France continues to captivate travelers with its timeless charm, but it has also embraced change, offering fresh experiences that blend tradition with modernity. While the iconic landmarks remain central to its allure, France has expanded its focus to include eco-tourism, sustainability, and celebrating its diverse regions. Modern France showcases a renewed emphasis on its natural beauty, regional gastronomy, and cultural heritage, making it an even more dynamic destination.
The country’s landscapes are breathtakingly diverse, each region offering its own unique character. Corsica, often called the “Island of Beauty,” enchants visitors with its dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and Mediterranean charm. The Loire Valley is a haven of rolling vineyards, fairytale châteaux, and lush riverbanks, perfect for wine tasting and cultural exploration. The French Riviera, with its glamorous coastline, azure waters, and chic towns like Nice and Saint-Tropez, provides a luxurious retreat by the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, Bordeaux is a wine lover’s paradise, where sprawling vineyards meet a vibrant city known for its world-class dining and innovative wine culture.
Les Oliviers de Palombaggia
Corsica
Photos by Les Oliviers de Palombaggia
Les Oliviers de Palombaggia, situated on a peninsula in Southern Corsica, is a boutique estate that celebrates the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, the property offers a breathtaking setting, with panoramic views of the sea and the Corsican mountains. Just minutes from the pristine cove of Carataggia and near the charming town of Porto-Vecchio, this serene retreat is a harmonious blend of lush landscapes, ancient maquis, and the soothing sounds of nature. The estate invites visitors to experience Corsica’s untamed beauty while enjoying an atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity.
The estate features 13 independent stone houses and shepherds’ huts, each thoughtfully designed to provide a luxurious yet authentic experience. Built using natural materials and reflecting Corsican craftsmanship, these residences exude a rustic charm while offering contemporary amenities like private pools, spacious outdoor areas, and both indoor and outdoor bathrooms. Every detail has been curated to create a refuge that feels intimate, elegant, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Sustainability and respect for the land are core to the philosophy of Les Oliviers de Palombaggia. Once agricultural land reclaimed by the Terrazzoni Luppi family, the estate is surrounded by fields that embrace eco-conscious farming practices. The homes are designed with sustainability in mind, blending into the natural environment without disrupting its harmony. Guests can unwind by pools surrounded by natural rock formations or relax on shaded terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. Les Oliviers de Palombaggia is more than just a getaway—it’s a sanctuary that embodies Corsica’s spirit, offering an immersive escape into the island’s essence.
Loire Valley Lodges
Esvres
Photos by Loire Valley, @anne emmanuelle THION , @geraldine Martens, @antoine et carolane
Loire Valley Lodges is a landscape hotel nestled in a private forest spanning over 300 acres in Esvres, France. Located less than two hours from Paris, this adults-only sanctuary is a place where nature, art, and luxury converge. The lodges are situated near the region’s iconic châteaux, making it an ideal base for exploring the rich history of the Loire Valley.
Each of the 18 private lodges is designed by a contemporary artist, blending creativity with eco-conscious architecture. Perched on stilts, the lodges provide breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, allowing guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of their beds or expansive terraces. Floor-to-ceiling windows on either end invite natural light and offer an ever-changing natural spectacle. The terraces, complete with private jacuzzis and saunas, immerse guests in the serene sounds of the forest. Thoughtful details like wooden furnishings, stone basins, and curated artwork enhance the connection to nature. Without the distraction of Wi-Fi or TVs, guests are encouraged to fully unwind and engage with their surroundings.
The hotel provides holistic wellness experiences, including guided forest bathing, rejuvenating massages, and private yoga or tai chi sessions, all thoughtfully designed to align body and mind with the surrounding natural environment. Guests can also indulge in a unique sound journey at the Zome lodge, where immersive auditory experiences deepen relaxation and foster a profound sense of tranquility.
Amenities are designed to complement the rhythm of the surrounding landscape, offering everything needed for a peaceful, self-paced stay. With its 22-meter pool surrounded by olive trees and sculptures, on-site vegetable garden, beehives, and a gourmet restaurant, Loire Valley Lodges ensures an immersive natural experience, allowing guests to reconnect with the wilderness, in an inspiring and unique setting.
Lily of the Valley
The French Riviera
*Images property of Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is an intimate health and wellness retreat between the French Riviera and the vibrant Saint-Tropez, sitting on Gigaro Hill with infinite views of the French Mediterranean and stretches of sandy beaches below.
The owner and designer of the hotel, Philippe Starck, envisioned Lily of the Valley as a forty-four room haven, seamlessly blending into the environment, with its Provençal abbeys and Californian villas.
The focal point of the property is The Village - a well-being mecca, complete with a gym, a lap pool, consultation and treatment rooms, an herbal tea room, two saunas, a large hammam and a snow shower. The hotel offers many tailored treatments and programs based on holistic medicine and ancient therapies. Spend the days relaxing by the pool and the evenings by the crackling wood-burning stove. Tune into your energy. Embrace the art of living.
Les Sources de Caudalie
Bordeaux
*Images property of Les Sources de Caudalie, Francisco SaDaBandeira
Les Sources de Caudalie is a luxury wellness hotel in Southwest France, surrounded by vineyards and forests, only 20 minutes from Bordeaux. The retreat has been created in mind with the French Paradox that French diet and lifestyle lead to good health, and built with recycled local materials, complimenting the surroundings.
Choose one of 40 rooms, one of 7 suites, or one of 6 private cottages, named after regional heritage, and complete with unique antique designs and terraces facing the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyard. For a unique experience, stay in “Le Village des Pêcheurs” (Fishermen’s village) - where each of 12 suites are on stilts around a small lake.
One of the main attractions of the hotel is the Vinothérapie® Spa. Treatments combine natural hot spring water from 540 meters beneath the earth, as well as grape and grapevine extractions. Take advantage of the steam room, relaxation rooms and the jet-stream. Try Crushed Cabernet scrub, Honey and Wine Wrap, Barrel Bath, or Winemaker's Massage for an unforgettable experience.
Château de Saint Paterne
Loire Valley
*Images property of Chateau de Saint Paterne
Set on the border of Normandy and the Loire Valley, Château de Saint Paterne is a historic gem surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil parklands. Once graced by King Henry IV of France, this 15th-century château exudes timeless charm and regal history. The château is nestled in a peaceful countryside setting, where manicured gardens, ancient trees, and rolling landscapes create a serene escape from modern life. The location offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility, making it an ideal base for exploring the Loire Valley’s vineyards, charming villages, and iconic châteaux.
Each of the uniquely designed rooms and suites is adorned with a blend of antique furniture, modern art, and luxurious amenities, creating an inviting and refined atmosphere. From grand chandeliers to cozy fireplaces, every detail reflects the château’s rich heritage while ensuring the comfort of its guests. The interiors feel intimate yet grand, with touches like clawfoot bathtubs, soft linens, and curated decor that transport visitors to another era without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Château de Saint Paterne is as much a culinary destination as it is a historical retreat. Guests are treated to exquisite meals crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, served in an intimate dining room or alfresco under the stars. The cuisine celebrates the flavors of the region, offering a true taste of the Loire Valley. Beyond dining, the château is perfectly situated for exploring the area’s cultural treasures, from wine tasting tours to visits to nearby medieval towns and historic landmarks. Back at the château, the serene gardens, outdoor pool, and peaceful ambiance provide a perfect setting for relaxation, blending history, nature, and gastronomy into an unforgettable experience.
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