Southern France is a dream—pure, unfiltered joie de vivre. It’s where the lavender fields of Provence roll into the glittering coastline of the Riviera, where grand hotels whisper of Gatsby-era glamour, and where every meal somehow turns into an hours-long affair over a bottle (or three) of rosé.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit this part of France many times, and let me tell you—it never gets old. Whether you’re sipping pastis in a sun-dappled square in Saint-Tropez, meandering through the antique markets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or swimming in the impossibly blue waters of the Côte d’Azur, this is a place that just gets you.
The South of France does luxury right—but it never feels overdone. Whether you prefer the old-world elegance of the Riviera or the quiet countryside escapes of Provence, these hotels are the pinnacle of chic.
French Riviera
- Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) – The epitome of Riviera luxury. A Four Seasons property perched on a pine-covered peninsula, complete with a legendary seaside pool and Michelin-starred dining.
- Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes) – The most iconic hotel in the South of France. Gatsby definitely would’ve stayed here. Think white-glove service, private cabanas, and a Champagne-soaked infinity pool overlooking the Med.
- La Réserve de Beaulieu (Beaulieu-sur-Mer) – Understated luxury at its finest. A refined hideaway on a quiet stretch of the Riviera with old-world charm and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Château Eza (Èze) – A 400-year-old château built into the cliffs of Èze, offering panoramic views of the coast. Ridiculously romantic.
- Hôtel Byblos (Saint-Tropez) – A Saint-Tropez institution. If you’re here for a scene, this is where you stay. Home to the legendary Les Caves du Roy nightclub.
Provence & The Countryside
- Hôtel Crillon le Brave (Crillon-le-Brave) – A dreamy hilltop retreat, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Rustic, but make it luxury.
- Domaine de Manville (Les Baux-de-Provence) – A chic countryside estate, complete with a world-class spa and an 18-hole golf course.
- La Mirande (Avignon) – Set in a 17th-century mansion, with rooms that feel like they belong in a Louis XIV painting. A must if you love old-world elegance.
- Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa (Gargas) – A restored 11th-century hamlet turned five-star wellness retreat in the Luberon. Heavenly.
- Le Mas de Pierre (Saint-Paul-de-Vence) – A hidden oasis just outside Nice, perfect for those who want Provençal charm without being too far from the action.
Southern France is a food lover’s paradise. Provençal markets spill over with sun-ripened produce, the seafood is unbelievably fresh, and don’t even get me started on the rosé. Here’s where to eat, from Michelin-starred fine dining to effortlessly chic beach clubs.
French Riviera
- La Colombe d’Or (Saint-Paul-de-Vence) – An art-filled legend. Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall all dined here, and the food is as sublime as the setting.
- Le Club 55 (Saint-Tropez) – The scene-iest beach club on the Riviera. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Order the whole grilled fish and a magnum of rosé.
- Plage Keller (Cap d’Antibes) – A more laid-back alternative to Club 55, with gorgeous seaside dining and excellent seafood pasta.
- Mirazur (Menton) – A three-Michelin-starred culinary experience, consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world.
- Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (Monte-Carlo) – Opulent beyond belief. If you want a true Riviera splurge, this is it.
Provence & The Countryside
- L’Oustau de Baumanière (Les Baux-de-Provence) – Three Michelin stars, set in a stunning farmhouse. The food is as breathtaking as the views.
- Chez Bruno (Lorgues) – If you love truffles, this is your holy grail. Every dish is loaded with the good stuff.
- La Bastide de Moustiers (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie) – A magical countryside retreat owned by Alain Ducasse. Farm-to-table dining at its absolute finest.
- Auberge de la Fenière (Lourmarin) – A gorgeous spot in the Luberon with an all-organic, gluten-free menu (yes, really!).
- Le Mas Tourteron (Gordes) – A charming Provençal garden restaurant with some of the best food in the region.
Southern France is all about slow living and discovering the tiny, charming villages that feel untouched by time. Here are my absolute favorites.
French Riviera
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence – The most picturesque hilltop village, known for its art galleries and cobbled streets.
- Èze – Perched dramatically on a cliff, with jaw-dropping views of the coast.
- Antibes – A chicer, quieter alternative to Cannes, with stunning beaches and old-world charm.
- Saint-Tropez – Glitz, glamour, and chic beach clubs galore.
- Cassis – A seaside gem with crystal-clear waters and stunning calanques.
Provence
- Gordes – The most photographed village in Provence, and for good reason.
- Roussillon – A striking red-hued village, surrounded by breathtaking ochre cliffs.
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – The antique-hunting capital of Provence, with gorgeous canals running through town.
- Les Baux-de-Provence – A stunning medieval village, set atop a rocky plateau.
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – A fairytale-like village set against limestone cliffs, famous for its incredible pottery.
The Best Beaches in Southern France
- Paloma Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) – Tiny, exclusive, and perfection.
- Plage de Pampelonne (Saint-Tropez) – Home to all the chicest beach clubs.
- Plage Mala (Cap d’Ail) – Hidden, secluded, and impossibly beautiful.
- Calanques de Cassis – More fjords than beaches, but stunning nonetheless.
- Plage Notre-Dame (Porquerolles) – Like the Maldives, but make it French.
