The best destinations to visit in France and where to stay

Whether alone, as a couple, with family, or with friends, France is a pleasant European destination to visit at any time of the year. Its abundant and diverse coastal scenery, mountainous landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites have earned it a solid reputation as the Country of light. Zoom in on some of our most beautiful French destinations!

France has been the world’s leading tourist destination since the 1990s. A blend of history, culture, arts, literature, gastronomy and oenology, France has an exceptionally rich heritage. Geographically, it is one of the few countries with a remarkable variety of landscapes.

1 – January at Grand Hôtel Courchevel

Ski holidays and cosy moments

Skiing is a must during the winter holidays! Head for the Grand Hôtel Courchevel *****, a jewel of Savoyard architecture located in the prestigious Courchevel resort. Featuring 38 luxurious rooms and suites, the 5-star hotel offers a cosy cocoon with high-end commodities.

For foodies, delight yourself at the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant with a stunning view on ski slopes, or go outside for other tasty treats. La Fromagerie and its Savoyard cuisine, the San Marco with its Italian specialties or the Cap Horn and its oyster and champagne menu welcome you for a delicious family journey. Beside mouthwatering food, seize the opportunity to try snowshoes, snowmobiles or an exciting sled dogs outing! And for those who prefer to spend a New Year’s Eve away from the cold, Little Guest has selected the best destinations to soak up the sun.

2 – February at the Domaine des Étangs

Nature weekend in love

February, the month of love… For Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a room in a charming South-Western establishment. Domaine des Étangs is nestled in the heart of the Charente region of France, renowned for the tranquillity of its green and hilly landscapes. Comprising 11 suites and 6 small houses, this 11th-century castle is located on 1,000 hectares of pristine nature.

Our « favourite » accommodation for a romantic weekend is Suite Vénus. Spread over 147 m², this suite with its chic country decoration boasts a comfortable bedroom, a spacious living room with copper tones, and a bright bathroom. To round off your romance-themed stay, dine at the hotel’s Dyades restaurant. Rustic decoration and local cuisine, this is definitely the ideal venue for a candlelit dinner!

3 – March at the Hôtel & Spa Version Maquis Citadelle

Spa break in Corsica

At a stone’s throw away from Bonifacio, the Hôtel & Spa Version Maquis Citadelle ***** designed a wellness cocoon in a lovely intimate atmosphere. Spend a sunny relaxing  month of March with your tribe in the cozyness of South Corsica.

Its 600 sqm spa, featuring top-notch up-to-date facilities, is definitely worth the shot for its numerous treatments provided. Whether you fall for bathtubs, hammam, exfoliation cares or massages in cabins, there will always be something for you at this serenity-wrapped establishment. For sport lovers, there is a dedicated fitness room while you can also attend various classes (Pilates, yoga, aerobics…) designed for you to keep in shape. For more wellness destinations, discover our selection created just for you.

While staying on the Southern part of the Island of Beauty, seize the opportunity to visit the region, overflowing with cultural points of interest and exceptionnal natural spots. From Bonifacio and its citadel to the Costa Esmeralda and Tizzano Bay, there are endless ways to marvel at the beauty of Corsica.

4 – Avril at the Royal Evian

Gastronomy on the shores of Lake Geneva

Tucked away in the heart of a huge park, Royal Evian offers a breath-taking panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alpine peaks. The 5-star establishment provides a host of family experiences with its overflowing swimming pool, incredible kids-club, internationally renowned golf course, adjoining rooms, and « Les Fresques » Michelin-star gourmet restaurant. Be that as it may, Catherine (Justine’s mom) confirms that Switzerland is one of the best family destinations.

The Art Deco architectural restaurant is the ideal place to taste the best of European cuisine. Its panoramic terrace promises a breath-taking view of the Franco-Swiss Lake. Their Spring Menu offers a selection of gourmet delicacies for both the young and the old. Highlights on its menu include perch served on a steaming pebble, cider reduction, red apples and spelt from Sault.

5 – May at Château de Berne

Meet in Provence with your friends

Follow Little Guest along a small road in the Provencal hinterland, in the heart of 690 hectares of nature, to discover the incredible Château de Berne *****, nestled between lush pine forests and magnificent olive groves. This prestigious 18^th century castle is located in the South of France, between Lorgues and Flayosc. Situated in the heart of a 1700 hectare vineyard, this establishment is a true ode to nature and relaxation.

The hotel is an ecological holiday resort par excellence and a flagship destination for wine tourism, and is therefore located in Provence. The hotel is at the crossroads of the region’s major points of interest; from the authentic streets of Draguignan to the port cities of Hyères, Toulon and Cannes, via the Verdon and Sainte-Baume natural parks, the natural and cultural wealth of a magnificent region is yours to discover during your stay at the Château de Berne *****.

