This summer, all eyes will be on Paris as the city prepares to host the Olympic Games (July 26-Aug. 11). But France is the world’s top tourist destination for a reason: there’s no end of opportunities for things to discover in the City of Light and beyond. From summer wellness retreats and ritzy beach clubs to private sailings through the vast, marshy wetland of the Camargue, here’s what not to miss when planning a trip, and where to stay (including recommendations from Transat) while doing do.
- Newly starred dining experiences
The 2024 Michelin guide conferred new stars to 62 restaurants across France. Among the fine dining establishments with new sparkle: La Gabriel at La Réserve Paris, now with its third Michelin star—making it one of just 10 restaurants in the capital with this distinction. While the restaurant has a strong sense of place, the menus take inspiration from all corners of the world, including Japan and Turkey, where Brittany-born chef Jérôme Banctel learned the art of cooking with limestone—a technique he has now made his own.
Elsewhere in town, the Art Deco-inflected Monsieur George hotel is home to the newly crowned Michelin-starred restaurant Galanga, helmed by 32-year-old chef Thomas Damingo, who uses techniques like fermentation to add depth and creativity to his plant-forward plates. “[Damingo] conjures up delicate, aromatic dishes, whose elegance and technically flawless craftsmanship pamper the taste buds,” reads the Michelin review.
- Pilgrimage-worthy spas
In Paris, you don’t need an Olympic-sized pool to make a splash. In fact, some of the city’s insider’s-favourite wellness refuges are petite in size but mighty in every other respect. Take the newly opened Hotel Hana, designed by Laura Gonzalez (who is behind the restoration of the Cartier Mansion in New York) and Olivier Leone (the cofounder and art director of Nodaleto shoe brand). The property’s design takes inspiration from its location in Little Tokyo, as does the spa menu, which offers holistic treatments and Japanese rituals, including reiki, kobido, and reflexology using green tea and yuzu scented oils. After a treatment, relax by the indoor pool to really set the Zen mood.
In the South of France, the Spa Nescens at La Réserve Ramatuelle just launched a series of Women’s Better Aging retreats for summer 2024 season, aimed at helping women of all ages with mental and physical re-energization as well as self-reflection. The three- and five-day retreats include activities such as nature walks, yoga, and Pilates classes alongside holistic facial treatments and relaxing body rituals such as a signature Nescens Better Aging Facial and Massage. Two-Michelin Starred chef Eric Canino will also work hand in hand with Clinique Nescens’ nutritionist to create tailored menus adapted to the objectives of each guest during their program.
- The Côte d’Azur’s most exclusive beaches
The South of France conjures shimmering waters, powdery sands, and the most glamourous beach clubs in the world. For a front-row seat to the Cote d’Azur’s legendary beach culture, look no further than Cap D’Antibes Beach Hotel, a 1950s-era icon that underwent a complete revamp in 2023 led by Belgian architect Bernard Dubois. Perched atop a rocky promontory between Cannes and Nice that was used as a backdrop in both Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief and Jacques Deray’s La Piscine, the 35-room hotel is spread across a private beach with pastel pink loungers and parasols lined up along water’s edge. Fun fact: it’s one of a handful of hotels on the Cote d’Azur where guests don’t need to cross the road to get to the beach.
Near St Tropez, the seaside beach club La Réserve à La Plage opened on the buzzy Pampelonne Beach in 2019. Designed by Philipe Starck, it’s coastal boho-chic at its best, with the staff dressed in white-and-blue Breton stripes and a restaurant overseen by the La Réserve Ramatuelle’s Michelin-starred chef Eric Canino and chef Nicolas Cantrel. The beach club hosts live concerts, DJ sets, and photo exhibitions – all against the shimmering backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors will also be hanging out in the exact place where beach club culture in France was born: in 1956, French superstar Brigitte Bardot made Pampelonne Beach a summer icon while filming ‘And God Created Woman.’
- Family-friendly escapes
Paris with kids? Bien sûr. Especially when staying at La Réserve Paris Apartments, a collection of 10 multi-bedroom apartments in the quiet 16th arrondissement. The flats feature large kitchens, fully stocked pantries and wine cellars, large balconies ideal for dinner parties prepared by a private chef, home gyms, and direct Eiffel Tower views. The building has its own private street entrance, and guests who buy out the 370-sq.-m. top floor receive a key for private elevator access. Younger guests might enjoy a pastry workshop with the hotel’s chef in the apartment kitchen or visit the Paris Aquarium, just across from the apartments. Guests also have access to all hotel amenities, including 24/7 butler service and meals at the three-starred Michelin restaurant Le Gabriel.
