This prestigious distinction, above five star, was re-awarded for the first time in seven years. Recognised for the unique experiences they offer their guests, these flagship establishments of French hospitality now total 33, including six new additions for 2026.
In 2025, Atout France convened the members of the Palace commission on several occasions to review the applications from establishments seeking renewal of their Palace distinction, valid for three years.
Earlier this year, the Commission also examined applications from new hotels that never previously obtained the distinction.
Following the various review sessions, and upon recommendation of the Commission, Serge Papin, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Commerce, Craft Industries, Tourism and Consumer Affairs, officially awarded the Palace distinction.
As a result, 27 establishments have had their Palace distinction renewed, whilst six new establishments have joined the very exclusive circle of France’s Palace hotels for the first time. France now has 33 establishments officially designated as ‘Palaces’:
PARIS
Bvlgari Hotel Paris (new for 2026)
Cheval Blanc Paris (new for 2026)
Fouquet’s Paris (new for 2026)
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris
La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa
Le Bristol Paris
Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Paris
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris
Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Shangri-La Paris
The Peninsula Paris
ALPS
Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles– Courchevel
Cheval Blanc Courchevel– Courchevel
Fouquet’s Courchevel– Courchevel
Four Seasons Resort Megève– Megève (new for 2026)
Hôtel Royal– Évian-Les-Bains
L’Apogée Courchevel– Courchevel
Le K2 Palace– Courchevel
CÔTE D’AZUR – SOUTH-EAST
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide– Gordes
Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière– Saint-Tropez
Château Saint-Martin & Spa– Vence
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez– Saint-Tropez
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel– Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc– Antibes
Hôtel Martinez Cannes – Cannes (new for 2026)
La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas– Ramatuelle
Villa La Coste– Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
SOUTH-WEST
Les Prés d’Eugénie– Eugénie-Les-Bains
Les Sources de Caudalie– Martillac
EAST
Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa – Champillon (new for 2026)
FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France – Saint-Barthélemy
The Palace distinction was created in 2010 to showcase France’s most exceptional hotels, a hallmark of the country’s unique hospitality offering. It recognises, among five-star establishments, those whose outstanding location, historical, aesthetic and/or heritage value, as well as their excellence in service and amenities, place them among the finest properties in French hospitality.
The Palace distinction is an official category, recognised and regulated by the French State. Based on highly demanding and specific criteria, it forms an integral part of France’s proactive policy to promote excellence in tourism. The distinction is awarded for a period of three years following a rigorous assessment process: an initial review conducted by Atout France, followed by an evaluation phase—including site inspections and a hearing before a commission composed of leading figures from the hospitality and luxury sectors, appointed by the Minister responsible for Tourism.
The Palace distinction also provides an opportunity to promote these exceptional properties on the international stage, contributing to the global appeal and prestige of Destination France.
By Andrea Thompson
