The 5 Chic Hotels in the South of France That Fashion Insiders Are Heading to Following PFW

      Monica Mendal is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, previously a fashion editor, a travel writer, and the creator of So There's This Place…—a Substack newsletter where she provides curated guides, insider advice, and unique destinations. As Paris Fashion Week approaches, and while editors and industry insiders gear up for the final stretch of fashion month, conversations are already turning to where they will recharge once the event concludes. Early October falls within the ideal shoulder season in the South of France, making it no surprise that this region attracts the fashion crowd. They can bask in the last warm rays of sunshine next to the iconic Alexander Calder sculpture amidst the artistic charm of a hillside classic, settle into Nice's trendiest new hotel from the previous summer, or relax with evening drinks on cliffs above the Mediterranean at one of three newly renovated treasures. Here are five hotels where you're likely to find them after the shows.

      La Colombe d'Or, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

      An enduring gem, La Colombe d'Or is a long-standing favorite of the fashion elite. Its intimate, character-rich rooms combine Provençal charm with modern amenities, and the art-filled interiors—featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miró—offer a gallery-like experience at every turn. The renowned dining room and terrace serve seasonal Mediterranean fare alongside an exceptional wine selection, ideal for leisurely afternoons. The pool, enhanced by an iconic Calder sculpture and surrounded by lush gardens and dappled sunlight, is the perfect place to enjoy the last warm days of the year and rejuvenate after fashion month.

      Hôtel du Couvent, Nice

      Opened last summer, Hôtel du Couvent has swiftly become one of Nice's most talked-about new spots. Set in a beautifully restored 17th-century convent, its spacious rooms and suites—designed by the esteemed team at Festen—combine historical features, such as vaulted ceilings and original stonework, with sleek, modern design. The interiors blend soft neutral shades with bold accents, creating a chic yet serene retreat ideal for recovery after the excitement of Paris Fashion Week. The hotel also offers an in-house herbalist who crafts customized teas, tinctures, and wellness treatments perfect for revitalizing energy and grounding the body. Outside, a sun-drenched terrace and a hilltop pool nestled in the gardens provide a beautiful setting for cocktails and a leisurely swim, while the intimate dining room features refined Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients. It's the perfect spot for fashion insiders to unwind after the flurry of shows, with the best of the Promenade des Anglais just minutes away.

      Hôtel Les Roches Rouges, Saint-Raphaël

      Located along the more untamed, less developed stretch of the Riviera amid the striking red cliffs of the Esterel Massif, Hôtel Les Roches Rouges offers a refreshing alternative to the livelier Nice, attracting those seeking a more elemental retreat. For fashion insiders wishing to relax after the fast pace of shows, its raw, natural surroundings and tranquility provide the perfect remedy. Long celebrated for its modernist vibe, the property underwent a series of thoughtful enhancements this summer: an expansion into an adjoining building with 25 new sea-view rooms, a brand-new gym, and the transformation of its former La Plage restaurant into Estelo, featuring fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Additionally, the seaside bar has been reimagined as La Chicoula, a relaxed yet stylish venue for evening cocktails.

      Hôtel Le Provençal, Hyères

      After a complete redesign by Rodolphe Parente, the family-operated Hôtel Le Provençal has reemerged as one of the Riviera's most exciting resurgences. Originally opened in 1951 on the Giens Peninsula, this hotel has been known for its sweeping views of Hyères and its dramatic seawater pool carved directly into the rocks at Parc du Provençal. Now, with all 41 rooms and restaurants fully refreshed, the property feels both timeless and strikingly contemporary, making it particularly appealing for fashion insiders searching for a new place to recharge. Guests can also take advantage of a tennis court and two revamped restaurants at Parc du Provençal. October will bring the introduction of 23 newly renovated apartments and a brand-new spa, perfectly timed for the fashion crowd eager to be among the first.

      Tuba Club, Marseille

      Marseille has quickly become a go-to escape for those feeling weary of Paris's hustle. This shift is reflected in the influx of Parisian chefs relocating to the port city to launch new restaurants, injecting fresh energy while maintaining its edge. For visitors, Marseille still feels vibrant and raw, and its relatively undiscovered charm makes it a delightful find. Tuba Club embodies this spirit, as a former diving club transformed into a boutique hideaway with just eight simple, sunlit rooms and villas situated above the sea. The restaurant serves straightforward coastal cuisine—think grilled fish, freshly shucked oysters, and plenty of rosé—en