France needs little help claiming its place on the global travel wish list, but 2026 brings a fresh wave of reasons to linger longer
From striking new hotel openings to a rejuvenated Riviera in the cultural spotlight, France is stepping confidently into a new chapter. With COMO and Zannier Hotels leading the way, and White Lotus shining a glamorous light on Saint-Tropez, this is the summer to head to the South of France for a trip that feels stylish, soulful, and ahead of the curve.
Private Island
Zannier Île de Bendor
A landmark moment for the Riviera, Zannier Hotels reopens Zannier Île de Bendor in May 2026, transforming the mid-century private island into a Provençal retreat that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Expect a village-style layout with 93 rooms and suites, a beach club, holistic wellness centre, and an artisan quarter celebrating local craft.
La Grande Dame
COMO reclaims Belle Époque
Opening in April 2026, COMO Le Beauvallon restores one of the Riviera’s few grand estates. Set on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with sweeping views and a strong sense of privacy, it showcases restrained elegance alongside COMO’s signature wellness-driven ethos.
White Lotus Buzz
TV-Led Trend
With Season 4 filming around Saint-Tropez, France is set for its White Lotus moment. The spotlight is fuelling renewed interest in Riviera icons like Airelles Château de la Messardière — a 19th-century palace turned refined retreat and the confirmed filming location for the upcoming season — and creating buzz among travellers keen to experience it before the series airs.
Riviera by Yacht
From hotel to sea
The South of France has always been as much about the water as the coastline. Now, hotel groups such as Four Seasons, Aman and Ritz-Carlton are launching their own yachts, bringing their distinctive service and attention to detail to the sea as a natural extension of the Riviera lifestyle.
Cultural Capital
Hôtel du Couvent, Nice
Housed in a 17th-century convent in Nice’s Old Town, the serene, design-forward Hôtel du Couvent blends monastic calm with Riviera sensuality. With garden terraces, a cloistered spa, and Provençal menus, it redefines the Nice stay.
Boutique Chic
Design-forward stays
Boutique, design-led stays such as Villa La Coste and Hôtel Lou Pinet, alongside a new wave of smaller openings like AREV Saint-Tropez, reflect a growing appetite for intimate, characterful retreats shaped by their setting and a strong design perspective.
With anticipation building ahead of White Lotus Season 4 and these headline openings, speak to Lightfoot's Europe specialists to start planning a tailormade France holiday that blends the iconic with the unexpected.
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Lightfoot Travel organises tailormade holidays throughout France and Europe. Contact one of our expert travel consultants today to start planning.
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