6 – June at the Chalet Royalp

Unwind near Lake Geneva

We promised you hotels in France, but we admit we cheated a little… It is nestled in a green setting, 45 minutes from the French-Swiss border and 40 minutes from Montreux, that we discover the sumptuous Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa *****. Located in Villars-sur-Ollon, this dream establishment is in fact the first « ski-in, ski-out » hotel in the canton of Vaud, which makes it the ideal base for lovers of skiing or hiking. Indeed, if the hotel lends itself perfectly to skiing in winter, its location also allows it to offer numerous outdoor activities to its guests in summer.

In addition to the many fun activities that are sure to please the youngest guests – including a free kids’ club open to children aged 4 to 12 and a teens’ room with table football, pool table and games consoles – it is the sublime 1,200 sqm spa with indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam, whirlpool, multi-sensory showers and massage rooms that will charm parents in search of a relaxing and energising stay.

7 – July at Terre Blanche

Golf and hiking

Immersed in the sweet scents of lavender and olive groves, the sublime Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort is located in Tourrettes, in the Provençal hinterland. We adore its luxurious overflowing swimming pool with a view of the Pays de Fayence, and its Michelin-star restaurant. Good news for children under the age of 7: they get full board every summer!

This hotel particularly appeals to families who love golf and hiking. The kids-clubs’ leaders also organise a wide range of eco-responsible services. These include a tree climbing course, a climbing wall and a zip-line descent. Parents, for their part, can enjoy any of the two world-class 18-hole golf courses (« Le Château » and « Le Riou ») and the GEO-certified golf training centre.

8- August at the Domaine de Manville

The magic of the South

Discover Le Domaine de Manville in Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Located in the heart of the Alpilles Natural Park, this Provençal address enjoys the colours and scents of the surrounding pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves.

While the youngest guests are pampered by experienced and affectionate babysitting service nannies, children over 4 years of age can enjoy themselves at the kids club. Meanwhile, parents can relax at the hotel’s spa or perfect their golfing skills on the property’s 18-hole course. Other must-do family activities include hiking, horseback riding, flying over the Alpilles, yoga and Pilates lessons, and a visit to Vincent Van-Gogh’s house.

9 – September at the Flamants Roses

Sea, tranquillity and private beach

Ideally located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and only 20 minutes from the city of Perpignan, the Grand Hotel Les Flamants Roses Thalasso & Spa is the perfect destination to enjoy the last rays of the summer sun. The hotel emphasizes wellness and plenitude with its luxury spa, suitable for both young and old travellers.

Kids benefit from free access to the marine area where three heated seawater pools await them. Teenagers, on the other hand, can enjoy customised care and treatment at the wellness centre; while parents relax on the hotel’s private beach and in its 1,200 sqm thalasso, which includes three heated swimming pools, an oriental hammam and a sauna.

10 – October at the Shangri-La Paris

High-end luxury in the City of Light

You can’t visit France without going through its capital! For a Parisian weekend under the theme of Belle Époque elegance, young families are invited to meet at the Shangri-La Paris, located in the 16th district of Paris. Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of the City of Light by staying in a luxurious room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. The hotel is only 800 meters from the Iron Lady (Eiffel Tower) and the banks of river Seine.

We absolutely love the unique 120 m² Shangri-La Suite. This scenic living space offers a breath-taking view of all the historical monuments of Paname, including the Sacré-Cœur, Quai Branly, Panthéon, and Les Invalides. The hotel also houses France’s only Michelin-star Chinese restaurant – The Shang Palace, and L’Abeille, a two-star Michelin culinary destination. Because we never run out of good ideas, we gathered the best international destinations to spend the autumn break together with your family.

11 – November at the Opio Resort Club Med

An autumn break under the sun

Provence is undoubtedly one of the favourite destinations for families, and Little Guest understands this. In order to satisfy your desires, we have selected a hotel pearl in the Cannes region, the Opio Resort Club Med ****. This establishment is set in a natural setting, in the heart of the largest olive grove in Provence.

A wide range of family activities are offered in and around this iconic hotel!

12 – December at the Fermes de Marie

A magical family Christmas

Aim for Megève, in Haute-Savoie, the oldest ski village in France, where you can explore the intimate and bucolic Les Fermes de Marie hotel. This small hamlet of top-of-the-range chalets offers a stunning view of the Alpine mountains. There is a genuine family cottage at about a stone’s throw from the slopes, where the hotel can take bring you to every day, thanks to its private shuttle service.

Children aged 5 to 10 can enjoy the kids-club every day at Les Fermes de Marie. In the meantime, the nannies take care of the Toddlers, for their part, are cared for by at the babysitting service. Parents, for their part, are able to relax at the 1,000 sqm Spa Pure Altitude. This 5-star establishment is perfect for the Christmas season, just as some other hotels in the collection! An original menu of local specialities is also served to families celebrating New Year’s Eve in the resort.

To help you make your choice among the establishments in the collection, Little Guest has prepared an article compiling the 10 best 5-star hotels for families in France. Do not hesitate to have a look at it!

Pernell, 23 years old, travel lover, from Angers, France