel planner who specializes in bespoke European escapes, I help couples and small groups choose the perfect destination, select the right property, and build seamless itineraries that feel both elevated and deeply personal. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a Riviera getaway done right, I’ll take care of every detail — from hotel bookings to experiences you won’t find online. When you’re ready to turn inspiration into a beautifully planned trip, I’m here to create it for you.
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