SUCCESS

While Paris remains a mainstay in romanticised European travel adventures, France’s intimate palace hotels and family-run Relais & Châteaux properties are driving a quiet renaissance in luxury tourism and reimagining the quintessential summer escape. LUXUO goes beyond the Champs-Élysées to spotlight boutique hotels and rural Michelin-starred escapes that cater to luxury travellers seeking a calm retreat beyond Paris’ city bustle.

From Provence to the Loire Valley, this travel guide looks at how French boutique hotels experiment with design and culinary distinction, offering more than the average hotel experience. These destinations offer an all-in-one experience — with château suites overlooking rose gardens, Michelin-starred meals served in antique salons and vineyard walks in the golden light of southern hills — LUXUO explores France through a different lens.

Le Grand Contrôle, the Hotel at the Château de Versailles

Tucked within the storied grounds of the Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle offers guests a rare chance to experience French history from within. Designed in 1681 by Louis XIV’s famed architect — Jules Hardouin-Mansart — the building once served as the residence of the palace’s Finance Controller. Today, it stands as an opulent restoration of 18th-century grandeur. Its period furnishings, ornate fabrics and curated antiques transport guests to the height of the royal court.

Each of the 13 rooms and suites overlooks the Orangery Gardens, with interiors that maintain the hotel’s historic charm alongside the ease of modern-day comfort. Personal butlers attend to every detail while a refined culinary programme led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse ensures a stay is worthy of Versailles itself. From elegant breakfasts to dramatic, candlelit banquets — each dining experience reflects the indulgence of the palace’s golden age.

Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Château beyond regular visiting hours — from early-morning horseback rides in the royal park to private tours of the Hall of Mirrors. The Airelles Spa by Valmont provides a tranquil counterpoint to the grandeur outside with its serene pool and signature treatments. For younger guests, Le Grand Contrôle offers whimsical adventures — pony rides, mermaid swims and playful afternoon teas inspired by Queen Marie Antoinette.

Location: 12 Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine, 78000 Versailles, France

Click here for bookings and for more information.

Les Hauts de Loire Relais & Châteaux

Just two hours from Paris, Les Hauts de Loire is a historic 19th-century residence surrounded by 70 hectares of tranquil woodland, ponds and manicured parkland. Once a noble hunting lodge, the estate has evolved into one of France’s most celebrated countryside escapes. This Relais & Châteaux property reflects the elegance of a true French family home.

Set in the heart of the Loire Valley — often called “the garden of France” — the estate lies amid a region famed for its Renaissance châteaux, UNESCO-listed landscapes and over 70,000 hectares of vineyards producing distinguished wines like Chinon and Vouvray. Guests can unwind in serene rooms, explore wooded trails or relax by the pool. Be it enjoying a quiet morning walk, a game of tennis or a spirited round of pétanque near the lakes, the estate offers a gentle rhythm of living that celebrates the best of the region.

Art remains a vital thread in the property’s identity. Sculptures and installations by contemporary artists are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape — most notably The Great Deer of Les Hauts de Loire by Pierre Yermia, which welcomes guests at the entrance. With its charm, natural beauty and impeccable hospitality, Les Hauts de Loire offers an idyllic escape for couples, families or groups seeking space, culture and culinary excellence just beyond Paris city.

Location: 79 Rue Gilbert Navard, 41150 Veuzain-sur-Loire, France

Click here for bookings and for more information.

Castel Beau Site

Tucked into a serene cove along Brittany’s famed Pink Granite Coast, Castel Beau Site is among the most picturesque addresses in the Côtes d’Armor. Following a restoration, this beloved hotel has reclaimed its place as an elegant seaside retreat — making it the ideal base to explore the region’s raw coastal beauty. Just minutes from Perros-Guirec, Castel Beau Site invites travellers to savour one of France’s most enchanting coastlines.

Only a few hours from Paris by train, the journey brings guests through the quiet charm of Lannion before arriving at the shores of Ploumanac’h — a land steeped in legend, marked by striking pink-hued rock formations and wide ocean views. Originally built in 1928, Castel Beau Site began as a modest guesthouse before being requisitioned during WWII, later serving as a military holiday home. In 2002, it was revived by new ownership and eventually joined the H8 Collection in 2018.

The coastline’s dramatic granite formations — shaped over 300 million years — paint the landscape in soft shades of grey, rose and salmon. One of only three such sites in the world, it offers a compelling backdrop for coastal hikes, boat excursions to the Sept-Îles and restful days by the sea. Castel Beau Site’s unbeatable seafront location, historic charm and immersive setting, offers a rare chance to truly switch off.

Location:  137 Rue Saint-Guirec, 22700 Perros-Guirec, France

Click here for booking and more information.

