Business

7 Best hotels to stay in France

Published

3 years ago

September 18, 2023

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

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

Related Topics:Featured France Hotels tourism

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Business

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Adedayo Oketola, has said that a purported X (formerly Twitter) account attributed to the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

In a public statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Oketola disclosed that a comprehensive, multi-layered forensic investigation conducted by independent cybersecurity experts has conclusively established that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.

He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , committed to a full forensic investigation, commissioned an independent forensic cybersecurity expert, who conducted a multi-layered forensic and digital investigation using X platform data, internet archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics and cross-platform analysis.”

Oketola stressed that all posts, replies, and screenshots linking him to the handle @joashamupitan are fraudulent, forensically unverifiable, and technically impossible.

The controversy began on April 10, 2026, when viral social media posts alleged that the Chairman made a partisan comment — “Victory is sure” — in response to another user, supported by screenshots and purported digital records.

However, the CPS said the forensic investigation uncovered clear evidence of fabrication and impersonation, highlighting the following key findings:

· No Digital Linkage: There is no connection between the disputed X account and Prof. Amupitan’s verified email addresses or phone numbers, as multiple recovery and verification attempts failed to establish any link.

· False BVN/OPay Claims: Data used to suggest ownership of the account only confirms identity and does not establish control of any social media handle, making such claims a logical fallacy.

· Timestamp Manipulation: The alleged reply “Victory is sure” was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet it responded to—an occurrence that is technically impossible and definitive proof of fabrication.

· No Historical Record: Searches on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine showed zero evidence of the account or its alleged activity prior to April 2026.

· Non-Existence on X Platform: Live checks confirmed that the alleged reply does not exist and has never existed on the platform.

· Account Renaming Pattern: On the same day the screenshots went viral, the account was renamed @sundayvibe00, set to private, and labelled a “parody account,” indicating deliberate impersonation and damage control.

· Coordinated Multi-Platform Impersonation: At least seven fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity were identified, pointing to a sustained disinformation effort.

“The forensic evidence is comprehensive, multi-sourced, and unambiguous. The posts attributed to Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan on X are fabricated. The account is a clear case of impersonation,” Mr. Oketola said.

Quoting one of the independent investigators, he described the development as “a coordinated digital impersonation and disinformation campaign,” warning that advances in artificial intelligence had made it easier to fabricate misleading content.

He urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information, noting that “the fact that content goes viral does not make it authentic,” and called on media organisations to prioritise accuracy over speed.

Mr. Oketola said the independent forensic report had been referred to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action. He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to investigate the origin of the fake account and prosecute those responsible under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

He said, “Media organisations, in particular, have a duty to apply strict forensic verification standards to social media posts and screenshots before publishing them, especially when such content implicates public officials or carries serious consequences for public trust and institutional credibility. Accuracy, not speed, must guide reporting in matters of this nature.”

He reiterated that all official communications from INEC are disseminated exclusively through its verified platforms, including its website (www.inecnigeria.org), verified X account (@inecnigeria), official Facebook page, online news portal (www.inecnews.com), formal press statements from its headquarters in Abuja, and official media briefings. Any account purporting to represent the INEC Chairman in a personal capacity, he said, should be treated as fraudulent unless formally verified by the Commission.

Business

How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders

Published

12 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers

How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders

For an average 9-5er, having a job isn’t enough. You want a career that grows with you, gives you stability, and opens doors to bigger opportunities. People everywhere are looking for workplaces that don’t just pay salaries but actually invest in their staff, helping them learn, lead, and succeed.

That’s exactly what FirstBank is doing. The Bank is building a future where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. Through its human capital management and development agenda, FirstBank is creating numerous pathways for staff to transform their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders.

Conversion Programme: Turning Opportunities Into Careers

Needless to say that there is no desire for the 9-5er to remain in a temporary role when they can secure a full-time career. With FirstBank’s Conversion Programme, eligible non-core employees who have served for at least one year can transition into permanent positions. This initiative ensures that hardworking staff are rewarded with stability, growth, and the chance to contribute more meaningfully to the Bank’s success.

Leadership Programmes: Grooming the Next Generation

FirstBank has designed three flagship programmes to identify and nurture high-potential talents:

FirstBank Management Associate Programme (FMAP): A 24-month fast-track initiative that grooms future middle managers. Upon completion, participants are promoted to Assistant Manager grade, regardless of their previous grade.
Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP): Focused on preparing internal middle-management talents for leadership responsibilities, ensuring the Bank’s succession pipeline remains strong.
Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP): A programme for senior managers who are proven leaders in their functions and critical to the Bank’s succession plan.

These programmes are not just training—they are career accelerators, designed to put staff on the fast lane to leadership.

FirstAcademy: Learning With Global Standards

Backing these initiatives is FirstAcademy, FirstBank’s corporate university, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Staff also benefit from partnerships with institutions like Rome Business School and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), gaining access to world-class training—often at discounted rates

A Workplace That Values People

FirstBank’s parent company, First HoldCo PLC, was named second in the Best Workplaces in Financial Services in Nigeria. The Bank remains firmly committed to responsible employment practices, ensuring that all colleagues are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

The Future Is Human

With these initiatives, FirstBank is showing that its greatest investment is its people. By empowering staff through various growth opportunities, the Bank is not just building a workforce, it is cultivating leaders who will shape the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.

Business

FirstBank Partners Ekiti State Government on Launch of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund

Published

4 days ago

April 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FirstBank Partners Ekiti State Government on Launch of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund

Lagos, 10 April 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Ekiti State Government in launching the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, scale tech-enabled businesses, and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across the state.

The programme provides funding, mentorship, and market access to high-potential enterprises, with a focus on strengthening Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Notably, at least 40 percent of the fund has been reserved for female-led enterprises.

The Innovation Enterprise Support Fund Initiative is structured as a three-phase programme covering ideation, pre-acceleration, and acceleration for about 60 startups. Each enterprise will receive financial support ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦1,200,000, enabling job creation, revenue generation, and market-ready product launches.

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said “Entrepreneurship and Innovation are two of our core values at FirstBank. We believe MSMEs are enablers of economic growth and for 132 years, we have stood beside Nigerian businesses through every phase of growth, transition and transformation. We have remained committed to building stronger business through improved access to finance and capacity building; we created the SME Connect Platform to serve as a digital hub where Nigerian entrepreneurs find the resources to move from vision to value. We are excited about this partnership, and we see more than startups. We see future industry leaders, employers of labour, and perhaps our next big partners.”

The partnership aligns with FirstBank’s longstanding commitment to financial inclusion, SME development, and youth empowerment, with an emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs, who represent 35% of Nigeria’s startup cohort.

FirstBank has been a consistent promoter and supporter of the innovation ecosystem and SMEs in Nigeria, providing notable interventions to help them scale their platforms and businesses. The Bank has designed multiple digital platforms for its SME customers to leverage on for business growth and expansion.