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7 Best hotels to stay in France 

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7 Top-notch hotels to stay in France 

 

 

France is one of the most visited spots in the world being a perfect mix of family and couple destinations. . But have you also figured out where to stay in France? We have crafted a list of the 5 best hotels in France that will make you fall in love with the country even more.

 

 

1. Château de Bagnols

 

7 Best hotels to stay in France 

 

Set in the heart of Beaujolais vineyards is the fortified castle of Château de Bagnols. Originally a chateau, Château de Bagnols is a classified historical monument that has seen over 8 centuries of history and is now an esteemed country accommodation in France.

The interiors are decorated keeping in mind the era of the chateau and it varies from classic to contemporary. Take a look inside and you will find the rooms furnished with antiques and 16th-century frescoes that teleport you to a whole different era. Taste the traditional French cuisine on offer, enjoy the unparalleled views from the terrace, and go on a bike excursion to the medieval village of Oingt. The hotel also offers horse riding, hot-air balloon trips, and helicopter tours.

 

Surrounded by French style gardens, moats, tower, and vines, Château de Bagnols is one of the best hotels in France.

Where: Le Bourg, 69620 Bagnols, France
What’s special: Medieval architecture, Vintage decor, Fascinating views, Fine dining restaurant, Spa, Swimming pool
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Aquatic Center Nautile

2. Villa Florentine

 

 

Housed in a 17th-century villa which was previously a convent, Villa Florentine is a luxury five-star hotel in Lyon that comes with panoramic views of the city. Placed in the timeless location of Vieux Lyon, Villa Florentine breathes a charming Italian Renaissance architecture that makes it hard to blink.

 

Savor the taste of delicious French cuisine on the outdoor terrace, go explore the wonderful gems around Vieux Lyon, and rejuvenate yourselves in the wellness centre. The rooms in the hotel are chic with wooden flooring. There is also a heated outdoor pool that comes with excellent views. So you don’t have to worry about taking a plunge even in the winter.

Where: 25 Montée Saint-Barthélémy, 69005 Lyon, France
What’s special: Prime location, Excellent views, Italian architecture, Great food, heated outdoor pool, Wellness center, Conference room
Who’s it for: Couples, Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Lyon Cathedral, Place Bellecour, River Saone

3. Château Eze

 

 

Tucked away in the serene location of Eze, inside a 400-year-old Chateau is the lavish boutique hotel of Château Eze. Former residence of a Swedish Prince, Château Eze is now one of the best hotels in France. Uniquely designed like a castle, the hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic landscape in the backdrop makes it an instant sell.

 

The hotel boasts of 14 suites and rooms each uniquely designed to stand out from the rest. Try out the interesting cocktails and the snacks on the terrace as you admire the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The enchanting location of Cote d’Azur and the sun-kissed horizon adds to the charm of the hotel.

 

Where: Rue de la Pise, 06360 Eze Village, France
What’s special: Architecture, Hilltop location, Views,
Who’s it for: Families, Couples
Attractions nearby: Parfumerie Fragonard – The Laboratory Plant Eze, Nietzsche’s Footpath

4. Villa Lara Hotel

 

Located in close distance to the famous museums, offering amazing views of the Bayeux Cathedral is the upscale

4-star accommodation of Villa Lara Hotel. Perched on a cliff in the midst of lemon groves and bright bougainvillea, the hotel is all about elegance. The rooms are traditionally designed in varied colour schemes and carry furnishings from the famous French cabinet maker Moissonnier.

Treat your taste buds to a hearty breakfast that consists of fresh pastries and hot coffee, lose yourselves to the incredible views, and grab a drink at the empire-style bar. Come night & Villa Lara Hotel glows with light. The sight is just incomparable & is a testimony to its beauty.

 

 

Where: 6 Place de Québec, 14400 Bayeux, France
What’s special: Elegant architecture, Views, Accessibility to attractions, Breakfast
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Bayeux Cathedral

 

 

5. Shangri-La hotel

 

 

So you walk along the tree-lined Avenue d’Iéna and you are awestruck by this building. You wonder what it could possibly be within the classic facade. Say hello to the legendary Shangri-La Hotel. Once home to Napolean Bonaparte’s grandnephew Roland Bonaparte, the princely residence is now an exquisite 5-star hotel that you shouldn’t miss out on your trip. Take a step inside and you will understand the significance.

 

 

Carrying a European-Asian vibe, everything inside Shangri-La is crafted with the utmost detail to make sure not even a single tourist feels left out. Dine in one of the 2 Michelin-starred restaurants, unwind in the spa, catch a romantic sunrise/sunset from the terrace, and enjoy a pool game in the remarkable billiard room that comes with a fireplace. A stay in Shangri-La is a memory to remember forever!