Château de Berne

In the hinterland of Provence — in the heart of 500 hectares of nature, a small road winding through forest and olive groves leads to Château de Berne — a five-star Relais et Châteaux in Provence. The journey begins with the Château’s different wines, all from the 150 hectares of organic vines. It continues with experiences based on nature and a certain idea of the art of living in Provence.

Wine, wellness and the rhythms of Provençal life come together here. The estate’s elegant rooms, private villas, award-winning dining by Michelin-starred chef Louis Rameau and list of activities — that range from spa rituals to cooking classes and vineyard tours — are designed to make every moment reflect the art de vivre of the region.

The hotel’s 34 rooms and villas overlook the surrounding vines, with each space styled to balance rustic charm and contemporary luxury. Meanwhile, the estate’s culinary identity is anchored by Le Jardin de Berne, where locally sourced, seasonal ingredients guide a thoughtful, sustainable menu. For something more casual, guests can opt for the on-site bistro, the Chef’s Table experience or a picnic under the Provençal sun. From immersive wine tastings to moments of stillness at the spa or leisurely countryside walks, Château de Berne invites guests to connect with nature in one of France’s most idyllic regions. The estate also hosts weddings, private events and seminars, offering an intimate alternative to city-based hospitality.

Location: Chemin des Imberts, 83780 Flayosc, France

Click here for more information on bookings and reservations.

Les Prés d’Eugénie

Les Prés d’Eugénie (also known as The Meadows of Eugénie) is a romantic Relais & Châteaux estate that is a sanctuary of haute cuisine and French elegance. At its heart is legendary chef Michel Guérard — a pioneer of nouvelle cuisine — whose three-Michelin-starred restaurant continues to enchant gourmands from around the world. Set within an 18th-century retreat surrounded by rose gardens and mineral-rich thermal springs, the property embodies the art of slow living.

This poetic hideaway was brought to life by Christine and Michel Guérard and is now lovingly stewarded by their daughters Adeline and Eléonore. Each part of the estate — from the herb gardens and centuries-old hot springs to the symphonic kitchens — reflects the family’s heritage. Scattered across lush gardens and historic buildings, the 45 rooms and suites are decorated with antiques and fine art and each space opens out to tranquil views of the estate’s rose and water gardens.

For over 45 years, the gourmet restaurant at Les Prés d’Eugénie has held three Michelin stars — showcasing a longstanding legacy of culinary excellence. Michel Guérard and Hugo Souchet craft menus inspired by the land, combining seasonal ingredients with imaginative techniques. Expect dishes like hearth-roasted lobster, morel-stuffed parcels and airy Béchamel soufflés — all served in the stately Empress Lounges with intuitive service.

For a more rustic take on Gascon tradition, La Ferme aux Grives offers comforting fare in a setting of stone walls and open fireplaces. Here, plump Landes chickens and suckling pigs roast slowly in the hearth, alongside slow-cooked casseroles and truffle-studded mac and cheese. Warm hospitality and generous table d’hôte settings make this countryside inn a favourite for families and friends.

Location: Place de l’Impératrice, 334 Rue René Vielle Vieille, 40320 Eugénie-les-Bains, France

Click here for more information on bookings and reservations.

Chateau Lagrezette

Just under five kilometres from the V86 route, Château Lagrézette is a historic wine estate in southwest France where heritage, architecture and viticulture converge. With a winemaking history stretching back over 500 years, the estate today spans 90 hectares of vineyards across three distinct terroirs, all harvested by hand. At the heart of the winemaking operation is a striking, three-level underground gravity-flow cellar — a marvel of modern engineering built in 1992. Guests are invited to discover the château through curated tastings and wine workshops, offered year-round by reservation. Direct-to-door wine sales and international shipping are also available.

The château itself stands on 12th-century foundations and was rebuilt in the 15th century by Adhémar de Massaut. Originally a medieval fortress perched above the Lot River, it was enhanced in the Renaissance era with elegant architectural details. By the mid-20th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair, but was rescued in 1980 by entrepreneur and art patron Alain Dominique Perrin. His ambitious restoration efforts returned Château Lagrézette to its former glory and earned it classification as a Historic Monument in 1982. Perrin — also known for his work with Cartier and Richemont — remains closely involved with the estate, hosting dinners and sharing wines from his private cellar with guests.

One of the estate’s most remarkable historical figures is Marguerite de Massaut, granddaughter of the château’s original builder and its first female heir. In 1503, she initiated the estate’s earliest recorded harvest. Her stewardship of the property during her husband’s wartime absence earned her the title of “Dame d’Honneur,” a legacy still honoured today through one of the estate’s most prestigious cuvées and commemorated in the castle’s ceremonial fireplace.

