Megève: A paradise for active travelers

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Winter sports fans have of course long been familiar with Megève. But in reality, it was initially summer visitors who enjoyed themselves in and around the idyllic Alpine village at 1030 m above sea level. To this day, people enjoy the vacation destination on Mont Blanc before the winter sports season from its rather quieter side. The temperatures are pleasant, so you can enjoy cycling, hiking and walking without breaking a sweat. The Grand Hôtel Soleil d'Or is an excellent choice of stylish accommodation. Here, you can relax in 30 newly renovated suites and rooms. It has been one of the most popular hotels in the village since 1901. Three new chalets, each with four rooms, have now been added. This means that large families and groups of friends can also enjoy a relaxing break together. Tip: sundowner at the rooftop bar with a magnificent view of the mountains!

Grand Hôtel Soleil d'Or
255 Rue Charles Feige, 74120 Megève, France
Tel.: +33 4 50 34 31 06
Web: soleildor-megeve.com
Price: Doubles from € 200

Loire Valley: Enjoy a magical time out

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Chateau Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, green meadows and even a national forest park: Loire Valley, through which the gently flowing Cosson meanders, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in France. It's not surprising that the French king and numerous aristocrats often escaped the hot summer in the cities to cool off here. The boutique hotel Relais de Chambord is unique in this region. It's the only hotel in the nature reserve and in the immediate vicinity of the château. It's surrounded by deep green woodland and offers a wealth of nature experiences. There are leisurely walks through oak and pine forests as well as boat trips on the river and treatments with Anne Semonin cosmetic products.

Relais de Chambord
Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord, France
Tel.: +33 2 54 81 01 01
Web: relaisdechambord.com
Price: Doubles from € 220

Narbonne: a paradise for wine lovers

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On the coast of Narbonne, overlooking the Mediterranean and in the rolling hills of the Garrigue, lies a terroir that produces sophisticated rosé wines. Including the award-winning Clos du Temple. It was crowned the best rosé wine in the world in 2022. If you want to indulge in wine tastings and endless walks through vineyards, the Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort, Beach & Spa is the place for you. It is located in the middle of a 1000-hectare estate made up of vineyards and lavender fields. The boutique hotel is perfect for all wine lovers who love gastronomy, history and gourmet delights in equal measure. The 41 rooms are spread over two buildings and are all part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort, Beach & Spa
Domaine de L'Hostpitalet, D168, 11100 Narbonne, France
Tel. +33 4 68 45 28 50
Web: chateau-hospitalet.com
Price: Doubles from € 450

French Riviera: Glamor of the 1920s

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The Cap d'Antibes on the Côte d'Azur is just four square kilometers in size. For decades, it has been one of the most expensive and luxurious areas in the country. And also one of the most beautiful destinations in France. The chance of meeting the international jet set here is great. And it always has been. In the wild 1920s, for example, F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed at Cap d'Antibes. He stayed at the Villa Saint Louis, which, as the Hotel Belles Rives, still exudes the charm and extravagant glamor of times long past. Fitzgerald drew inspiration from it for some of his most famous works, including "The Great Gatsby". The hotel has 43 rooms and is the epitome of Mediterranean elegance.

Hotel Belles Rives
33 Bd Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Antibes, France
Tel.: +33 4 93 61 02 79
Web: bellesrives.com
Price: Doubles from € 240

 

Normandy: Find luxury in a picturesque landscape

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Normandy allows discerning travelers to reconnect with nature. For example, hiking through the charming streets of Honfleur or searching for shells on the beach in Deauville. The tranquillity and unspoilt nature of the region help you to leave the hustle and bustle of the cities behind. This is exactly where the hotel Le Domaine d'Ablon from the "Considerate Collection" of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World is located and is committed to preserving this beauty. Guests of the seven rooms, which are spread across a handful of cottages and suites in a magnificent estate, enjoy private luxury. For example, in-room dining, use of the hotel's own produce from the garden and the "green conscience" that comes with every stay.

Le Domaine d'Ablon
2504 Rte de Genneville, 14600 Ablon, France
Tel.: +33 7 89 20 42 72
Web: domaine-dablon.com
Price: on request

Read more: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat: The most beautiful hotel in the south of France?