The South of France continues to enchant visitors with its radiant Mediterranean charm, where sun-drenched shores meet centuries of history and vibrant creativity. Beyond the iconic beaches and rolling vineyards, the region reveals a curated collection of exceptional hotels and restaurants that celebrate refined elegance, innovative design, and gourmet excellence. From the coastal allure of La Croix-Valmer to the hilltop retreats near Saint-Tropez, these destinations offer immersive experiences where art, culture, and cuisine converge. Join Whitewall as we uncover the premier addresses that define the spirit of the French Riviera, inviting you to indulge in the ultimate Mediterranean lifestyle.
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, photo by Oliver Fly.
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is an intimate, five-star sanctuary nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, offering serene luxury just steps from the heart of Saint-Tropez. Part of the prestigious Cheval Blanc collection by LVMH, the hotel features 30 elegant rooms and suites designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, many with sweeping sea views. Surrounded by pine groves and the azure Mediterranean, the property is home to the three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Vague d’Or by Chef Arnaud Donckele, where Provençal flavors are elevated to poetic heights. With a Guerlain spa, private beach, and impeccable attention to detail, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez offers a secluded yet sophisticated escape that blends Riviera glamour with soulful tranquility.
What we love: The Provençal tasting menu by Chef Arnaud Donckele at La Vague d’Or.
Book your reservation HERE
Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa
Courtesy of Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a luxurious retreat nestled in the hills of Vence on the French Riviera, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, the five-star property combines refined elegance with historic charm—set within a former Knights Templar castle surrounded by 34 acres of olive groves and gardens. The estate features opulent suites and villas, a Michelin-starred restaurant, an award-winning spa by La Prairie, and curated experiences ranging from wine tastings to private art tours. With its blend of natural beauty, gastronomic excellence, and discreet luxury, Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a serene sanctuary for discerning travelers.
What we love: Sipping champagne after a La Prairie facial.
Book your reservation HERE
La Chevre d’Or
Photo by Tom Meyer, courtesy of La Chevre d’Or.
Photo by Tom Meyer, courtesy of La Chevre d’Or.
La Chèvre d’Or is a legendary five-star hotel and gastronomic destination perched in the medieval village of Èze, offering breathtaking views over the French Riviera. Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, the property blends historic architecture with refined luxury across elegantly appointed rooms and suites, terraced gardens, and panoramic dining spots. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, also named La Chèvre d’Or, delivers inventive French cuisine rooted in the region’s seasonal bounty. With lush surroundings, a cliffside location, and exceptional service, the hotel offers an unforgettable escape where art, nature, and culinary excellence converge.
What we love: Sunset dinners on the cliffside terrace.
Book your reservation HERE
La Bastide de Gordes
La Table de la Bastide at La Bastide de Gordes, photo by photo by Brett Wood.
Airelles, La Bastide de Gordes is a sumptuous five-star hotel set within a 16th-century château in the hilltop village of Gordes, one of Provence’s most picturesque destinations. Part of the prestigious Airelles collection, the property combines historic grandeur with refined French elegance, offering panoramic views of the Luberon Valley. Lavishly appointed rooms and suites evoke the charm of a noble Provençal residence, while several gourmet dining options, including Clover Gordes by Jean-François Piège, showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage. With a serene Guerlain Spa, terraced gardens, and curated cultural experiences, La Bastide de Gordes offers an enchanting escape steeped in history, beauty, and indulgence.
What we love: Enjoying a Guerlain spa treatment.
Book your reservation HERE
Hôtel Les Roches Rouges
Les Roches Rouges, photo by Benoit Linero.
Hôtel Les Roches Rouges is a chic, design-forward boutique hotel perched between the red rock cliffs and turquoise waters of the French Riviera in Saint-Raphaël. Blending 1950s modernism with contemporary minimalism, the five-star retreat offers an effortless sense of barefoot luxury, with sea-facing rooms, two outdoor pools—including a natural seawater pool carved into the rocks—and open-air spaces designed to immerse guests in the surrounding coastal beauty. Its restaurants celebrate Mediterranean simplicity, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients from Provence. With curated cultural programming, a serene spa, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Hôtel Les Roches Rouges offers a relaxed yet refined Riviera escape infused with art, nature, and understated elegance.
What we love: Floating in the saltwater rock pool.
Book your reservation HERE
Lily of the Valley
Courtesy of Lily of the Valley.
Lily of the Valley is a five-star wellness hotel nestled in the hills of La Croix-Valmer, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Designed by Philippe Starck, the hotel’s architecture combines elements of Californian villas and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, creating a serene and harmonious environment. The hotel features a 2,000-square-meter wellness center, the Shape Club, which includes a 25-meter outdoor pool, fitness facilities, yoga studios, and a range of treatments such as cryotherapy and Indiba. In addition to spacious rooms and suites, each with private terraces and elegant interiors, guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at the Vista restaurant, which offers vegan and vegetarian options with views over the bay.
What we love: Taking advantage of the Shape Club’s personalized wellness programs.
Book your reservation HERE
Hôtel Le Negresco
Le Negresco, photo by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel.
Hôtel Le Negresco, located on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, is an iconic luxury hotel renowned for its distinctive pink dome and Belle Époque architecture. Since opening its doors in 1913, it has become a symbol of elegance and glamour on the French Riviera, attracting artists, celebrities, and discerning travelers. Inside, the hotel boasts a remarkable art collection, opulent interiors filled with antique furnishings, and rooms that blend classic charm with modern comfort. Le Negresco offers guests not just a place to stay but an immersive experience steeped in history, culture, and timeless French sophistication.
What we love: Taking in the museum-worthy art collection.
Book your reservation HERE
Le Louis XV
Le Louis XV, photo by Matteo Carassale, coutesy of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Le Louis XV, photo by Matteo Carassale, courtesy of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris is a three-Michelin-starred culinary temple in the heart of Monte-Carlo, renowned for pioneering Mediterranean haute cuisine. Inside the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the restaurant reflects the elegance and refinement of the Riviera, with interiors that blend Belle Époque grandeur and contemporary sophistication. Under the direction of celebrated chef Alain Ducasse, the menu is a tribute to the region’s seasonal bounty—featuring ingredients sourced from local producers, the nearby sea, and sun-drenched gardens. With impeccable service, an exceptional wine cellar, and a dedication to culinary artistry, Le Louis XV offers an unforgettable dining experience that epitomizes the luxury and spirit of Monaco.
What we love: The tasting journey orchestrated by Ducasse.
Book your reservation HERE
JAN
Courtesy of JAN.
JAN is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Nice, founded by South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, offering a refined fusion of French and South African cuisine. Located in the city’s vibrant port district, the intimate dining space blends elegant minimalism with warm hospitality, reflecting the chef’s personal journey and creative vision. JAN’s ever-evolving tasting menus spotlight seasonal ingredients from the South of France, infused with flavors and techniques inspired by van der Westhuizen’s heritage. Just across the street, guests can visit MARIA, a companion space featuring a curated cheese room and dessert experience. With its unique cultural narrative and dedication to craftsmanship, JAN delivers an unforgettable gastronomic encounter rooted in storytelling, memory, and innovation.
What we love: A dinner followed by dessert across the street at MARIA.
Book your reservation HERE
