France and luxury holidays are two things which go hand in hand. Throughout its history, France has always been the place where elegance is defined, seen through its architecture, fashion, cuisine, and culture. The French just understand what it means to be luxurious. As such, it will come as no surprise that some of the most luxurious hotels are in France. On a Softies cycling tour, you’ll have the chance to visit royal châteaux hotels, gorgeous countryside inns, and modern city-centre stays. Read on to discover the most luxurious hotels in France.
Baumanière
This list is starting out strong with the magnificent Baumanière. This 5-star hotel is not only beautiful but sits beneath the breathtaking citadel of le-Baux-de-Provence. With the towering cliffs rising above the hotel, you’ll feel awestruck when you first check-in. Baumanière boasts a fantastic 3-star Michelin restaurant, where you can enjoy some of the finest dining in France. With a swimming pool and relaxing spa area, this hotel is one of our most memorable.
You’ll have the chance to stay here on our indulgent Around the Alpilles tour. This cycling holiday takes you on a voyage of discovery through olive groves, sun-drenched vineyards and the garrigue landscape of Provence. Opt for an e-bike, and you’ll be zooming up the hills of this beautiful landscape, where a gorgeous hotel awaits you at the end of your route. Lying next to the ancient citadel of le-Baux-de-Provence, you can take time to wander the historic streets. Shops are filled with local crafts, from lavender soaps and oils to well-made pottery; things Provence is most famous for.
Take a tour of the garrigue, olive groves and vineyards that cover this gorgeous corner of Provence and stay in our selection of the area’s finest 4 and 5 star hotels.
Domaine de la Tortinière
One half a royal castle and the other a sophisticated modern establishment, the Domaine de la Tortinière is one of the most luxurious hotels in France. Located in the elegant Loire Valley, the region is known for its beautiful châteaux and this hotel is no exception. Beautifully maintained, the older half of the establishment is a fairy tale castle, with historic touches and glistening art. The modern half can be seen breaking through the hill beneath the castle, where the restaurant, pool and patio can be found.
On our Loire in Luxury cycling holiday, you’ll have the chance to visit this château for yourself. Acting as your accommodation when visiting Tours, the beautiful hotel is one of our favourite parts of the itinerary. Not only this, but we haven’t even mentioned the delicious restaurant yet. The Loire is known for its regal cuisine, as well as being the ‘garden of France’. This combination produces creative dishes made from locally grown produce, or fresh fish caught from the abundant Loire River. Look out for trout baked with citrus; one of the region’s most mouth-watering combinations.
The magical region of Loire; world-famous for its marvellous châteaux, magnificent rivers, delicious wines and fabulous cycling holidays, of course!
Crillon le Brave
In the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône wine region, you’ll find Crillon le Brave. This is arguably the most spectacular hotel you can visit on a Softies tour. With sweeping views of the valley, everywhere you turn is a wonderful sight. The hotel itself is built from that classic sandstone seen throughout the region, with sprawling ivy, Virginia creeper, and curtains of wisteria. Boasting not one but two fantastic restaurants, it’s safe to say Crillon le Brave is one of a kind.
Found in the heart of Vaucluse, you’ll be staying here on our indulgent Côtes du Rhône self-guided cycling tour. We love diving into the inviting pool as a reward for the day’s leisurely cycling. Whilst swimming, you can enjoy the views which gaze out over the Ventoux mountains; these include Mount Ventoux, which avid cyclists will recognise from the Tour de France.
Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most highly rated hotels.
Domaine les Crayères
Our next luxurious hotel is a little further north than the others, in the elegant region of Champagne. Domaine les Crayères is classically French, with fabulous architecture, meticulously designed gardens, and refined artwork. Undoubtedly 5-stars, this is one of the most luxurious hotels in France. The building is over a hundred years old and features its own vineyard; the wine made here can be enjoyed at the restaurant alongside a delicious meal.
On our A Taste of Champagne cycling holiday, this is where you’ll be staying. Experience silver service fit for royalty on this indulgent tour. With a focus on sampling the sparkling wine made in the region, decadence and elegance are threaded throughout this tour’s itinerary. The highlight, however, is arriving at this luxurious hotel and being shown to your room; ‘indulgent’ isn’t able to convey the full comfort of your stay.
Indulge yourself with delicious wines and stunning scenery with a Champagne cycling holiday, through charming vineyards and grand cities.
For more information on the most luxurious hotels in France, give our cycle experts a call today on 020 7471 7760.