5 Must-Visit Luxury Stays for Your France and Spain Road Trip
- Wendy Hilberman
- Mar 10
- 10 min read
Imagine a road trip where you explore off-the-beaten-path destinations with luxury stays throughout the journey. We flew into Charles De Gaulle Airport and booked a short flight to Saint-Emilion, where we picked up our rental car. From there, we drove from Saint-Émilion, France, down through Spain to the Mediterranean, where we dropped our rental car off in Nice. We then took a short plane ride back to Paris for our return flight back home to San Francisco, CA.
Our Route
Saint-Émilion, France (3-day stay)
Eugénie-les-Bains, France (2-day stay)
San Sebastian, Spain (3-day stay)
Brinas, Spain (2-day stay)
Barcelona, Spain (3-day stay)
Saint Cyprien, France (2-day stay)
Saint-Tropez, France (2-day stay)
Paris, France (1-day stay)
Saint-Émilion, France (3-day stay)
Luxury Stay Saint-Émilion, France
Chateau Hotel Grand Barrail-Saint-Émilion, France
Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group
Château Grand Barrail - Saint-Émilion - A MICHELIN Guide restaurant
Our first stay at the Chateau Hotel Grand Barrail which dates back to 1902 was a delightful surprise. Chateau Hotel Grand Barrail is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group. https://www.grand-barrail.com/
We booked our hotel stay directly with the hotel. We received great communication with the hotel before our stay, confirming details of our hotel reservation, dinner suggestions, and assistance with booking our private wine-tasting tour. The staff was helpful and warm during our entire three-day stay. We had reserved a Deluxe Double Room featuring a charming private outdoor patio complete with a table and chairs. I had mentioned we were celebrating our anniversary and the staff decorated the room with rose petals, chocolates, and a complimentary bottle of champagne. We felt pampered from the moment we entered the property.
Hotel Details & History
A turn-of-the-century chateau dating back to 1902 stands tall and impressive with its fairy-tale design in a 7-acre park setting.
The hotel boasts 41 rooms and five suites with updated decor and comfortable beds. The grounds are expansive with vineyards on all sides begging guests to walk and explore the property. The gardens are colorful, the manicured lawn is ultra-green, the swans in the pond are majestic, and the hotel has strategically placed lounge chairs throughout the property for sitting and enjoying the views.
The Restaurant du Grand-Barrail is listed in the Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the vineyards of Bordeaux. The restaurant offers gourmet cuisine with several different menu options including à la carte with both beautiful indoor and outdoor dining. The sunset views from the outdoor patio are truly spectacular. The reservations for the restaurant book out, so make your reservations before your stay.
What we loved
Spacious guest room and large bathroom with soak tub
Private outdoor balcony-patio with seating
Gorgeous grounds surrounded by vineyards
Wellness activities
Walking, yoga, bicycles, swimming, etc.
Beautiful outdoor patio with great cocktails and snacks
Michelin Guide Restaurant on-site
Wonderful cuisine with healthy options
Breakfast with the option to order ala-carte items
Warm and welcoming service
Proximity to Bordeaux Wineries
Bike rentals
Outdoor swimming pool and indoor jacuzzi
Spa Saint-Emilion with SOTHYS beauty products
Free shuttle from and to Saint-Emilion (high season)
Free and ample parking
Things to do
Wine tasting
Biking and walking
Explore the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion
Le Couvent des Jacobins
Climb the King’s Tower for breathtaking views
Attend a wine workshop or masterclass
Dine at world-class restaurants
Shop at local wine, boutiques, and artisan shops
Eugénie-les-Bains, France (2-day stay)
Luxury Stay Les Prés d'Eugénie, France
Relais & Chateaux Hotel
Lartisien Hotel Collection
Les Prés d'Eugénie - Michel Guérard
Michelin three stars: a unique cuisine
Be transported back in time when you stay at this countryside palace dating back to 1861. A small countryside palace standing on a 20-acre estate in the town of Eugenie les Bains.
The 45 rooms and suites showcase a classic French décor with fruitwood floor tiles and terraces that overlook the gardens. Select suites feature canopy beds, fireplaces, marble bathtubs, and exquisite 3 Michelin Star cuisine.
We stayed in the Convent in a Double Room Deluxe, a spacious suite with a separate bedroom, sitting room, and outdoor garden patio featuring a bistro table and lounge seats. The room featured a mini-bar, a complimentary water pitcher refilled daily, bathrobes, slippers and exclusive eco-friendly amenities, organic coffee & herbal infusions, a fireplace stove, air conditioning, a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub, and room service.
A bit of history...
Eugénie’s History originates in 1861, when Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III decided to grant her sponsorship to this small thermal station on the outskirts of the Landes and Béarn regions. A few years before, she had sojourned there for a stopover on her way to her summer quarters in Biarritz.
