Summer Holidays in France: 10 Best Destinations

Summer in France is not a single idea, but a series of distinct pleasures.

A table held until late in Saint Tropez, France. A shaded terrace near the beach in Marseille after the crowd has cleared. A house above the water on Cap Ferrat, with the last of the light falling across old stone and polished wood. France changes from one destination to the next, and the difference lies not only in where you go, but in how you choose to stay.

For those no longer drawn to the standard luxury hotel in France, ONE Hôtel Privé offers something more private: fully staffed residences in some of the country’s most desirable summer settings, with service handled discreetly and every detail already resolved before arrival.

Here are ten destinations worth considering for a French summer done properly.

1. Saint-Tropez

There is nothing uncertain about Saint Tropez, France. The harbour still holds fishing boats beside yachts. The streets behind it still carry the scent of warm stone and jasmine. Through ONE Hôtel Privé, guests can stay at Water’s Edge, a waterfront villa with direct sea access, a private landing jetty, an infinity pool, and a chef in residence. For anyone considering a luxury hotel in France, this is the more private answer.

2. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Cap Ferrat has long understood the value of restraint. Quiet, green, and almost entirely residential, it remains one of the Riviera’s most discreet addresses. Here, ONE Hôtel Privé offers La Gabbia, a restored villa above the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, with marble, parquet flooring, curated art, bespoke furniture, and service delivered with quiet precision.

3. Cannes

Once the festival crowds have gone, Cannes becomes far more appealing. The Croisette settles, the city regains its rhythm, and summer begins to feel less observed. Beach clubs, polished terraces, and late dinners by the water give Cannes its place on any well-judged itinerary.

4. Paris

Paris in late summer feels unusually calm. The city exhales, reservations become easier, and mornings in Le Marais have a stillness rarely found at other times of the year. It is Paris at a lower volume, which is often when it is most convincing.

5. Marseille

Marseille has always been a travel highlight in France. In summer, the calm Mediterranean sea lapping against the Plage du Prophète, inviting for a swim, remains one of the hidden summer treasures in France. The pleasure still lies in the rhythm already set: lunch taken slowly, shutters closed against the heat, rosé poured cold at the right time of day. 

6. Bordeaux

Those who prefer substance to display will immediately take a fancy to Bordeaux. The river gives the city space, the food has weight, and the wine lists demand proper attention. It is a place for long lunches, well-run dining rooms, and evenings that begin late.

7. Biarritz

Biarritz offers a different register of French summer. The Atlantic is colder, the air sharper, and the mood less polished than the Riviera. That difference is exactly the point. Surf, salt-worn façades, and cool evenings give the town its character.

8. Corsica

Corsica remains one of the most striking places to spend summers in France. Mountain ridges fall sharply to clear water, villages sit high above the coast, and the island keeps its character intact. It is perfect for those who prefer something wilder, more rugged and less softened.

9. Annecy

Annecy offers relief from heavier summer heat. The lake is cold and clear, the mornings stay fresh, and the mountains keep everything sharply drawn. It is one of the most composed summer settings in the country.

10. Lyon

Lyon does not need much introduction. Two rivers, a remarkable culinary culture, and dining rooms that value precision over theatre make it one of the strongest city breaks in France. It suits travellers who know that real luxury often lies in confidence rather than display.

Why Stay with ONE Hôtel Privé

Across destinations including Saint Tropez France and Cap Ferrat, ONE Hôtel Privé offers a more considered alternative to the expected luxury hotel in France. Each residence is fully staffed and carefully run, with the privacy of a private home and the assurance that everything has been handled to the right standard. 

For summer, France offers every version of indulgence. The advantage lies in choosing the right address.