There’s something — should we say a certain je ne sais quoi— about getting away to a spot that’s completely different. A different culture, different food, different people, a different language — all of these things can make you feel worlds away from home (in a good way, of course).
And when we’re choosing a destination, we often can’t help but be drawn to French-speaking locales. After all, French is the language of love, and we feel pretty glam when we’re casually conversing with locals in Francais.
But Paris is so last year. (Okay, so that’s a lie — Paris is always fabulous. But work with us here.) So why not visit a French-speaking spot that has, say, a beach as well? Or skip away to a European lakeside locale where French is the official language. If you want to immerse yourself in the French culture, France is certainly not your only option.
St. Barts: Hotel La Banane
Nicknamed St. Barts, St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies has been a playground to the rich and famous for several decades.
Nestled among the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, it was a French colony until 2007 when St. Barts officially became a “separate overseas collectivity.” French is spoken by many locals (although almost everyone on the island can speak some English) and much of the cuisine has a French flair. This, paired with the fact that almost all food products are imported from France, means meals can be pricey. Seafood, however, including conch — an island specialty — is caught locally. The well-heeled venture out to St. Barts not only for its gourmet restaurants, but also for its high-end designer shops, secluded beaches, and exclusive location. Celebs such as Jimmy Buffet, David Letterman, and Steve Martin own property on the island and are frequent visitors.
Stay at the retro-chic boutique hotel, Hotel La Banane. It's located just a skip away from Lorient Bay, and makes up for a lack of amenities with a hipper-than-thou scene. It’s a Parisian escape on St. Barts, with rooms inspired by 1950s Paris — white and pastel blues and tile, open bathrooms, art books, wall murals, and vintage minimalist furnishings. The nine freestanding bungalows all have indoor/outdoor showers and private terraces, and two small pools are surrounded by palm trees and white lounge chairs. This place is tres chic — not to mention sexy. It’s a good choice for couples looking for a getaway with ambiance.
Geneva, Switzerland: Hotel Les Amures
Geneva is a picturesque city, divided into two banks by Lake Geneva, and surrounded by mountains.
During the winters, visitors and locals head to the mountains to ski; ski resorts such as Verbier and Crans-Montana are conveniently only about an hour away. And in the summertime, the lake — and nearby beaches — become popular spots for swimming. But all year long, tourists can enjoy the city’s cafe culture (reminiscent of Paris), beautiful gardens, specialty shops (the city is known for its gorgeous jewelry and watches), fabulous restaurants, and many sights. It’s located in Romandy, the western French-speaking portion of Switzerland, and has excellent French-influenced cuisine, gorgeous architecture, and views of Mont Blanc.
Stay at the Hotel Les Amures, a quaint luxury boutique with a fabulous location in Old Town. The 32 rooms in this 17th century mansion are charming and high-end, with details such as wood-beamed ceilings, faux-fur throws, and stone walls that create a French chalet vibe. The style extends into the restaurant, breakfast room, and common spaces — beamed ceilings are present throughout, and there’s even a suit of armor in the lobby. The hotel attracts well-heeled couples and even the occasional celebrity — George Clooney stayed here — but amenities are few: There is no spa, fitness center, or pool. Rates are a bit steep considering the lack of features, but at least breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.
St. Martin: Esmeralda Resort
St. Martin, the French side of the Caribbean island split between the Dutch and the French, takes up the northern two-thirds of the island.
The native language is French, the area is subject to French law, and it has a very European vibe. Less developed than the Dutch side, St. Martin offers plenty of natural attractions, including the beautiful (and clothing-optional) Orient Beach and Loterie Farm’s tree-to-tree zip-line. Visitors seeking a more relaxed pace might want to check out Marigot, the French capital, which offers a European feel and a laid-back vibe with secluded, intimate accommodations.
Stay at the Esmeralda Resort. Located within an upscale community featuring several resorts, restaurants, and one of the island’s best beaches, the Esmeralda Resort offers seclusion and elegance with semi-private pools (shared among four units), stylish tropical rooms, and a well-respected restaurant — all within a two-minute walk of the beach. The rooms stand out for quality furnishings — you won’t find the tacky wicker furnishings so common in St. Maarten/St. Martin here. Rather, dark wood chairs and tables with a French Colonial style accent terracotta floor tiles and dramatic whitewashed vaulted ceilings. Plus, the hotel’s L’Astrolabe bistro is an island highlight thanks to its acclaimed classic French-Caribbean cuisine with a modern twist. Additional features are few, but for self-sufficient couples and families looking for a lush retreat with a great location, Esmeralda delivers the goods.
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