Visitors to Lagrézette can choose from a variety of immersive wine experiences from “the discovery Workshop” — offering a one-hour guided tour of the barrel cellar, ending with a tasting of a signature Malbec to the comprehensive — to the Introductory Workshop — offering a floor-by-floor look at the winemaking process from harvest to barrel, concluding with a tasting of the château’s top vintages.

The estate’s wines are rooted in centuries of tradition and terroir. Malbec has been cultivated here since at least the 15th century and under Perrin’s guidance — with oenological input from Michel Rolland — the grape was re-established as the signature of the domaine. Today, the vines stretch across more than 60 hectares in Caillac, producing Malbec, Merlot and Tannat on mineral-rich clay-limestone and siliceous soils. Manual care — including stripping and thinning — ensures that only the most aromatic and high-quality grapes are selected.

The estate also extends to Rocamadour, home to 10 hectares of white varietals including Viognier and Chardonnay. Grown in dense plantings and harvested in the cool hours of early morning, these grapes produce fresh, aromatic wines that have received international acclaim.

Location: Domaine de Lagrézette, 46140 Caillac

Click here for more information on bookings and reservations.

Les Sources de Caudalie

Located in the heart of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards, Les Sources de Caudalie is Bordeaux’s leading luxury hotel and spa. Built to integrate with its natural surroundings, the property offers a comprehensive hospitality experience that focuses on sustainability, regional gastronomy and wellness. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the hotel was recently awarded the European Ecolabel — recognising more than two decades of ongoing work to reduce its ecological footprint.

Les Sources de Caudalie is also home to La Grand’Vigne, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Nicolas Masse. The menu is driven by seasonality and local sourcing, with much of the produce coming directly from the hotel’s vegetable garden or regional partners. On the wellness front, the on-site Vinothérapie Spa — the first of its kind — features treatments developed by Caudalie using grape-derived antioxidants and thermal spring water drawn from 540 metres underground. Facilities include a hammam, jacuzzi, thermal pool and relaxation areas.

The hotel comprises 62 rooms and suites distributed across six buildings inspired by traditional regional architecture. Each space is individually styled with a mix of vintage furnishings and modern touches. For larger groups or families, the property also offers a private lakeside apartment and the nearby Chartreuse de Château le Thil, a separate building with 11 rooms set within a forested park. Guests staying at the Chartreuse de Château le Thil benefit from full access to the main hotel’s facilities. Overall, Les Sources de Caudalie presents a model of sustainable, experience-led luxury hospitality in one of France’s most well-known wine-producing regions.

Location: Smith Haut-Lafitte, 33650 Martillac, France

Click here for more information on bookings and reservations.

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez is one of the French Riviera’s most exclusive properties, holding the rare Palace distinction and located just steps from the Mediterranean shoreline. Designed as a contemporary homage to the village’s artistic heritage, the hotel integrates a curated gallery space with and a strong emphasis on service. Its design draws from local materials and architectural traditions, reinterpreted through a modern lens to appeal to luxury travellers seeking privacy and hospitality. The property offers a range of rooms and suites, many with views of the sea or pine-shaded gardens and all appointed with bespoke furnishings and subtle nods to the region’s cultural identity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cheval Blanc St-Tropez (@chevalblancsttropez)

The hotel’s culinary programme is led by chef Arnaud Donckele, whose approach to Provençal cuisine has earned critical acclaim for its technical refinement and focus on local sourcing. Dining at the Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez is structured around regional produce and seasonal availability. Beyond the kitchen, guests have access to a spa offering tailored wellness treatments, delivered in private rooms overlooking the surrounding pines. The overall experience is supported by a team of trained Ambassadors, whose role is to anticipate guest needs and personalise each stay with discretion. Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez positions itself not only as a leisure destination but also as a benchmark in luxury hospitality on the French Riviera.

Location: Plage de la Bouillabaisse, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France

Click here for more information on bookings and reservations.

For more on the latest in lifestyle, culture and travel reads, click here.

The post Beyond Paris: Exploring France’s Countryside Retreats appeared first on LUXUO.

Formula One (F1) fever is at an all-time high — and if you’re new to the sport, fret not. While the blur of high-speed cars and roaring crowds might seem overwhelming at first, there’s a whole lot more to F1 than just engines and podium finishes. From the gravity-defying G-forces to Singapore’s iconic night race, here’s a starter to the fascinating world of F1 beyond the chequered flag.

The Singapore Grand Prix Was The World’s First F1 Night Race

Launched in 2008, the Singapore Grand Prix broke tradition by hosting F1’s first-ever night race. It was also the first ever F1 street race in Asia. It’s now one of the most anticipated stops on the calendar, with its floodlit Marina Bay Street circuit and vibrant party scene. What began as a bold experiment quickly became a fixture on the F1 calendar. Off the track, the race has now become synonymous with high-octane glamour, drawing global celebrities and luxury brands to this vibrant scene.

