South of France is Where to Be for 2024 as WeGalavant Shares Our Hotel ‘It’ List.

Images courtesy of Château de Théoule by Millesme

Step aside, Amalfi—this summer, the South of France is the place to be. The Olympics are making waves, but that’s just the beginning. Paris is buzzing with excitement over the Games, but we’ve got the scoop on the top hotels ready to host you along the French Riviera.

Is the Côte d’Azur next on your radar? We’ve got you covered. We’ve scoped out some hot new spots and classic favourites that are still (just about) available.

No need for FOMO: let a WeGalavant Club Curator plan and book your epic South of France summer escape.

Château de Théoule

Images courtesy of Château de Théoule

The newly-opened Château de Théoule, launched by French luxe hotel group Millésime, is a stylishly restored hideaway 13 km west of Cannes, nestled on a pristine curve of sand. With a dramatic backdrop of red rock Estérel cliffs and turquoise waters, the château offers 44 unique sea view rooms designed by Marie-Christine Mecoen, named after fragrances, plants, and flowers to honor the château’s Grasse heritage. Her design blends handpicked antiques, seashell motifs, rattan palms, gauzy curtains, pastel linens, and green marble bathrooms to create an elegantly carefree vibe.

There’s something for everyone: the Suite Chanel N°5 dazzles in black, white, and gold with a leopard-patterned daybed, while the expansive Fleurs de Jasmin suite features a panoramic terrace with a tower and a Jacuzzi for star-gazing. Guests can lounge at the Plage Blanche beach club and, at sunset, head to Mareluna restaurant for cocktails and dishes by Neapolitan-born chef Francesco Fezza, whose Italian-meets-Japanese creations include cuttlefish tagliatelle and barbecued veal with smoked sardines, followed by lavender, blackcurrant, and rhubarb sorbet.

AREV St Tropez

Images courtesy of AREV St Tropez

AREV St Tropez just opened in March and is already one of the hottest spots in town. This 50-room luxury boutique hotel is ideally located within walking distance to everything. It’s warm and personal, yet utterly luxurious.

The hotel radiates cool vibes without the over-the-top party scene, according to our expert Club Curators—it’s a new favorite. The rooms are glamorous and retro with a totally nautical-chic look.

The spa is a standout, featuring hammams and treatments using natural, locally produced products like Mediterranean sea salt and regional herbs. Staying active is easy with a padel court, outdoor yoga classes, and a modern gym equipped with Peloton bikes.

AREV is the perfect spot for an intimate, cool, and fun home base in the South of France. This place is filling up fast for the summer but is perfect if you’re looking for last-minute availability.

Our Perks:

• £75 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Chateau De Fonscolombe

Images courtesy of Chateau De Fonscolombe

For those craving a sun-drenched escape with a blend of elegance and refinement, Château de Fonscolombe, a newly restored 18th-century estate near Aix-en-Provence, is the perfect retreat.

After an extensive 18-month renovation by over 50 artisans, the château now features a fresh, modern aesthetic with light paints and vibrant fabrics. Yet, it retains its noble allure with luxurious Chinese silk wallpaper, opulent furniture, and ornate golden chandeliers. The grand ground floor remains a haven for relaxation, where guests can enjoy cocktails while playing backgammon or billiards, or dive into a Victor Hugo novel.

Entry-level rooms are charming with terracotta floors and views of the gardens or courtyard, but for an extra touch of grandeur, opt for a junior suite, which offers high ceilings, marble fireplaces, and cosy reading alcoves behind velvet drapes.

Our Perks:

• VIP Welcome, £75 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Lily of The Valley

Images courtesy of Lily of The Valley

Lily of The Valley, a top pick among our South of France hotels this summer, is a premier wellness retreat where indulgence meets rejuvenation. This St. Tropez hotspot offers a range of wellness programs, from weight loss and detox to fitness and anti-aging, without skimping on the pleasures of life—yes, you can still enjoy cake and wine.

With its five-star service and relaxed wellness focus, Lily of the Valley stands out for its private beach club, stunning seaside views, and yoga classes, all complemented by locally sourced, nourishing food. The hotel is also very family-friendly, making it a great choice for travellers with children.

Though it boasts Riviera views and chic interiors like other five-star hotels, Lily of The Valley’s unique approach to luxury travel blends well-being with leisure. Philippe Starck’s design features walnut ceilings, striking marble bathrooms, and rustic accents, reflecting a fresh take on wellness. The spa caters to a new breed of traveler with holistic programs or personalised routines, and the pool area offers breathtaking Mediterranean views. Here, wellness and enjoyment coexist harmoniously, ensuring you can recharge without the extremes of either overindulgence or austerity.

Our Perks:

• £75 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Carlton Cannes

Images courtesy of Carlton Cannes

The Carlton Cannes is a top choice among Côte d’Azur hotels this summer, so book early to secure a room at this iconic property. With a history as a French Riviera landmark, the hotel’s recent €350 million renovation has made it more glamorous than ever. Its renowned beach club offers a chic setting with striped towels, wooden pavilions, and vibrant nautical colours.

Dining ranges from elegant to casual, with the lively Rüya Restaurant standing out for its contemporary Turkish cuisine. The colourful mezze and perfectly charred fish are perfect for sharing. The hotel really comes alive at night with DJs and stunning sunsets, providing an unforgettable experience.

Rooms feature a sleek, minimalist design with white decor and striking accents. For extra luxury and privacy, consider one of the new residences, which range from one to four bedrooms.

The Carlton Cannes combines modern luxury with craftsmanship reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. Additionally, the hotel’s location on Boulevard de la Croisette is undergoing a €1.3 million renovation, making it an ideal time to visit.

Our Perks:

• £75 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.

Auberge La Coste & Villa La Coste

Images courtesy of Villa La Coste

Auberge La Coste, located in Aix-en-Provence, is a charming and more affordably priced sister property to the acclaimed Villa La Coste, which boasts three Michelin Keys. This 76-room inn feels like a hidden gem, nestled among the vineyards of the larger Château La Coste, which includes both the Auberge and the Villa.

The Auberge features terracotta floors, centuries-old oak ceilings, and rustic hearths, all set within a biodynamic farming environment. Le Bar de L’Auberge offers a sophisticated twist on the village watering hole, with comfort classics like golden pommes frites and chicken pot pie topped with flaky puff pastry. The bar’s ambiance is enhanced by its moody decor with leather and brass accents.

It’s a place worth visiting before it becomes widely known.

Our Perks at Villa La Coste:

• £35 spa credit, welcome treats & an upgrade whenever possible.

Hôtel Lou Pinet Saint-Tropez

Images courtesy of Hôtel Lou Pinet

Saint Tropez’s effortless glamour is on full display at Hotel Lou Pinet. Here, you’ll find a retro-inspired vibe with rooms adorned in ’60s and ’70s hues and prints, while mint shutters frame a classic Provençal façade. The hotel’s stunning pool, lined with turquoise tiles, adds to the Riviera charm.

The interior’s subdued colors and materials, like olives, creams, wicker, and terra-cotta, reflect the region’s rustic charm. The spa, curated by eco-pioneer Tata Harper, aligns with the hotel’s sustainable ethos. Breakfast is a visual and culinary delight, featuring bircher muesli, freshly baked bread, pastries, fruits, and cold cuts—ideal for a leisurely start to the day before exploring nearby Saint Tropez boutiques and delicatessens, just 10 minutes away.

Ready to travel to the French Riviera? Connect with WeGalavant to plan and book your dream trip.