Where: 10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
What’s special: Location, Sunrise/sunset views, Michelin restaurants, Spa, Indoor pool
Who’s it for: Business travellers, Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Eiffel Tower, River Seine, Champs-Elysées, Quai Branly Museum

 

 

 

6. Four Seasons Hotel George V

 

 

Sitting inside an original 1982 art deco building, Four Seasons Hotel George V is a luxurious 5-star hotel styled after Louis XVI. Your first interaction with the hotel will be the neatly decorated flowers that immediately lighten up your mood. Proceed a little further and you will spot the exemplary art collection along with the fine dining restaurants that bask in a lovely sunlight on a clear morning.

Go on a gastronomical journey tasting the mouth-watering delicacies from the renowned restaurants in place, explore the whimsical streets of Paris getting close to the world-class monuments, and ogle at the unparalleled views from the terrace. For a delightful stay in the city of lights, Four Season hotel is the place to go.

Where: 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
What’s special: Multi-cuisine restaurants, Location, Decor, Views
Who’s it for: Couples, Families, Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Champs-Élysees, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral

7. Hôtel La Pérouse

 

 

Placed on top of the Castle Hill overlooking the Bay of Angels is the 4-star luxury boutique accommodation of Hôtel La Pérouse. The location is so wonderfully perfect that you will be willing to stay here regardless of the price. What’s so special about the location? You ask. While Hôtel La Pérouse is so private, it is accessible as well.

 

The rooms in the hotel are modern with a Mediterranean flair and the marble flooring elevates the overall feel of the place. Take a dip in the private beach of Castel which is very close by, enjoy every bit of the sumptuous provencal cuisine by your balcony, and let your stress out on a healing sauna session. Hôtel La Pérouse is definitely one of the hidden treasures in France.

Where: 11 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France
What’s special: Incredible location, Views, Sauna, Hot Pool, Solarium
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Cours Saleya, Nice Opera house, Castle Hill, Old Town

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions

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*GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions*

By Osho Oluwatosin

The internet has literally been on ‘fire’ since Friday following the arrest of self-acclaimed Nigerian activist, Martins Vincent, also known as Very Dark Man. He was reportedly picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for reasons yet unknown.

While it’s not the first time VeryDarkMan or any prominent Nigerian would be arrested by the EFCC — a government agency not under the authority of any private organization — it seems some Nigerians are passionately trying to push a narrative that his arrest was orchestrated by one of Nigeria’s biggest financial institutions, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

Although this narrative isn’t far-fetched — VDM had criticized the bank due to ‘mysterious’ deductions from his mother’s bank account for unjustifiable reasons. He approached the bank’s branch in Abuja to make an official complaint and, afterwards, he was picked up by the EFCC. But what many Nigerians have failed to realize is GTCO may not even be involved in his arrest.

VeryDarkMan was seen in the bank, quite alright, but in a CCTV released by the bank, he was seen moving out of the bank when he finished. He even had a celebrity moment with some of his followers who took pictures with him before he was arrested. So I’m wondering, what has GTB got to do with his arrest? That someone got knocked down by a vehicle after leaving church, does it mean the church orchestrated the accident? That someone got attacked after leaving a lecture room, does it mean the lecturer orchestrated it? That someone even got attacked in a courtroom, does it mean the judge orchestrated it? Absolutely not.

Although it would have been better if the EFCC had come out to clear the air regarding the reason for VDM’s arrest, because in the absence of information, rumours are bound to thrive. In fact, the commission should have actually released a statement regarding these rumours, not to vindicate GTB, but to keep Nigerians informed.

Let’s even think about it logically: what can warrant GTCO to order VDM’s arrest by the EFCC? Did he defraud GTCO? Did he steal from a GTB customer? Did he launder money through a GTB account? These are questions that should be asked before passing judgments. But Nigerians are always emotional when it comes to issues like this, and that’s why people who are culpable in serious crimes get away with anything as long as they get involved in charity or activism.

GTCO has been a very friendly organization, and in 2024 alone, the bank paid a record dividend of N8 per share. The bank is happy, shareholders are happy, customers are happy — who is Very Dark Man?

Osho Oluwatosin is a Nigerian journalist and writes from Lagos.

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Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of ‘omoluabi’

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Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of ‘omoluabi’

In February of this year, I needed to open a new bank account for salary purposes, as required by the management of the new company I had just joined.

I considered First Bank, Access Bank, and Sterling Bank. After some thought, I chose Sterling Bank—not because I found them superior—but because I believed they had fewer customers, which I hoped would save me from long queues and unnecessary delays.

I visited the Sterling Bank branch at Akowonjo to open the account. Unfortunately, the staff member who attended to me didn’t inspire confidence. She appeared distracted—smiling at her phone, clearly engrossed in a private chat—far from the level of professionalism one would expect in a bank setting. I had a feeling this would lead to problems down the line.

 

When my first salary was paid into the account, my suspicion was confirmed. Sterling Bank restricted access to my funds—I couldn’t transfer money or make withdrawals at the counter. I visited their Fatai Atere branch at Ladipo, Mushin to complain, where I was informed that the account opened for me was a “Kaikai” account—a type I had never heard of. Apparently, this account type is meant for individuals who lack the required documents during account creation. But I had submitted all necessary documents, so why was such an account opened for me?

Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of 'omoluabi'

At the Fatai Atere branch, I was attended to by a remarkable banker named Victoria Mulero. She requested my NIN, which I didn’t have on me at the time. Rather than send me back home, she asked if I had a digital copy. I did, and she graciously gave me her email address so I could forward it to her. With that, she resolved the issue promptly and professionally.

However, the following month, in March, the same restriction happened again. I returned to the Fatai Atere branch, and once again, Victoria Mulero handled my complaint with efficiency and kindness, resolving it without delay.

I hoped the matter was finally settled, but when my April salary arrived, the restriction was imposed yet again. This time, I was beyond frustrated and ready to replace Sterling Bank as my salary account. Still, I visited the Fatai Atere branch one last time. Once more, Victoria Mulero resolved the issue with grace and determination.

This write-up is a tribute to Victoria Mulero of Sterling Bank, Fatai Atere branch. She is a rare gem—respectful, diligent, and genuinely customer-focused. She went above and beyond, following up with the Akowonjo branch through calls and emails until the matter was fully resolved. She handled every situation with patience and empathy, treating the job as if the bank belonged to her family.

To be honest, I’ve had unpleasant experiences with many bankers, especially female staff. Too often, they carry personal frustrations into the banking hall and take it out on customers. But Victoria is different. She exemplifies what true customer service should be.

We may not all be the same, but treating people with respect and kindness is a skill that can be learned—and Victoria clearly has. Let’s celebrate her for being a model professional and a beacon of hope in an industry that too often lacks empathy.

Without any fear of contradiction, I say boldly that Victoria Mulero is a good ambassador of Sterling Bank and her parents too deserve encomium for raising a well trained daughter and impacting an attitude of ‘ omoluabi’ in her. We need more of Victoria Mulero in our banking industry.

Seun Jacob Ogunbiyi
Known as Olùkọ́, the therapeutic writer and Lagos based journalist

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Air Peace Airlines’ failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays …causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board

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Air Peace Airlines' failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays ...causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Air Peace Airlines’ failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays
…causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board

~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Traveling is undoubtedly the most effective form of education, enabling individuals to observe human quirks from diverse perspectives

On Saturday, 3rd May 2025, an Air Peace Airlines flight from Akure Airport was delayed, causing undue inconvenience to a Nigerian traveller and a prominent Nigerian man of God, an unfortunate incident that befell the nation’s citizens

Does Nigerian law consider it a criminal offense for travelers to book flights with Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, instead of other airlines that fail to depart on schedule, such as remaining at 10am instead of departing at 10am? Certainly, some Nigerian citizens may opt to travel with airlines like Arik, Aero, Dana, rather than Air Peace.

Air Peace Airlines' failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays
...causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

It is evident that many Nigerians actually believe Air Peace airline came to rescue Nigerians from the subpar fly-and-die experience of other airlines, such as Dana, which is why many have fallen in love with Air Peace Airlines’ domestic operations

 

Air Peace Airlines’ decision to reschedule a 12:00 flight from Akure in Ondo State to 3:00 on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, has been met with disappointment from some affected Nigerian passengers, who deem this change unreasonable and unjustified.

Nigeria is hindered by self-imposed challenges that impede our collective advancement. I remain optimistic that future leadership will emerge, focusing on nuanced details that cumulatively enhance the lives of citizens, including access to housing, affordable food, petrol, quality healthcare, and a decent standard of living. The fact that we produce rice, only to have its price inflated by some, thereby rendering it unaffordable, is a pressing concern

It is baffling to me why some people or airlines deliberately provide poor services, causing undue hardship for their passengers, without taking the courtesy to apologize

How can passengers ensure they arrive at Akure Airport by 10 a.m. to catch a 12 p.m. flight from Akure to Lagos and complete check-in as usual

Only for them to fall victim to an extremely harrowing experience. The first indication was the outrage of a passenger at the Nigeria Air Peace counters. He yelled at the ticketing officials that his time had been wasted by three hours and demanded to be refunded his money, as his business was equally affected.

The scene was remarkably congested, and indeed there was an exceedingly large number of passengers traveling to Lagos on this particular Air Peace flight.Which none of them can comprehend what could cause a delay from 12 O’clock to 3:15 pm, without considering individuals with an assignment or occasion in Lagos, is so crazy and devastating.

*How Passengers suffer through endless delays waiting for Air Peace aircraft.*

Accordingly, they embarked on an extended wait after Air Peace notified them that the flight had been postponed by an hour. Ultimately, the delay proved to be three hours, with the flight arriving at 3:30 pm, followed by the commencement of boarding procedures

On a final note the Nigerian aviation industry, including airlines, can certainly improve their treatment of fellow Nigerians

Onboard passengers display concern and raise eyebrows.

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