We’re not sure what’s more jaw-dropping: the famous French Riviera hotels or the ritzy clientele that vacation in such lavish accommodations.
The South of France wears all of its inns with grace; but when it comes to luxury hotels in the French Riviera, let’s just say that it’s more than a coincidence that royalty from around the world have all spent the night at certain famous French Riviera hotels.
Whether you’re planning your next summer vacation in the Côte d’Azur or simply want to drool over some swanky suites, make a point to check into the best hotels along the French Riviera.
Image Credit: © Grégoire Gardette. Image Location: Le Negresco, Nice, France
Destination inspiration: Finding the famous French Riviera hotels
What is the most famous hotel in the French Riviera?
Le Negresco is the most famous hotel in the French Riviera and is best known for hosting everyone from the Beatles to Queen Elizabeth II. Another famous hotel in the French Riviera is Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. With swanky suites and private villas, Cap-Eden-Roc is a secluded getaway with a saltwater swimming pool that movie stars have frequented.
Why is the Negresco Hotel famous?
The guestbook at Hotel Negresco makes you wonder if any Average Joe has ever stayed the night: the Shah of Iran, James Dean, Ava Gardner, and countless other celebrities, royals, and millionaires have laid their heads at Negresco for the night. Opened in 1913 to attract the wealthy to Nice’s dazzling promenade, the Negresco was briefly a hospital during WWI and has since become listed as a National Historic Building by the French government. If you think its stunning architecture and design deserve to be seen on the silver screen, you're not the first—it has also appeared in more than 35 movies.
Image Credit: © Grégoire Gardette. Image Location: Salon Royal, Le Negresco, Nice, France
Can you get to French Riviera hotels on the beach without a car?
You can absolutely get to your French Riviera hotel without a car. The train network across the South of France connects you to Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monte Carlo, among other cities.
Which train stations are near luxury hotels on the French Riviera?
The main train stations along the French Riviera are Gare de Toulon, Nice-Ville, and Gare de Cannes, which each connect to northern France and other countries. There are multiple train stations across the Côte d’Azur serving routes like Marseille to Ventimiglia, Italy. No matter where your hotel is on the French Riviera, you’re likely no more than a few minutes by cab away from the train station to your hotel.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Monaco
The best hotels in the French Riviera
Escape to the South of France and stay in the best hotels on the French Riviera.
Best for families: Hôtel Métropole, Monte Carlo
Nearest station: Monaco Monte Carlo
After your partner regains the color in their face after you propose a “family” trip to Monte Carlo, tell them about the kid-friendly experiences at Hotel Metropole. Waffles at brunch and coloring books? Come on—this is Monaco we’re talking about. From an interactive half-day visit to the Oceanographic Museum to a cooking class with the hotel’s pastry chef, the little ones will hardly spend a moment in their “Just for Kids” suite.
Best for budget travelers: Bohobos Hostel and Crewhouse, Antibes
Nearest station: Antibes
A South of France getaway on a french fry budget? Say no more. Bohobos Hostel and Crewhouse has a bunk for you in Antibes. The max headcount per room is four so no worries about raucous bunkmates. You’re only a short walk from the beach and the Picasso Museum, so your Insta followers will think you’re in a hobo chic boutique hotel in the center of the action. If you love it, plan to stay awhile in the crewhouse and join the seafaring group learning to work on yachts.
Image Credit and Location: Bohobos Hostel, Antibes, France
Best for boutique hotel lovers: La Villa Mauresque
Nearest station: Boulouris-sur-Mer
The discerning traveler will find a quiet place to get away from it all at La Villa Mauresque. No matter if the sun or the moon hangs high above Saint-Raphaël, you’ll enjoy your suite’s private terrace and jacuzzi all the same. The Bougainvillea restaurant on-site offers gastronomic bliss with the dazzling bay in full view.
Best for the beach club: The Maybourne Riviera
Nearest station: Monte-Carlo Country Club
Who doesn’t love a beach club on the Côte d’Azur? Even if you’ve visited the area before, The Maybourne Riviera is one of the newest luxury hotels on the French Riviera, and beckons a return trip. Its exclusive beach club tempts you to spend all day with a spicy margarita in one hand and a fish taco in the other.
Image Credit and Location: The Maybourne Riviera, Côte d'Azur, France
Beach-bound
Need another reason to visit the French Riviera? Download the Trainline app and see just how cheap tickets are from Paris—and even London—to the South of France.
Header Image Credit: © Grégoire Gardette. Image Location: Marie Leszczynska Suite, Le Negresco, Nice, France