10 Hotels in France You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

Ever dreamed of sleeping in a medieval monk’s cave, floating in a bubble under the stars, or resting your head in two countries simultaneously? Some of the hotels in France go far beyond the typical Parisian boutiques and countryside châteaux. The country that gave us surrealism continues to push boundaries with accommodations that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

From a monk’s hideout during the Wars of Religion to transparent bubbles floating in the forest, these extraordinary stays prove that French hospitality knows no bounds. As a history gal who loves to discover the story behind every place I visit, these French hotels were simply too much for me to resist.

So, if you fancy a trip beyond the normal hotel and are looking for something a little bit different, join me as we explore some of the most captivating and unconventional hotels that transform a simple night’s stay into an unforgettable adventure.

10 Hotels in France You’ll Want to Stay at Once in Your Lifetime

Château de Sarzay: A Medieval Masterpiece with Stories to Tell

Château de Sarzay, in the quiet countryside of the Berry region in central France, dates back to the 14th century. Built as a fortified castle with 38 towers and three drawbridges, it once stood proud against attackers in the Hundred Years’ War. The castle’s architecture remains remarkably intact, giving you a tantalizing glimpse into medieval life that few places can match.

The castle has been beautifully restored and now invites guests to experience its historic walls firsthand. Rooms are filled with antique furnishings, preserving the atmosphere of its storied past. Walking through the halls, you can almost imagine the sound of clinking armor or the hum of medieval music with entertainers strumming their lutes.

The towers offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and you can wander the moats, visit the chapel, or simply marvel at the craftsmanship that has endured centuries. There’s even a touch of literary fame: the castle inspired scenes in George Sand’s “Le Meunier d’Angibault” (The Miller of Angibault), published in 1845.

Staying here is like traveling back in time to the Middle Ages. If you ever wanted to feel like a knight or a noble, Château de Sarzay will make that dream a reality.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Château de Sarzay

L’Hôtel: Where Oscar Wilde’s Spirit Lives On

L’Hôtel, located at 13 Rue des Beaux-Arts in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, was built in 1828 by Célestin-Joseph Happe on the site of La Reine Margot’s 17th-century Pavillon d’Amour. It was originally named Hôtel d’Allemagne, but following the Franco-Prussian War, it became Hôtel d’Alsace.

It’s famous for being the place where Oscar Wilde spent his final days in 1900, and his presence still lingers in every corner. I can almost hear the whispers of literary giants who once called this place home. 

The Jacques Garcia-designed suite is a masterpiece of dramatic elegance, blending Victorian opulence with contemporary Parisian chic. Deep jewel tones, plush velvet, and ornate furnishings create an atmosphere that would have delighted Wilde himself. A small plaque outside commemorates his stay. 

I can just imagine curling up in one of the vintage armchairs, imagining the conversations that must have echoed through these walls. But beyond its association with Oscar Wilde, its guests have included Salvador Dalí, Princess Grace of Monaco, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jim Morrison. 

Renamed to L’Hôtel in 1963, it claims to be “the world’s first boutique hotel.” I have no idea how true this is but with over 200 years of history and an enviable guest list of some of the world’s greats, who am I to argue? If you do decide to stay and pay homage to Oscar Wilde, don’t forget to take a trip to Pere Lachaise cemetery, where he is buried. It’s quite a place, and somewhere you won’t forget in a hurry.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at L’Hôtel

Les Hautes Roches: Sleep Like a Medieval Monk in Modern Luxury

If it’s different you’re after, it doesn’t get more different than Les Hautes Roches, located in the limestone cliffs of the Loire Valley. It’s one of the most unique sleeping experiences I’ve ever encountered. It was once a sanctuary for monks during the Wars of Religion and has now been transformed into something truly extraordinary.

