Crossword Genius

French resort bordering hot place (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

niche

'place' is the definition.
(niche is a kind of place)

'french resort bordering hot' is the wordplay.
'french resort' becomes 'nice' (I've seen this before).
'bordering' indicates putting letters inside.
'hot' becomes 'h'.
'nice' placed around 'h' is 'NICHE'.

(Other definitions for niche that I've seen before include "A small recess or easy job" , "market area for specialists" , "Select place in market" , "Recess in wall for statue" , "Suitable slot" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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