12 Most Expensive Destinations in France Where Luxury Comes With a Hefty Price Tag
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France is synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and unparalleled luxury. From the timeless charm of Parisian streets to the glamorous French Riviera, this country offers a wide range of destinations that are opulent just as they are charming.
Whether indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine, staying in palatial hotels, or exploring world-renowned vineyards, France provides a playground for those seeking the finer things. While they may not be the top selection for budget travel, these destinations are irresistible to anyone looking for a lavish French escape.
Ready to experience the finer things in life? Add these 12 most expensive destinations to your French itinerary. Whether you are looking for exclusivity, top-tier hotels, or unforgettable experiences, these 12 destinations promise not just a vacation but a lavish escape into a world of luxury.
Nice
Nice is a playground for the rich and famous. It has several five-star hotels offering comfort and a taste of the Côte d’Azur’s rich history. One of the most iconic places to stay is the Hotel Negresco, a landmark hosting the world’s elite for over a century.
Nice is not just about where you stay; it’s about how you spend your time. The city offers many fun recreational activities for those with a taste for the finer things in life. You can charter a luxury yacht at the city’s marina if you’re looking to enjoy yourself at sea.
For art lovers, the Musée Matisse and the Marc Chagall National Museum offer an intimate look at exquisite artworks in settings as beautiful as the art itself.
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Cannes
Cannes, synonymous with glamor and the film industry, is a city that attracts the world’s well-heeled personalities, especially during the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.
Further, the Cannes Yachting Festival is an annual event that attracts yachting enthusiasts from various parts of the world. Here, you can explore some of the most luxurious yachts on the market or even arrange a private viewing if you’re in the market for a new vessel.
What’s more, the city’s luxury hotels offer an unmatched level of service and exclusivity. The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, is perhaps the most famous. This 5-star accommodation overlooking the Bay of Cannes has offered guests next-level luxury since 1911.
For a bit of exploration, you can hit Boulevard de la Croisette, which curves along the coast. It is lined with upmarket boutiques, palatial hotels, and sandy beaches, all waiting to offer you a well-deserved luxurious escape.
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Lyon
Aside from being France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon offers a wealth of luxury experiences. It is also known for having one of the highest housing expenses in the country and is ranked as France’s second most expensive place to buy a house, just behind Paris.
A private tour of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice lets you have an exclusive look at one of France’s most important art collections, which houses works from the past four centuries.
For those who enjoy shopping, the city’s Presqu’île district has several high-end boutiques. Lyon’s luxury extends beyond its unique and luxurious experiences to its accommodations. The InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, is perfect for a pampered holiday. It has a world-class spa and is in a prime location in Lyon.
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Saint-Tropez
Once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Tropez has transformed into a luxurious destination. This town boasts many luxurious leisure activities that cater to the elite.
Start your day with a private yacht charter, exploring the pristine waters of the Mediterranean. For those who prefer land-based activities, the Pampelonne Beach is a must-visit. Here, you can enjoy exclusive beach clubs like Club 55. You can also enjoy champagne while lounging on the beach club’s plush sunbeds, basking in the Côte d’Azur’s sun-soaked glory.
But for a truly opulent stay, check into Hotel Byblos, a “Palace Hotel” that hosts countless A-listers. The hotel is not just for celebrity spotting; it offers the ultimate lavish experience of the French Riviera.
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Courchevel
Known for its meticulously groomed slopes, Courchevel is part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world. This destination attracts a global elite, including royalty, celebrities, and billionaires, who visit for its skiing adventures and lifestyle.
Beyond the slopes, Courchevel is a shopper’s paradise. To take a break from the slopes, you can head out to get souvenirs from the town’s upscale boutiques.
Courchevel always delivers when it comes to luxurious accommodation facilities. The L’Apogée Courchevel – an Oetker Collection Hotel, is an emblem of luxury, offering sumptuous suites with panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks. The hotel also features a spa, where guests can unwind with bespoke treatments after a day on the slopes.
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Chamonix
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix offers a luxurious winter wonderland for high-end travelers. You’ll find world-class skiing across five different ski areas, with over 93 miles (150 kilometers) of pristine pistes to explore. If you are a thrill-seeker, paraglide over the stunning Alpine landscape or take a heart-stopping ride up the Aiguille du Midi cable car for breathtaking views from 12,605 feet.
