Arcachon Bay, FranceTaussat-les-Bains
Villa La Tosca
Belle Époque seaside villa
Taussat-les-Bains Arcachon Bay, France
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Wellness DesignOutside the door
Belle Époque seaside villa
The estate runs like a private family manor, where garden paths lead through pine trees directly to the bay.
What it’s good at
Notable
Built in 1903, the restored seaside villa exemplifies Belle Époque Arcachon architecture.
Listed
Sunlit contemporary rooms dressed with Asian antiques and opening onto broad covered verandahs.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The gardens are well-kept, the views of the sea expansive, and the breezy verandahs plentiful.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
In the seaside village of Taussat-les-Bains, set among pine gardens right on Arcachon Bay.
The rooms
Beds are dressed with handmade Treca mattresses, and French doors open onto broad verandahs facing the bay.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Aquatic plants filter the freshwater pool, lined by Balinese daybeds and fed by an eighty-meter well.
Sauna and massage
A domed Nordic sauna sits in the garden, and therapists give massages out on the wooden deck.
At the table
Breakfast is laid out beside open French doors, and private chefs prepare dinners on request.
How it began
A Bordeaux prosecutor commissioned the villa in 1903, but it sat neglected until a cycling couple bought and restored it in 2005.
Arcachon Bay
More like this
Hôtel Ville d‘ hiver
“Restored waterworks villa”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.