France is famous for glamorous summer hotspots like Palais Stephanie, Cannes, Pan Dei Palais in Saint-Tropez and Hotel du Palais in Biarritz. But these hotels also boast unique historical pasts as former homes to French royalty and the dawn of the modern film festival. Experience the past while getting your glam on this summer at these timeless French hotels.
HOTEL DU PALAIS, Biarritz - Flip flops by day Manolos by nights...Go surfing at one of the best breaks in Europe then hit the designer shops on Place Clemenceau, the Champs-Élysées of Biarritz.
Biarritz is a posh but discreet Atlantic Ocean resort town in the Basque region, with Hotel du Palais as the crowning jewel… literally. Built in 1855 by Napoleon III as a summer mansion for Empress Eugenia, it has been thoroughly restored and now contains an impressive five-story Guerlain spa. The 154 rooms and suites hotel contains restored nineteenth-century antiques with furniture and décor dating from the Second Empire. June rates start at 550 EU. www.hotel-du-palais.com.
PAN DEI PALAIS, Saint-Tropez - Get a Valmont Spa treatment aboard the Pan Dei private yacht then relax poolside for happy hour, still the most coveted ticket in town.
This 12-room historic mansion turned boutique hotel was formerly the home of French General Jean-François Allard and his wife Princess Bannu Pan Deï, built in 1835. Travel with friends and family as suites can be changed into private apartments or rented as a whole, transforming into a private villa experience. late June rates start at 515 EU. www.pandei.com.
PALAIS STÉPHANIE, Cannes - Sip a cocktail at the exclusive rooftop pool & bar Le Panorama, and “stargaze” at La Scena Restaurant, the latest Cannes hotspot.
Palais Stephanie recently re-opened after an extensive 38 million Euro renovation flaunting a thoroughly modern redesign. The new décor pays tribute to its glamorous film heritage, as the hotel sits on the site of the original Palais des Congrès, where the first Cannes Film Festivals were held. The 261 rooms and suites Palais Stephanie also features the only 820-seat auditorium on the famous La Croisette. May-July rates start at 225 EU. Palais Stephanie.com.
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