In summer, you can have picnics amid wildflower meadows or try glacier hiking for an unforgettable adventure. You have to applaud Chamonix for being a destination that caters to outdoor adventures in all seasons. With this, it is always in demand all year round, and it is easy to see why it would be expensive.
After all the fun and games outdoors, retire to the 5-star Hotel Mont-Blanc, where you can unwind in their heated outdoor pool.
Read also: Top Beach Destinations To Visit in France
Biarritz
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Biarritz has long been associated with aristocracy and sophistication. Once a favored retreat of European royalty, this seaside town continues to attract those seeking luxury, elegance, and exclusivity.
This destination is renowned for its world-class surfing scene. The beaches, particularly the Grande Plage and Côte des Basques, offer some of the best waves in Europe. For the elite, private surf lessons with expert instructors are readily available.
Other than seaside adventures, Biarritz is also a top-notch golfing destination. Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, one of the oldest courses in France, is a perfect spot to tee off.
And when it comes to accommodation, Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt lets you unwind in style.
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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Le Touquet is a haven for equestrian enthusiasts. This town has facilities offering horseback rides along the beach or through the surrounding pine forests. Also, it hosts international equestrian competitions.
For golfers, Le Touquet boasts two of the finest golf courses in France: La Mer and La Forêt. Both courses offer challenging play amid stunning coastal scenery.
That aside, Le Touquet’s nightlife is equally vibrant. It features a casino, luxury bars, and nightclubs that attract a fashionable crowd.
In matters of accommodation, Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster is a symbol of the town’s elegance. An indoor swimming pool and spa are some amenities you can take advantage of in this 5-star hotel.
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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a commune often nicknamed the “peninsula of billionaires,” is a destination known for its picture-perfect luxury. Yachting is one of the best things to do in this seaside resort. The local marina is filled with luxury yachts, and private charters are available for those looking to explore the stunning coastline of the French Riviera.
Visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild to learn about the commune’s cultural heritage. This museum in a 20th-century villa has nine themed gardens and offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the French aristocracy.
That aside, the Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, invites you to enjoy a pampered getaway. In addition to offering easy access to different beaches, this hotel offers guests an outdoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and hot tub.
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Antibes
You’ll find luxury and charm in equal measure in Antibes. This picturesque town between Nice and Cannes is a quaint alternative to its glitzier neighbors. Stroll through the Old Town to explore medieval ramparts as you hop into chic boutiques. You can admire the Old Town’s walls dating back to the 16th century.
But what’s a visit to Antibes without a bit of pampering? Book a stay at Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel, an upscale accommodation with a private beach. You can enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at Les Pêcheurs, one of the in-house eateries. Remember to explore Le Sentier du Littoral for breathtaking views of the azure sea and luxurious villas dotting the landscape.
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Paris
Ah, Paris – the crème de la crème of French luxury. Ranking consistently among the most expensive destinations in the world, Paris has all you may need in terms of luxury and conveniences. You’ll find yourself in a whirlwind of splendor, from world-class museums like the Louvre to Michelin-starred restaurants that offer the best of the best. Stroll down the Champs-Elysées and stop by any of the avenue’s high-end designer boutiques to shop for something nice.
Book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, for the ultimate indulgence. This historic hotel has Michelin-starred restaurants and sophisticated rooms, some of which face the Eiffel Tower. That aside, you can make your trip to this city more interesting by taking a sunset cruise on the Seine. It’s the perfect way to toast your Parisian adventure in style.
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Cassis
Cassis is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life without the hustle and bustle of more famous destinations. Among the most luxurious experiences in this tourist destination is a private wine tour of the renowned vineyards in the region.
Cassis is renowned for offering some of the country’s finest white wines. A guided tour of the local vineyards, such as Clos Sainte Magdeleine, provides an opportunity to taste exquisite wines.
Better yet, this destination has a selection of boutique hotels that exude charm and sophistication. Make Hôtel Les Roches Blanches your go-to boarding facility when you want to stay in the lap of luxury. This five-star hotel, perched next to the sea, has an infinity pool and offers yoga classes.
If you are a nature enthusiast, make sure to visit Calanques National Park. With its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and calanques, this park is one of the most picturesque landscapes in France.
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