What we loved
The room was spacious with great amenities including a desk and stable Wi-fi
Comfortable bed with luxury bedding
Robes and slippers
Outdoor garden patio
The outdoor pool was large with abundant seating and comfortable lounge chairs
Tennis courts
Three Star Michelin restaurants on the property (INCREDIBLE CUISINE)
Beautiful grounds
Thermal springs and treatments
The quaint town of Eugenie les Bains with shops and restaurants
Things to do
Dine at the Michel Guérard, 3-Michelin Star Restaurant
Enjoy the pool
Stroll the town of Eugénie-les-Bains
Shop in the quaint boutiques in Eugénie-les-Bains
Visit the country park with a waterfall and rose garden
Play Bocce in the park
Visit the hot springs at the hotel
Walk the Green Health trail
San Sebastian, Spain (3-day stay)
Luxury Stay Hotel Akelaire-San Sebastian, Spain
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Collection
Hotel Akelare is a 5-star luxury hotel and member of the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Collection. Akelare is a stunning example of modern architecture with 22 luxurious hotel rooms all with balconies facing the Atlantic Ocean.
What we loved
Spectacular views of the Atlantic
Spacious room with modern amenities
Fantastic soaking tub with ocean views
Walk-in closet with built-in dresser
Outdoor seating on the balcony patio
Luxurious robes and slippers
Hydrotherapy spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
Luxury bed linens and towels
The concierge and all staff were efficient and attentive
Things to do
Stroll along the seaside at La Concha Promenade
Shopping (our favorite spots)
Alameda del Boulevard
For those who prefer outdoor shopping, the Alameda del Boulevard is a great option. This tree-lined street is home to many shops and boutiques, selling a variety of goods, from clothing to jewelry to home decor.
Old Town
One of the best shopping destinations in San Sebastian is the Old Town, also known as Parte Vieja. This area is filled with small boutiques and shops that sell everything from traditional Basque clothing to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Visit the beach! So many choices!
La Concha Beach, San Sebastian
La Concha is the brightest jewel in San Sebastian’s crown and one of the city’s major icons, its incomparable setting. Situated in front of Santa Clara Island, La Concha Beach is forever featured in magazines and newspapers and has been named the best beach in Europe and Spain.
Ondarreta Beach, San Sebastian
Lying between Monte Igeldo and the Palacio Miramar gardens, Ondarreta proposes over half a kilometer in length and 100m in width for taking in the sun. Volleyball, beach tennis, and football are real classics on this beach. On stormy days, the waters of Ondarreta attract vast numbers of surfers and bodyboarders.
Zurriola Beach, San Sebastian
Located in the Gros district of San Sebastian, Zurriola Beach is a lively and energetic surfing spot that attracts both local and international surfers. The beach stretches for 800 meters and is a hub for beach activity, including surfing competitions, daily surf classes, volleyball, football, and beach tennis.
Visit San Sebastian Cathedral
Pintxos tastings
Briones, Spain (2-day stay)
Luxury Stay Hotel Santa Maria Briones
Michelin Guide Property
What we loved
The owner and staff were fantastic
Allegar Restaurant for both breakfast and dinner was OUTSTANDING
Breakfast buffet with excellent à la carte options
The lobby and bar were lovely and inviting
Things to do
Wine tasting
Cycling is a huge activity in this area
Explore Brinas Village
Visit the Cathedral in Brinas Village
Medieval Village Laguardia
Barcelona, Spain (3-day stay)
Stay at Hotel Miramar, Spain
Perched above Barcelona, the Hotel Miramar offers panoramic views of both the city and the sea. The historic building, established in 1929, was converted into a hotel in 2007. It boasts 75 rooms, a water area featuring an indoor swimming pool, and the L'Occitane Spa. Guests can wander through the stunning gardens, relax by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy the expansive solarium, and visit the pool bar during the summer months.
The hotel has recently been purchased by Hyatt and will be receiving a complete much-needed renovation.
What we loved
Views of the city lights and marina
The outdoor pool was stunning with great outdoor lounge chairs and drinks
Our upper balcony room had wonderful views of the city and marina
Spacious bathroom with large soak tub and walk-in shower
Full gym
The restaurant and bar provided wonderful food and atmosphere
Indoor pool and spa
Close to town with a 15-minute taxi or Uber ride
Things to do
Visit the Sagrada Família https://www.sagradafamilia.org/
Stroll the La Rambla La Rambla: The Best Things to Do in Barcelona’s Most Famous Street
Visit Barcelona’s Port Vell Harbour
Shopping on Passeig de Gracia Street
Book tickets to a Flamenco Dancing and dinner show
Visit one of Barcelona's beaches
Sant Sebastià Beach
Barceloneta Beach
Nova Icària Beach
Llevant Beach
Saint-Cyprien, France (2-day stay)
Luxury Stay L’Ile de la Lagune
5-star hotel in Languedoc-Roussillon
Michelin Star Restaurant
The hotel offers 37 accommodations spread over 3 locations (the grand house, the pavilions and the villas) to provide 3 different stay experiences.