I’m still amazed by how they’ve managed to carve luxury into solid rock. Each room maintains its raw, cave-like essence while pampering guests with modern comforts. The rough limestone walls tell ancient stories of the troglodyte caves and monks fearing for their lives, while plush beds and elegant furnishings pull you back to the modern day, away from the austere monastery of centuries past.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Les Hautes Roches

Hôtel Lutetia: A Literary Haven in the Heart of Paris

Take a walk through the storied halls of Hôtel Lutetia, and you might just see the ghosts of literary giants who seem to linger in every corner. This is where James Joyce wrote part of his masterpiece Ulysses, hunched over his desk in deep concentration. The creative energy is palpable – you can almost hear Albert Cohen’s footsteps echoing through the corridors.

Established in 1910 by the founders of the nearby Le Bon Marché department store, the hotel was designed to accommodate their discerning clientele. After its recent renovation, the hotel perfectly balances its artistic soul with contemporary luxury. The art deco details remain perfectly intact, while modern amenities cater to the needs of modern day. 

In 1940, it was requisitioned by the Abwehr, the German military intelligence service, serving as their headquarters during the occupation of Paris. Following the liberation of Paris in 1944, General Charles de Gaulle designated the Lutetia as a repatriation center for survivors of concentration camps and displaced individuals, symbolizing hope and renewal in a war-torn city.

In the post-war era, the Lutetia continued to attract luminaries from various fields, including fashion designer Sonia Rykiel, who, in the 1980s, opened a boutique within the hotel and oversaw a significant redesign that honored its Art Deco heritage.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Hôtel Lutetia

Attrap Reves: Your Bubble of Tranquility Under the Stars

Fancy a night sleeping beneath a blanket of stars in a luxury transparent bubble? Attrap Reves is one of the most unusual hotels in France. These transparent spheres of serenity offer the most surreal glamping experience I’ve ever encountered. They sit in the most stunning natural setting, with each bubble feeling like your own private planetarium.

The genius lies in its simplicity – a cozy, climate-controlled dome that lets you drift off to sleep while counting shooting stars. The bubbles are strategically placed to ensure total privacy yet maintain that incredible connection with nature. The plush bedding and tasteful furnishings add just the right touch of luxury without distracting from the main event – that magnificent celestial show overhead.

Pro tip: Book during a meteor shower for an absolutely magical experience. 

🏨 Book a night under the stars at Attrap Reves

Hotel Du Petit Moulin: An Artisan’s Tale Turned Boutique Fantasy

Tucked away in the Marais district of Paris, I discovered a hidden treasure that was once Paris’s oldest bakery. What a fantastic place to have a hotel. It is completely unique. The building originally served as Paris’s oldest bakery, dating back to the reign of Henri IV. Apparently, Victor Hugo, who lived nearby on Place des Vosges, was a regular patron of the bakery.

Hotel Du Petit Moulin captivated me instantly with its transformation from artisan workshop to an artistic haven. The original storefront, with its hand-painted glass façade, still proudly announces “Boulangerie” to passersby.

Inside, fashion designer Christian Lacroix has woven pure magic into each room. No two spaces are alike; some transport you to a Baroque fantasy, while others embrace bold contemporary patterns that would make any art lover swoon. The rooms almost have a dollhouse-like quality, where vintage furnishings mingle with avant-garde touches.

My favorite detail? The original baker’s shop counter remains in the lobby, a lovely reminder of the building’s artisanal heritage. It’s these wonderful little touches that make this boutique gem one of Paris’s most imaginative hideaways.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Hotel Du Petit Moulin

Village Flottant: Where Serenity Meets the Water’s Edge

If it’s an eco-friendly escape connected to nature that you’re after, Village Flottant ticks all the boxes. It’s surrounded by lush countryside in Pressac, western France. Established as a floating village, the retreat is built entirely on a peaceful lake. Each accommodation is a cabin or lodge that floats gently on the water, blending seamlessly into its surroundings and providing a rare opportunity to sleep above the surface of a tranquil lake.

