Viva la France! Commemorate the storming of the Bastille
and France’s victory over the regime on its most
important day
in history, Bastille Day. To help you decide which is your very own
‘lap of
luxury,’ here
are a few of France’s top hot spots where you can soak in the
country’s
celebrations this July 14th.
HOTEL
RAPHAEL, Paris – Just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe,
guests
here easily grab a front row seat at the annual Bastille Day Military
Parade as
it proceeds down the Champs-Elysées. The hotel’s famous rooftop
is ideally
positioned to watch the Eiffel Tower’s extravagant fireworks display. A classic
Parisian
hotel, the Raphael adds discreet elegance and traditional décor
to its modern
character and gracious charm. www.raphael-hotel.com
VILLA
& HOTEL MAJESTIC, Paris – This newest addition to the Parisian hotel
landscape is within immediate proximity of the Arc de Triomphe,
Champs-Elysées
and the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks show. Chic interiors combine
classic French
style and period antiques with contemporary abstract artwork and modern
furnishings. www.majestic-hotel.com
HOTEL
REGINA, Paris – A Belle Époque gem located in the
heart of Paris directly across from the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre. The Louvre offers free
admission
on Bastille Day. Hotel Regina’s 90 individually designed guest rooms
and suites
are adorned with Toile de Jouy fabrics, rich Regency colors and period
furnishings. www.regina-hotel.com
HOTEL
DU PALAIS, Biarritz – Built
in 1855 by Napoleon III as a summer mansion
for Empress Eugenia, the interiors of this grandiose oceanfront hotel
have been
restored with 19th century antiques, a Guerlain spa, and a bunker and
putting
green where guests can practice their swings before hitting Biarritz’s
many
golf
courses along the magnificent Basque Coast. www.hotel-du-palais.com
PAN
DEI PALAIS, Saint-Tropez – a luxury historic mansion turned boutique
hotel
located in the heart of Saint-Tropez. Sun bathers can view the magnificent
sights of the French
Riviera while lounging in this harmonious haven of Asian-inspired
architecture
and modern amenities. www.pandei.com
PALAIS
STÉPHANIE, Cannes – This new hot spot’s modern redesign pays
tribute to
its glam film heritage, as the hotel sits on the original site of the
Palais
des Congrès, where the first Cannes Film Festivals were held.
Located in the
center of the famous La Croisette and steps from the beach, Palais
Stéphanie
maximizes European luxury. www.palaisstephanie.com