France is the largest country by area in Western Europe, and the third-largest on the continent.

Europe is equipped with a wide array of idyllic summer vacation destinations, but when it comes to achieving utmost relaxation, it’s tough to beat France. From the storied countryside of Brittany to the sprawling Mediterranean coast, there’s no shortage of fascinating regions to explore—and each one offers ample opportunity to unwind in the form of lavish hotels, resorts, and inns. Whether you’re planning to explore centuries-old cities, bask in the beauty of the Alps, or just kick back at the hotel spa, these palatial properties are certain to please.

Fouquet's Paris was designated a French Historic Monument in 1990.

Paris is no stranger to ultra-lavish accommodations, and when it comes to palatial suites paired with world-class spa offerings, it’s tough to beat Le Fouquet's. Though this property is best known as the home to the iconic 1890s-era Fouquet’s restaurant, there’s far more to the hotel than just sophisticated French food and drink. Beneath the lobby, guests can discover the Spa Diane Barrière, one of the finest wellness centers to grace the heart of Paris. Measuring in at 8,600 square feet, this palatial space is home to a 50-foot-long swimming pool, aqua jets, and twin sauna and steam rooms, with no shortage of extravagant art to admire during your stay.

Biarritz is a popular French destination for surfing.

Perched on the coast of the Basque city of Biarritz, the renowned Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz began life in the mid-1800s as a summer villa for Empress Eugénie de Montijo—though in the modern era, this stately villa has taken on a new life as a top-tier vacation destination. With summer in full swing, there’s no shortage of relaxing ways to beat the heat ranging from a dip in the outdoor pool to a hair treatment at the Imperial Spa—and the property is no slouch when it comes to drinking and dining, either. There are five unique concepts to choose from across the property, with the Michelin-starred La Rotonde offering spectacular seafood amidst stunning coastal views.

Cap Ferrat is located roughly half an hour from Nice, one of the largest cities on the French ... [+] Riviera.

France’s iconic Cap Ferrat has earned worldwide acclaim for its high concentration of stately palaces and villas, with the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat serving as one of the area’s finest accommodations. In spite of its close proximity to Monaco, newcomers can have a truly spectacular vacation without setting foot off of the peninsula, with amenities like complementary bicycles, on-property tennis courts, and bookable mixology classes all up for grabs. After a long day in the sun, guests can start their afternoon off right with a soothing aromatherapy massage, then head to the open-air Club Dauphin for a perfectly-crafted cocktail by the pool.

Jiva Hill Resort is adjacent to the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura, a sprawling preserve that's ... [+] home to vast swathes of the Jura Mountains.

Lavish amenities meet spectacular natural beauty at Jiva Hill Resort, a sprawling estate located just west of the Geneva Airport. Outdoor leisure opportunities abound on the property, with a nine-hole golf course and waterskiing lake both available for guests, but for those hoping to unwind, the Jiva Hill’s Spa is an absolute must-visit. In addition to a hammam, Nordic Spa, and a pair of indoor and outdoor pools, the property also offers a wide variety of treatments ranging from hot stone massage to the hotel’s signature Facial Care Evasion, a concept that targets specific zones in the face to achieve utmost relaxation.

The Gulf of Morbihan is home to the Gavrinis tomb, an ancient site that's renowned for its high ... [+] concentration of megalithic art.

Located in the heart of France’s lush Gulf of Morbihan, the Hôtel Thalasso & Spa Miramar La Cigale serves as the perfect base for exploring the southern reaches of Brittany. In between outdoor expeditions to some of the nation’s most fascinating Neolithic ruins, guests can unwind with a treatment back at the property’s world-class spa, with a diverse array of options including marine scrubs, spirulina facials, and Californian massage—though that’s far from the only ticket to relaxation available at the resort. During daylight hours, the heated saltwater swimming pool is a particularly popular hangout spot, while The Goëland Bar is the ideal destination for a refreshing cocktail bathed in the glow of the sunset.