Having been family owned for nearly 70 years, Hotel La Ponche in St Tropez knows a thing or two about multi-generational travel and has many memories to share about the glamourous history of the French Riviera. Families often enjoy the most famous accommodations of the hotel, two Prestige Tropezian suites that were once the favourites of famous French actress, Brigitte Bardot, and French painter and sculptor, Bernard Buffet. Both feature a large, private terrace overlooking the sea and the 17th-century citadel. There are also three apartments, ideal for longer stays, which accommodate between four and six guests and come with a separate living room, fully equipped kitchen, and of course, fantastic sea views. Here, family-friendly experiences include beach picnics, private boat rides, and exclusive access to the area’s best museums.
- Splurge-worthy buyouts
Sail France’s waterways in superlative style – and utmost privacy – on a private boating experience with Belmond. In April, Belmond launched Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne after a top-to-bottom refit, with three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck. Available for private charter only, Coquelicot will take up to six guests on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, offering exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne. Guests can disembark the boat for unrivaled access to Taissy vineyard, which has been referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives, for a guided tour through the grounds followed by a technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées led by a Maison Ambassador.
Belmond is now also sailing in the Camargue region from Avignon to Sete (or vice versa) on the four-cabin Pivoine, A Belmond Boat, Camargue – marking a new destination for Belmond’s fleet in France. As one of Europe’s largest natural reserves and the largest wetland in France, this new itinerary in Camargue, also launched in April, spotlights the vast wilderness of the region with a private visit to the salt marshes to see the pink flamingo’s nesting grounds, bird watching, tours through the lavender fields, and a special experience with famous horse whisperer, Jean Francois Pignon (who worked with Stella McCartney on her campaign starring the white horses of Camargue).
In Bordeaux, La Maison d’Estournel has reopened for the season. Located next to the famed Château Cos d’Estournel winery, the property has just 14 rooms with vineyard views, complimentary e-bikes for pedaling through the rolling hills, and cozy-chic interiors that feel like staying at a friend’s country residence. It’s a dream wedding destination, with room for up to 200 people on the great lawn. In between wedding festivities, guests can go grand cru wine tasting, fishing, oyster farming, or take a boat out on Arcachon Bay.
- Cultural happenings
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, the 5th edition if the Normandy Impressionist Festival, taking place through Sept. 22, will showcase a major Whistler exhibit in Rouen, complement by the 12th edition of Rouen Cathedral’s summer sound & light show. Normandy has also partnered with the Paris Region for this anniversary celebration, featuring a grand exhibit titled ‘Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment’ at the Musée d’Orsay continues through mid-July.
France mustard capital, Dijon, is also home to the captivating Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin. It serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the three new wine centre in Beaune, Macon, and Chablis.
- Grand gestures
Provence’s Le Var county is famed for Saint-Tropez but also home to France’s Grand Canyon – the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, which is worth visiting year-round. Other breathtaking spots include the red rock mountains of the Estérel Massif and the must-see Porquerolles and Port-Cros islands. Toulouse, known as the Pink City, is notable for architectural heritage & museums and also the world capital of aeronautics. The unsung Vendée, and Charente-Maritime house the lush & biodiverse Marais Poitevin, France’s second largest wetland. Fittingly, Nouvelle Aquitaine’s Cognac region comprised of both the Charente and Charente Maritime welcomes visitors who wish to discover that there’s more to Cognac then just the drink.
Finally, check out two recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Roman-era Maison Carrée in Nîmes and the Volcanoes and lush forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Le Carbet on the island of Martinique (France also has overseas territories!).
Transat recommended
Hôtel Edouard 7
- Opening Year: 2007
- Star Rating: 4
Located on Avenue de l’Opéra, Hôtel Edouard 7 (photo above) offers a breathtaking view of the Palais Garnier. With its luxurious rooms and historic ambiance, this hotel embodies Parisian elegance and provides an exceptional setting for travellers seeking refinement.
Hôtel Bel Ami
- Opening Year: 2000
- Star Rating: 5
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hôtel Bel Ami offers a chic and contemporary experience. With its elegant rooms and warm atmosphere, this hotel is ideal for those looking to discover the soul of Paris in a sophisticated setting.
Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud, BW Signature Collection
- Opening Year: 2021
- Star Rating: 4
Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud is a celebration of French literature, located near Canal Saint-Martin. Each room pays homage to the poet Arthur Rimbaud, offering a culturally enriching experience for literature enthusiasts and curious travellers.
Hôtel Central Saint Germain
- Opening Year: 2005
- Star Rating: 3
Hôtel Central Saint Germain combines charm and comfort in the Latin Quarter. Its strategic location allows guests to easily explore the main attractions of Paris while enjoying a stay in a welcoming and authentic environment.