This innovative destination was designed to embrace sustainability and simplicity. Guests access their floating cabins via small wooden boats, creating a sense of adventure from the start. Inside, the accommodations are cozy yet rustic, offering modern comforts while keeping the focus on the natural beauty of the environment. 

Each morning, you wake to the gentle lapping of waves against your private deck, watching the mist rise off the water as the sun climbs higher. But nothing beats ending the day with a glass of wine on your private terrace, feet dangling over the water, as you watch the sunset paint the sky in brilliant hues. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Village Flottant

Hotel Arbez: Where Two Countries Meet Under One Roof

Talk about the ultimate room with a view; at Hotel Arbez, you can literally sleep with your head in France and your feet in Switzerland! THow? Because it sits precisely on the Franco-Swiss border, creating one of the most unique lodging experiences I’ve ever encountered.

Located in the village of La Cure, the quirky arrangement came about in the 1860s when the two nations redefined their boundary. A canny local entrepreneur quickly built a structure on the line, ensuring that part of the property remained in each country.

The décor is a blend of French and Swiss traditions, showcasing Alpine charm with a dash of humor, paying tribute to its dual identity.

Over the years, Hôtel Arbez has become a symbol of peaceful coexistence. It played a small but significant role during World War II, serving as a refuge for Allied soldiers and French Resistance fighters, as Switzerland’s neutral status offered protection.

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Tree Houses Alicourts: A Magical Retreat Above the Loire Valley

Who wouldn’t want to stay in a treehouse? It’s like all my Enid Blyton Magic Faraway Tree daydreams come true. Les Alicourts Resort, in the heart of the Sologne region in France, offers a glamping experience with a difference: you stay in a treehouse instead of a tent. 

They take “room with a view” to entirely new heights. There is nothing like waking up to birdsong and watching the morning mist roll across the valley floor from the treetops. The resort emphasizes sustainability, with the treehouses designed to minimize environmental impact. 

While they lack running water and electricity, guests receive a rucksack with essentials like lamps, torches, and matches upon arrival. Breakfast is delivered each morning, allowing for a leisurely start to the day amidst the treetops. 

Beyond the treehouses, there is a range of facilities, including a wellness spa, swimming lake, indoor pool complex, and various recreational activities, such as golf, volleyball, skateboarding, and kayaking. 

Pro tip: Request the highest treehouse for the most spectacular sunrise views over the Loire Valley. It’s worth the extra climb!

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Les Alicourts Resort

Seven Hotel Paris: Where Sci-Fi Dreams Become Reality

Stepping into a hotel like Seven Hotel Paris feels like walking onto the set of a futuristic film. I knew this wasn’t your typical Parisian hideaway when I first saw the levitating beds that seemingly float in mid-air through clever engineering and lighting. 

Each room is a masterpiece of modern design, with LED fiber-optic curtains creating light shows and infinity mirrors that seem to stretch into another dimension. I particularly love the Star Wars-inspired suite, where chromotherapy lighting transforms the space into different cosmic moods throughout the day.

For ultimate relaxation, the hotel offers the Wellness Chapel, a quiet space for private massages, and a secret patio that provides an escape from the bustle of Paris. The hotel’s commitment to immersive storytelling makes every stay unforgettable, and the attention to detail and artistry ensure that no two stays feel the same.

🏨 Check Prices and Availability at Seven Hotel Paris

Final Thoughts on France’s Most Extraordinary Hotels

These properties aren’t just hotels in France; they’re gateways to experiences that challenge our perception of what a hotel can be. Whether you’re seeking the opulent grandeur of historic castles or the whimsical adventure of sleeping in a bubble beneath the stars, France’s quirky hotels offer something for every dreamer and adventurer.

The true magic lies in how these unique accommodations transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary journey. From floating villages to cross-border rooms, each property tells its own remarkable story while creating the perfect setting for you to write your own.

If you love the idea of staying in a chateau and wine is something you enjoy, then don’t forget to check out these 10 Fairytale Chateau Hotels Near Bordeaux