At one time France's main tourist's sights were in Paris and the Riviera where very few holiday makers explored the rest of the country. Now times have changed, though the Mediterranean resorts are still the most popular tourist's destination. Holiday makers have become aware of how much the rest of France has to offer. There are many historical buildings in France which have been converted to hotels. These hotels can beat any European hotel with their standard and amenities.

This will make you realize that any journey in France can be a cultural journey. The way these historical buildings have been restored and managed is an art by itself. They have fully merged with the landscape and you can make your stay in France more interesting by having a memorable experience. So you should not limit your horizon either to a particular region or to a particular field of interest.

Trianon Palace & Spa in the Versailles in France is a place restored to make top class hotel. It is the building through which Louis XIV nearly bankrupted France during the construction. The hotel overlooking gardens is a spectacular sight. You will be humbled to note that in 1919, the Versailles Peace Treaty was ratified by delegates who stayed in the same rooms that house guests today. The plush and elegant hotel has its own spa. It is one of the finest historical hotels in Europe.

To stay in a Chateau is an experience by itself. Not many people have this experience, but you can have it when you stay in Chateau de Locguenole in Hennebont in the Brittany region. The collection of furnishings and artifacts cannot be collected by any decorator. It is a Breton manor house being occupied by the same family for 500 years. You will have to stay there to understand why it is the most charming hotel in southern Brittany.

One of the best historical hotels in France is Manoir du Stang in La Foret-Fouesnant of the Brittany region. It has ivy that twines across the facade of the16th century Breton manor house. There are formal gardens which merge into forested parkland. They have together of modern amenities with antiques which is an art by itself. It is a glamorous hotel.

Château de Rochegude in the Rochegude region in Provence has existed for thousand years. The restored rooms are outfitted in a style inspired by a specific emperor or king. It is set in 10 hectares of parkland adjacent to the Rhone just on the outskirts of Orange.

Château de la Vallée Bleue in the La Chatre of the Massif Central region has rooms named for Liszt, Chopin, Flaubert, or Delacroix. In all probability they slept in the same room. Château des Alpilles in the St-Remy-de-Provence of Provence has been owned by the Pichot family in 1827. It has been host to many famous persons like Chateaubriand. This European hotel also known as "a house for paying friends," is famous for its luxury, refinement, and taste.