A five-mile trip from the city center, across the River Garonne in the hilltop village of Bouliac, this faux-industrial palace of eccentric minimalism was designed by France's premier architect, Jean Nouvel, and has been heralded by Herbert Ypma, author of Hip Hotels, as the hippest in all France. Although the place is calm and starkly elegant, its pretentiousness and trendy take on art and kitsch can be wearing (Room 9 has a Harley-Davidson parked in it). But the views, the brilliantly inventive lighting, and the sleek navy swimming pool make up for a lot. The very formal Michelin-starred restaurant serves outstanding food—at outstanding prices. The hotel also has a cheaper postmodern brasserie called Le Bistroy, as well as a café, La Rôtisserie for light meals.