We had booked a Deluxe Room and were upgraded to the Villa Casita de la Playa, a gorgeous 3-bedroom with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining, and living room. The large bay windows open directly onto the lagoon with spectacular views of the water and the moored boats. We had a wonderful sitting area outside to enjoy the views and Mediterranean ambiance.
What we loved
Villa Casita de la Playa at Hôtel L'Ile de la Lagune in Saint-Cyprien was a spectacular retreat for our 2-day stay.
Serene and naturally beautiful property
Waterfront location and easy access to the beach
Michelin Restaurant on-site
Spa Services and Indoor Pool
Biking, Walking, Swimming, and Nature Trails around the property
Fantastic bar with live music
Things to do
Biking and walking paths
Swim in the lagoon
Day trip to Coillure
Saint-Tropez, France (2 day stay)
Luxury Stay Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière
5 Star Luxury Hotel
Lartisen Collection Hotel
We booked a Superior Room Sea View and were fabulously upgraded to a Junior Suite Plunge Pool at check-in. The Suite was gorgeous and spacious and included complimentary hats, a beach bag, pajamas, silk eye masks, flip-flops, and a blanket. The large terrace featured a breakfast table, sun loungers, a plunge pool, and a sunbed. The view of the Mediterranean and the garden was spectacular.
Included in the room rate was a gourmet breakfast, minibar, lunch at La Table de La Messardière buffet, or the Bòu restaurant in the heart of Saint-Tropez, full access to the Valmont Spa, sun lounger and parasol reservation on request at the Jardin Tropézina private beach, laundry service for a selection of items, hot drinks, packing and unpacking service, poolside refreshments (non-alcoholic), transfers to Jardin Tropézina beach or Salon Messardière* via Rolls Royce and Mini-Moke, vehicle cleaning, electric bicycles.
A bit of history...
Nestled in the hills of Saint-Tropez and surrounded by the lush vineyards of Ramatuelle, the Château de La Messardière reflects all the grandeur and elegance of the past. Built in the nineteenth century, this sumptuous castle was originally a wedding gift from Gabriel Dupuy d'Angeac, a wealthy cognac merchant, to his daughter Louise Dupuy D'Angeac and her husband, the cavalry officer Henry Brisson de La Messardière.
A new era began in 2019 when the Château joined the Airelles collection. Many renovations then started before the grand reopening scheduled for July 2021. Today, the Château de La Messardière holds the prestigious status of Palace, harmoniously blending historical charm and modern elegance in Saint-Tropez.
With 103 rooms, Château de la Messardière is Saint-Tropez’s largest hotel set on 12.5 acres it feels like a peaceful sanctuary...a place to find rest, and a home-away-from-home atmosphere on a quiet hillside overlooking the Bay of Pampelonne. The decor is just as exquisite, drawing inspiration from the Roaring Twenties. Like the new lobby entirely dressed in natural tones with hints of gold, and the restaurants, be it L’Auberge des Maures with its family-style dining and Mediterranean flavors or Matsuhisa with a panoramic terrace. The hotel is also home to Jardin Tropezina, a beach club minutes from the hotel by Mini-Moke or Rolls Royce, and La Table de La Messardière where breakfast is served in keeping with Airelle’s spirit of generosity. Another hotel highlight is time spent by the pool with views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Surrounded by olive and lemon trees, it’s a scenery that borders on the surreal while elsewhere the 1,000-square-metre Valmont Spa offers a vast array of treatments along with a meditation room, sauna, and hammam, a large indoor pool, and a salon by Christophe-Nicolas Biot.
With its private sun loungers, laidback restaurant, and design by artisanal French luxury brand iKKim’O, Jardin Tropezina is a haven for stylish sun-worshippers looking for an effortless day at the beach.
What we loved
Everything! This hotel was truly one of the best hotels that we have ever visited or experienced.
The service was outstanding, every staff member went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful experience. Friendly and warm service.
The hotel set on 12.5 acres was gorgeous and provided so much room to explore and remain active during our stay.
The 7 restaurants provided exquisite dining experiences in addition to 3 bars with great cocktail menus.
The high quality complimentary gifts were useful and thoughtful.
Things to do
Tennis
Yoga
Circuit Training
Pilates
Swimming, 3 outdoor pools, and 1 indoor pool
Beach at Pampelonne Bay – Jardin Tropezina
Visit the bustling town of Saint Tropez
Shopping
Spa
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this personal blog are strictly my own and do not reflect those of any organization or entity. I have not received compensation in any form for the content provided. Please see the home page for the terms & conditions full statement.
