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Top 5 luxury escapes in France

Sometimes it can be fun to be immersed in the vibrant culture and bustle of a city. It’s easy to spend a week in places like London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome without ever running out of things to do or places to visit. But sometimes people just need to kick back and relax in a more secluded locale; get away from the throbbing nightlife and daily grind and take a breath of fresh air. But just because you’re getting out of the major cities and the crowds that come with them, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort and class. And one of the best places to get away to in Europe is the French Countryside. France has long been at the pinnacle of luxury. Ever since the 14th century, French Chateaus and castles have stood the test of time and shown the world what elegance done right can look like. While many think of Parisian cafes and the Eiffel tower, France can be the perfect place for someone looking to escape it all and head to the picturesque scenes of rural and coastal France. So if you’re looking to an escape in one of Europe’s most pristine and jaw-dropping countries, here are our top five places to escape the busy swarms of city life and still live in luxury across the great nation of France. Auberge du Jeu de Paume, Chantilly Tucked into the beautiful rural community of Chantilly, north of Paris, the Auberge du Jeu de Paume features 92 rooms and suites decked out in all the finery of a classic French Chateaux, like the Domaine de Chantilly right next door. Mixing prestige and tradition throughout its lavish decor, this hotel features two critically acclaimed restaurants such as the La Table du Connétable. Guests can choose services from the salons, professional spa, and fitness center. In addition to this, they also feature access to both golf and equestrian sports to help encapsulate their classic approach to French luxury. Private lounges decked out in a chic, warm atmosphere awaits you here as you enjoy the rolling green Parisian countryside in style. Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne, Carcassonne The Hotel de la Cité can be your own “fortress of solitude”. Located in the heart of the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, this 5-star hotel located within ancient walls was built in the 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style. The hotel has 47 rooms, 13 suites, and features an outdoor pool and shaded park perfect for spending a relaxing evening in. Chef Jérôme Ryon serves up delicacies at the Barbacane restaurant that would rival the greatest restaurants of Paris, all from the comfort of your luxury castle stay. Enjoy your well-deserved reprieve amidst sculpted wood paneling, ornamental tapestries, and stained-glass windows all carefully crafted by French craftsmen to create a warm and intimate atmosphere you can truly kick back in. Chateau Eza, Éze Located along the ancient and beautiful coast of France’s Cote d’Azur, Château Eza is considered by many the most stunning chateau in the French Rivera. With 14 intimate rooms and suites of this 400-year-old Chateau, this former residence of a Swedish prince offers a breathtaking view and a gourmet restaurant that is known across the region for serving the finest of local French delicacies. Private balconies overlooking Cote d’Azur and terraces will give you the long-deserved breath of fresh sea air in a place brimming with history. With rooms decked out in every style to fit every need, this escape is perfect for a solo trip or an outing with friends and family. Chateau de la Chevre d’Or, Éze Another prime Riviera location, the Chateau de la Chevre d’Or is a majestic hotel with terraces overlooking the azure-blue Mediterranean. Four restaurants and a seaside bar make this the perfect place to enjoy a classically mixed drink while taking some time off. Rooms and suites are decked out in a beautiful yet eclectic collection of both classic and modern decor. Spend dinner eating at Restaurant Les Remparts and enjoy locally crafted signature dishes like roasted codfish, stuffed red peppers with brandade and garlic tomato juice. A collection of wellness and relaxation treatments await you as this seaside paradise offers a wide variety of spa treatments and physical health program suitably tailored to fit every guest’s needs. Chateau d’Audrieu, Audrieu “Living à la Française” is the embodiment of what Chateau d’Audrieu is all about, and this massive mansion-turned-hotel is a must-see for anyone looking to explore and relax in the lavish cascades of Normandy. From classic rooms furnished in period luxury to a luxury tree-house on the grounds itself, this Chateau is a perfect choice for two to three guests looking to get away. Dine-in with the best brunch in Normandy, then spend the evening touring and glossing over the exceptional and regionally renowned wine cellar. Arrange for an evening nightcap at The Bar Le 1715 surrounded by the elegant, preserved oak paneling. Guests here may also enjoy a lovely swim in an outdoor heated swimming pool as well as yoga in the immaculate flower garden. Whatever your pleasure might be, Chateau d’Audrieu will make you feel like the Lord of the Manor. France is a great place to escape the bustle of everyday life. The French countryside is filled with natural beauty and simple pleasures but is also home to some of the finest and most glamorous chateaus in Europe. From Normandy to the shores of the Mediterranean, luxury hotels are offering a unique and chic escape for anyone looking to escape the city skylines and exchange it for manicured lawns and enthralling garden vistas. Classic French dining is everywhere to be seen, offering a unique flavor and taste you can treat yourself to every night if it be your pleasure. Enjoy the historic towns, castles, manors, and estates, or spend your whole vacation in sweet solitude. Whatever the case may be, France is waiting for you, and her hotel chateaus are a fantastic way to get to know her. Bienvenue! Guido Graf is Founder of Privateupgrades. Privateupgrades is a global luxury travel club with over 20 years of experience in luxury hotels, ensuring exclusive VIP privileges like upgrades, free breakfast, free nights, rate discounts, free airport transfers, free massages and much more. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Guido Graf

