The Best Spa Hotels in France

On the snowy slopes of Flaine is the vibrant and funky Terminal Neige Totem. Focussed on skiers, the Spa by Pure Altitude is the ideal retreat after a day on the mountain; treat yourself to the Le Totem, a sports massage. Unwind in the sauna, nap in the relaxation area and soak in the large outdoor jacuzzi with views of the snowy peaks. There is a small fee to use the facilities, but it’s included for upgraded room types.

Dozing in the dreamy French countryside in Baron, in a converted 16th-century building, is La Maison D’Ulysse. Take a dip in the outdoor heated pool, surrounded by wild gardens filled with the scent of flowers and cool shadows of oak trees. In the spa, Eastern-style relaxation is the name of the game. Get rid of toxins in the Turkish bath, quiet your mind practising yoga poolside with Brigitte, and let go of your worries while experiencing an hour-long massage with William.

The pristine spa at Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez is stocked with high-end organic Tata Harper products. An intimate space at the end of a lush garden, it also boasts a hammam and a skylit fitness room with a trainer available by request. Enjoy the Lomi Lomi massage, which is a traditional Hawaiian massage with flowing movements. Afterwards, spend a perfect afternoon on a sun lounger next to the heated pool while sipping a cocktail.

The elegant Hôtel Cap Estel sits on a 2ha (5 acre) peninsula in Èze, offering striking Mediterranean Sea views throughout the property. The indoor heated pool features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, as do the spa treatment rooms, sauna, eucalyptus steam room and fitness centre. The Sothys Spa caters to your individual needs; a must-try is the 11-step Secret Signature for the face and body, using rose stem cells and flower oil.

Gaze out at the treetops and Mediterranean through gauzy billowing curtains in the La Réserve Spa Ramatuelle near Saint-Tropez. It uses renowned La Mer products for face and body treatments, including the lavish La Mer Purifying Facial, which includes pure diamond powder to produce a glowing complexion. Amenities include a fully equipped gym with varied classes, an outdoor pool, an indoor heated pool and a hammam.

This famous hotel has a name synonymous with luxury, and the Ritz Club is no exception. The gilded art deco surroundings hark back to another era. Signature treatments include La Renaissance, a body scrub using a traditional Moroccan Kessa, followed by a moisturising buff designed to leave you with luminous skin. Afterwards, decompress in a private alcove in the relaxation area, overlooking the impressive pool, filled with 800,000 hand-laid mosaics in varied shades of blue.

The plush Shangri-La Hotel is the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, boasting views of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. Chi, the Spa sits inside the old stables. Indulge in a blissful hour with the Bespoke Facial, which uses natural products from the Organic Pharmacy tailored specifically for your skin. The indoor pool and fitness room are bathed in natural light, thanks to generous glass windows. Make sure to dine at the Michelin-star Shang Palace.

In the Bordeaux region, Les Sources de Caudalie offers exclusive vinotherapy treatments, which uses by-products from wine (such as grape seeds, skin and stems) to rejuvenate the skin. Also, the mineral-rich water used in the treatments is drawn from the natural hot spring on-site. The elegant treatment rooms, the blend of wood and stone, and the surrounding vineyards provide a truly relaxing experience.

In the enchanting ski resort of Courchevel, Cheval Blanc’s warm-toned spa will envelop you with the scent of sensual Guerlain products. The Daydreaming Ritual, inspired by a traditional Indonesian scalp massage, will leave you tension-free. The sauna features full-length windows, perfect for admiring the snowy landscape, as does the chromotherapy hammam-steam room. Float in the dimly lit, indoor infinity pool, or if you’re feeling brave, dash through the snow to the outdoor Russian banya and hot tub.

The Dior Institut at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris aims to recreate an exclusive spa experience, similar to that of haute couture. Enjoy a one-on-one consultation and an in-depth skin examination with a therapist to ensure effective results of the chosen treatment, followed by a customised back massage to ease tension and help correct posture. As a finishing touch, partake in a beauty treatment, including make-up and perfume.

In the charming village of Mougins, between Cannes and Antibes, Le Mas Candille sits within 3ha (8 acres) of Zen-like gardens. It features two pools with beautiful French countryside vistas, a spa hydrotherapy pool, two jacuzzis and an outdoor fitness area. At the Spa Candille, there are treatments such as the revitalising Mindful Facial with rose quartz crystal poultices or the aromatherapy massage with soothing ESPA essential oils.

In a dreamy hillside setting in Mane, Provence, find a converted convent now home to a renowned hotel. The spa uses L’Occitane products, many specifically focussed on local ingredients such as lavender, verbena and honey. Enjoy a soothing shea butter body wrap, followed by a swim in the tranquil indoor pool. The centuries-old architecture, stunning gardens and Mediterranean climate combine to create a place that’s hard to beat for a replenishing break.

This famous five-star resort on the French Riviera is known for hosting legendary names, including Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor. The 750sqm (8,073sqft) spa features a countercurrent indoor pool, private men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms, a whirlpool jacuzzi and an ice fountain. Book a personalised skincare programme using Dr Burgener products, or try a deep cleansing facial by Parisian brand Biologique Recherche.

The Six Senses in upscale Courchevel is within walking distance of the ski lifts. After schussing down the slopes, warm up in the indoor pool with its organic underwater garden vibes and tranquil relaxation area, perhaps with a healthy juice from the juice bar. Rejuvenate in the vitality area with a bio sauna, Kneipp foot bath therapy and rain shower. The energising Gene Therapy Facial will leave you glowing.