© @saraharnould - Adel Slimane Fecih
Across France, we’ve uncovered these charming boutique hotels, each one unique in style and atmosphere, yet sharing one important trait : great value for money given their locations, design, and top-notch service.
Le Grand Juste Marseille
Standing proudly in the Notre-Dame du Mont neighborhood, between the 5th and 6th arrondissements, Le Grand Juste, opened in July 2025, has taken over a former convent. Fourteen months of renovation later, this second address of the innovative Juste hospitality concept welcomes guests to 50 rooms, including six with terraces, plus a library-lounge and a sun-drenched garden.
From the moment you enter, the atmosphere feels warm and genuine. The décor — designed by owners Marie Imbert and Daniela Montes — blends Vitra, Hay, and Fermob furniture, mostly second-hand, with design classics by Eames, Prouvé, and Bouroullec. Family-home vibes are reinforced with vintage finds from Provence and artworks by Flo Lalanne and Roger Marty adorning the walls.
The extra touch : a curated selection of books on art and architecture, and delicious breakfasts served in the patio.
Le Grand Juste Marseille, 80 rue Auguste Blanqui, Marseille 5th. From €102 per night
La Folie Barbizon
Just 12 km from Fontainebleau and 45 minutes from Paris, the delightful village of Barbizon, birthplace of Impressionism, is home to a one-of-a-kind 4-star hotel. La Folie Barbizon, imagined by Lionel Bensemoun (founder of Le Baron) and Nicolas Saltiel (Hôtels Chapitre Six), perfectly captures the spirit of an artist’s residence.
Upon arrival, the terrace, watched over by Max Coulon’s sculpted figures, invites you to linger for a drink or dinner. Inside, artistic director Sarah Valente and Marion Collard have transformed the interiors with works from 20 different artists. Each of the 21 rooms has its own personality, blending color, poetry, and craftsmanship : sculpted headboards by Victor De Rossi, aubergine-skin stained glass between rooms, and paintings by Pierre Rioufol.
Highlights include the Garden Suite, opening onto the lush garden, and the Suite aux Étoiles, a duplex bathed in celestial blues. At the restaurant, a Paper Boulettes fresco overlooks seasonal dishes made with produce from the hotel’s own garden.
The extra touch : rubber boots of every size neatly lined up for guests heading into the garden!
La Folie Barbizon, 5 Grande Rue, 77630 Barbizon. From €158 per night for two
© Adel Slimane Fecih
Hôtel de la Bûcherie
For a countryside getaway just a short drive from Paris, head to this 3-star gem in the Vexin region. Built in the late 19th century by Ambroise Firmin-Didot, the Hôtel de la Bûcherie sits in the heart of a 65-hectare park. Behind its stone-and-brick façade, 33 rooms and suites combine family-home charm with modern comfort, think herringbone parquet floors and vintage furniture.
Couples will love the Junior Suites with romantic views of the gardens, while families can opt for the 6 spacious rooms or even the 6-person guesthouse nestled in the park. At the restaurant À la Cambrousse, the focus is on local, seasonal produce, vegetables from the 3,000 m² permaculture garden and honey from the estate’s hives.
The extra touch : a private dining room for 10 guests in a stunning vaulted stone cellar, perfect for celebrations.
Hôtel de la Bûcherie, 5 rue du Parc, 95510 Saint-Cyr-en-Arthies. From €140 per night for two.
© @saraharnould
Hôtel Moderne – Porto Vecchio
No need for a platinum card to enjoy a few days in Porto Vecchio. The oldest hotel in town and the only one within the Genoese walls, the Hôtel Moderne has been run by the same family since 1988. Today, the three Tubiana sisters – Anaïs, Chloé, and Marie-Léa – carry on the tradition with style.
After four years of renovation, the 19th-century stone building reopened in 2023, offering 15 rooms, including a suite. The décor reflects a minimalist Japanese influence, with raw materials, oak furniture, and soft lighting. There’s no restaurant, but a cozy bar and breakfast area serving local artisanal products, plus thoughtful amenities for families (cribs, highchairs, books, board games…).
The extra touch : the rooftop terrace, offering a breathtaking 360° view over the gulf and salt marshes.
Hôtel Moderne, 10 cours Napoléon, 20137 Porto Vecchio. From €118 per night.
La Guitoune
Just steps from Pyla Beach, this legendary hotel, open since 1932, was once a hotspot from the late ’40s to the ’70s. After a full renovation in 2017 by Philippe Ducos, Alexandre Rougier, and Bambi Sloan, La Guitoune regained its 4-star status and its joyful, retro spirit.
Behind its original Basque-style saffron façade lies a whimsical world: mermaids, seahorses, and starfish mosaics at the bar; red fish and lobsters on glowing hallway lamps; and vintage posters of Claude François, Jimi Hendrix, and Pierre Perret on the walls.
In the 24 rooms and suites, divided between the main house and six oyster-style cabins, the vibe is pure ’60s chic, leopard rugs, colorful furniture, and bold yellow-and-black mosaics. At the restaurant and its sunny terrace, guests enjoy seasonal cuisine with Italian flair.
The extra touch : book one of the “Guitounes”, 25 m² wooden cabins with a truly unique vibe.
La Guitoune, 95 boulevard de l’Océan, 33115 Pyla-sur-Mer. From €153 per night.
Also discover : The Most Beautiful Hotels on the Côte de Granit Rose in Brittany and A Family Getaway in the Heart of Sologne