Guido Graf, born in Vienna, is a respected businessman and pioneer in the European luxury travel industry. After studying in Switzerland, he founded Deluxetargets in 2001, one of the most esteemed companies for luxury travel in Europe. In 2017, he recognized the growing importance of the digital market and launched PrivateUpgrades, an online platform providing access to over 2000 luxury hotels with exclusive VIP benefits. Graf is widely acknowledged as an expert in luxury hotels and continually sets new standards for exceptional travel experiences. Moreover, since 2008, he is the exclusive representative for Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic in Switzerland. Graf also sits on advisory boards of several renowned luxury hotel brands and has held a consulting role in several significant hotel openings such as the Royal Atlantis in Dubai. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial foresight make him a leading figure in the luxury travel industry.

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6 Comments

  1. Well, it’s certainly a good time in France to think about spending time in solitude. I’m not sure how the Coronavirus is impacting the French Riviera. But one of these castles with a stunning view of the Mediterranean would obviously be an ideal place to ride out this tough time for Europe and the rest of the world. A luxury escape like this could be vitally important to the French economy anytime soon.

  2. Funny how the mind plays tricks on you. From the picture of the Chateau d’Audrieu I was convinced that it was located on the Côte d’Azur. It was only when I read about the Normandy Brunch that I finally realised that my mind had been reading what it wanted to read. Wherever it is that Château is definitely worth a visit.

  3. I’d second Chantilly, well worth a visit. There’s still a lot of France I want to visit some day and I can’t wait to go back. I haven’t stayed anywhere quite as luxurious when I’ve been but maybe next time I’ll push the boat out. The last one makes me think a little of regal British countryside with stately manor homes turned hotels. Some amazing suggestions here.

  4. Many of my friends have told me a lot about their stay in Carcassonne on the French travels. It must be great not just to walk the walls but also to stay in the Hotel de la Cite which is partly made up of the ancient walls. I haven’t driven down to that part of France for many years but when I do I must finally stay for a few days in Carcassonne.

  5. France is known for many things including their superb cuisine, unique culture, famous tourist spots, and especially their luxurious lifestyle. There are many luxury spots that are just hiding in plain sight and waiting to be visited. These are just a few of those spots but these escapes are some of the best. Escaping the city means travelling to the countryside and Chantilly is certainly a beautiful destination for those who want a lot of green and sun. I’m sure going means lots of photos for your Instagram account.

  6. Great suggestions! There are a couple here I’d definitely like to try. La Borde at Leugny and Hotel La Mirande at Avignon also deserve a mention. Very different, but both excellent.

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