The best historic hotels on Cote d’Azur selected in this post have a unique presence and historical background. They are not only luxury but also have a rich past. To stay in one of these historic hotels is a great chance to get to know the history of Cote d’Azur.
The following list includes 5-star hotels only. Once I stayed in InterContinental Carlton in Cannes for five days without paying the full price. It is quite often that the 5-star hotels offer reasonable room rates as part of their marketing strategies. Therefore, check their offers from time to time if you plan to stay there soon.
The Dream Historic Hotels on Cote d’Azur
Some of the historic hotels on Cote d’Azur have become local monuments. If you don’t have a plan to stay there, you could also have a meal or have a cup of coffee in their bars or restaurants. It is worth visiting these hotels if you are just nearby. Well, let me introduce the historic hotels on Cote d’Azur to you:
- La Chèvre d’Or Eze (Eze Village)
- Chateau Eza (Eze Village)
- InterContinental Carlton Cannes (Cannes)
- Hotel Negresco Nice (Nice)
- Château de la Messardière (Saint-Tropez)
- Royal Riviera Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
- Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
La Chèvre d’Or Eze
This dream hotel is in the heart of the most beautiful Eze Village. In 1953, the original investor Robert Wolf, who fell in love with Château de La Chèvre d’Or, turned the Chateau into a restaurant. According to the local information, Walt Disney convinced Wolf to acquire more houses and also turn them into hotel rooms.
Now La Chèvre d’Or Eze has a cluster of houses scattered through the medieval village. It has 45 rooms and suites, and a two Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. Its gardens are like an open-air museum, full of sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees, and shrubs.
The hotel terraces are tranquil spots to relax. They all have an incredible view over the Mediterranean and the hillsides coloured by sunlight. A stay in the hotel is one of the most romantic retreats you will ever experience.
Chateau Eza
Chateau Eza, also referred to as the Castle of the Prince of Sweden, was built 400 years ago within the ancient city walls of Eze Village. After extensive restorations during the recent years, the Chateau Eza has the appearance as it had at the time of the Prince of Sweden.
The 14 intimate rooms and suites of the hotel are not in the same building. If you stroll around the narrow streets of the village, you will notice several entrances to the hotel rooms. From private balconies and terraces, guests have impressive views over the Mediterranean.
The Chateau Eza Restaurant has epic vistas over the sun-kissed French Riviera. It serves à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine. And, if you want to have dinner there, book well in advance!
InterContinental Carlton Cannes
More than a century ago, the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, who had requested to build a golf course in Mandelieu-La-Napoule, had financed the Carlton Hotel. In the late 19th century, numerous members of the Russian aristocracy frequented the hotel. Thus, they became the driving force of Cannes high society.
Carlton is also a place for film shootings, for example, ‘To Catch A Thief’ by Alfred Hitchcock, with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. As a result of its connection to the film industries, all prestigious suites bear the names of famous movie stars, such as Cary Grant and Alain Delon. But the largest suite is dedicated to Sean Connery, the actor of the famous British Agent 007.
In 1982, Carlton joined the InterContinetal Group and has become InterContinental Carlton Cannes. Today, it is the venue for events, such as weddings, meetings, and anniversaries.
The hotel has many rooms and suites with different standards to offer. When I stayed in this hotel, we were lucky to have a room with a partial view of the Mediterranean. And I remember that the breakfast had many varieties, including my favourite Sashimi and macaroons.
Hotel Negresco Nice
Negresco, a Belle Époque hotel, is a historic national monument. With more than a century of French history, the elegant massive building along the curving Promenade des Anglais has a pink dome, which you could easily see while walking along the seafront.
The Negresco owns thousands of valuable contemporary artworks and furniture from different eras, from salons dedicated to Louis XVI to Street Art rooms. Without a doubt, this five-star hotel represents a vision of French culture. It gives guests a strong expression of the French way of life.
In the Negresco kingdom, not only parents but also children are treated like royalty. Family holidaymakers can choose one of its family rooms. Meanwhile, couples can choose to stay in one of the exceptional suites that have unique furniture equipment. For example, in the Montserrat Caballé Suite, the bedroom has a Louis XV writing desk and two lamps in Sèvres porcelain.