Marina Bay Sands Is Ferrari’s Official Singapore Home Ground

If there’s one place that matches Ferrari’s need for speed and spectacle, it’s Marina Bay Sands (MBS). Since 2024, the luxury hotel revs up at the epicentre of F1 with hotel room packages and after-party experiences. The MBS façade is illuminated in Ferrari red, with race cars displayed in the hotel lobby. It’s more than a pit stop — it is a full-throttle lifestyle experience for supercar fanatics.

There Are Around 600 People Behind Every F1 Team

Each F1 team backs its two drivers with a powerhouse of around 600 staff. Engineers, data analysts, aerodynamicists, pit crews, mechanics, PR reps, hospitality teams, and chefs all work in sync. They handle every detail — from tyre strategy to telemetry — with military precision.

An F1 Car Can Accelerate, Brake, and Stop In Under Five Seconds

F1 cars rank among the most finely tuned machines on the planet. They accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour — and brake back to 0 — in under five seconds, thanks to top-tier braking systems. Talk about speed.

Tiffany & Co Hand-Crafted F1 Trophies Out Of Sterling Silver in 2022

Tiffany & Co may be better known for diamonds in blue boxes, but the luxury house took a bold turn onto the F1 track in 2022 at the first Grand Prix in Miami, Florida. Handcrafted entirely from sterling silver, the brand’s take on the Grand Prix trophy is nothing short of a sculptural statement. The design’s clean lines and gleaming finish were inspired by the sleek curves of the F1 stadium architecture, mirroring the speed and precision of the sport. Tiffany & Co seamlessly fused its 187-year-old craftsmanship with the thrill of modern racing, showcasing a unique synergy between heritage and velocity.

An F1 Driver Can Lose Up To 3 Kilograms In A Single Race

F1 drivers undergo intense physical strain with cockpit temperatures soaring about 50 degree celsius. The combination of extreme heat and layered race suits, drivers lose as much as 2 to 3 kilograms of body weight — mostly through sweat — during a single Grand Prix. In Singapore’s sweltering humidity, that number often climbs higher. This makes the night race one of the most physically demanding on the calendar.

An F1 Car Only Lasts About 7 Races

F1 teams engineer their machines for peak performance, not longevity. Unlike road cars, these race cars — specifically their engines and gearboxes — last just seven races before teams swap them out. Every race pushes the limits of speed, G-force, and cutting-edge materials. Teams don’t build to endure — they build to chase every millisecond.

This article was first seen on, Grazia Singapore.

For more on the latest in art and culture reads, click here.

The post 7 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Formula 1 appeared first on LUXUO.

Minimalist design is all the rage today. Even as we bring back over-the-top retro, a minimalistic twist inevitably finds its way to refine these modern interpretations. However, we still marvel at art forms of the past. There is an undeniable and enduring appreciation for the restoration and preservation of historical art, monuments, and sites because they offer us glimmers into the past.

European restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi’s Beefbar is the third one to open in 2018 with interiors that find harmony between 19th-century architecture and modern industrial-style design. Following two other debuts in Dubai and Mykonos this year, the latest iteration sets itself in Paris within the restored Lamgham Hotel from 1898.

Beefbar Paris: Breathing Life Into A Century-Old Monument

The design project had been undertaken by Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet of Monaco-based architectural firm Humbert & Poyet. Engaged previously to design the editions in Hong Kong, Mexico, and Monaco, the duo challenged the boundaries of the forgotten space that was walled-up during World War II, only to be discovered by chance and made a historical monument in 1983, when it was thereafter left behind again.

A slight departure from the “refined simplicity” concept of its predecessors, the resulting amalgamation of styles is impressively elegant and sensitively traditional. Art Nouveau elements such as the signature pastel green shades, patterned carpeting and intricate frescos were carefully restored, while Art Deco marble, etched staff walls, faceted mirrors, lacquered walnut and brass fittings were preserved. In all its glory, the original features were juxtaposed with industrial-style minimalist woodworks and ceiling.

The strong colours and modern furnishings were a befitting contemporary spin to revive a century-old monument. With the Eiffel Tower within eyeshot, Giraudi makes yet another bold statement with this Paris edition.

Beefbar has been popular with meat eaters since its first Monte Carlo restaurant in 2015. In 2016, Beefbar Hong Kong earned its first Michelin star in the 2017 Hong Kong & Macau Michelin guide. The Paris instalment is another stunning addition to the lineup.

For more “meat” to the Beefbar story, visit www.beefbar.com.

The post The Latest Beefbar In Paris Revived A 19th-Century French Hotel appeared first on LUXUO.