Booking.comChâteau de la Messardière
Built in the 19th century, the Château used to belong to the horseman Henry Brisson de la Messardière, and the young artist and musician Louise Dupuy Angeac. They had a wonderful life until the death of Henry. Facing poverty, Louise decided to use it as lodgings for prestigious guests. But because of her poor management, the Chateau went to ruin.
In 1989, under the supervision of the chief architect of historical monuments, J.C. Rochette, a restoration of the Chateau took place. Then, in 1992, a French Group bought the premise and turned it into a luxury Saint‑Tropez hotel.
Situated on a hillside, the hotel is a short distance away from Saint‑Tropez’s center and Pampelonne beaches. Suites and rooms of Château de la Messardière offer panoramic views over Saint‑Tropez. Guests can enjoy a stroll along the botanical footpath. The Mediterranean garden, overflowing with the scents of typical Provençal and Mediterranean flora, is also a great place to walk around.
Royal Riviera Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
More than a century ago, in 1904, the luxury hotel opened its door under the name of Panorama Palace. It welcomed many famous people, such as the American dancer Isadora Duncacer and the Russian composer Prokofiev. Later in 1914, the Panorama Palace served as a school for war orphans and allied Serb refugees, fleeing from the troops of Austria and Germany.
At the end of the 20th century, the hotel had undertaken a renovation and gained a new identity and style. The design of Royal Riviera Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat emphasizes the Mediterranean character. It provides the most conveniences and comforts for its guests.
The hotel boasts a total of 94 rooms and suites, 78 of which are in the main building. Designed to reflect the landscape and the colours of southern France, most rooms overlook the sheer blue of the Mediterranean Sea. It would be a great pleasure to read a book while drinking a cup of tea in the heart of its magnificent garden.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
From a small inn originally, the hotel has transformed into one of the most modern and luxurious accommodations in the heart of Monaco. It has a stunning façade with Italian style loggia inspired by the Princess of Monaco’s Palace. Commissioned by the renowned French architects, the hotel has a neo-classical style, including such as the banqueting hall and Eiffel’s stained-glass window in the winter garden. The hall is reminiscent of the Grand Trianon of Louis XIV in Versailles.
The comfortable and modern rooms with the belle-époque interiors offer charm and subtle elegance. The hotel has many awards over the years, such as Luxury Romantic Hotel from World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2010.
Besides, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo has a Michelin-starred restaurant Le Vistamar and the best hotel spa in Europe. Family holidaymakers can benefit a wide range of services designed for children.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat
The hotel is set within a natural park and sits on a pristine waterfront. As early as in the late 1800s, the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was little more than a piece of wilderness. The Belgium King Leopold II discovered this unique property and fell in love with it. Then, he purchased the ground and also the most of the surrounding land over the years.
In 1895, King Leopold sold off part of the beautiful landscape for the construction of a luxury Côte d’Azur hotel, the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat. After the opening in 1908, the luxury hotel began attracting an elite international wealthy individuals and royalty, particularly from England and Russia. At the time, it was exclusively as a winter destination. It was until a group of writers and artists ventured to the French Riviera in the summer, the hotel started to attract new guests seeking sun, sea, and adventure at Côte d’Azur resorts.
The luxury hotel was closed for a few years during the second world war. Upon the end of the war, the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat returned to its tradition of welcoming famous guests such as Winston Churchill, Aristotle Onassis, and Elizabeth Taylor.
The hotel offers family-oriented services. Guests can use various amenities during their stay. The hotel park is one of the best stargazing locations on the French Riviera. Guests can spend two hours talking astronomy with a renowned planetary scientist.
Where do you want to stay during your next visit to Cote d’Azur
The historic hotels on Cote d’Azur are the visual stories of the French Riviera. Staying in these historical hotels will make you feel at home and have a lasting memory of your holiday. So, which one of the historic hotels on Cote d’Azur would you like to stay?
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