On 2 June, Atout France was pleased to unveil the 2026 collection of France's Palace hotels, an exclusive selection of properties that embody the excellence of French expertise in hospitality. 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.

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France now has 33 establishments officially designated as 'Palaces':

PARIS

1. Bvlgari Hotel Paris (new for 2026)
2. Cheval Blanc Paris (new for 2026)
3. Fouquet's Paris (new for 2026)
4. Four Seasons Hotel George V
5. Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
6. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris
7. La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa
8. Le Bristol Paris
9. Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Paris
10. Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris
11. Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
12. Shangri-La Paris
13. The Peninsula Paris

ALPS

1. Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles– Courchevel
2. Cheval Blanc Courchevel– Courchevel
3. Fouquet's Courchevel– Courchevel
4. Four Seasons Resort Megève– Megève (new for 2026)
5. Hôtel Royal- Évian-Les-Bains
6. L'Apogée Courchevel– Courchevel
7. Le K2 Palace- Courchevel

CÔTE D'AZUR – SOUTH-EAST

1. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide– Gordes
2. Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière- Saint-Tropez
3. Château Saint-Martin & Spa– Vence
4. Cheval Blanc St-Tropez- Saint-Tropez
5. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
6. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc– Antibes
7. Hôtel Martinez Cannes - Cannes (new for 2026)
8. La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas– Ramatuelle
9. Villa La Coste- Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade

SOUTH-WEST

1. Les Prés d'Eugénie- Eugénie-Les-Bains
2. 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

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Serge Papin, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Commerce, Craft Industries, Tourism and Consumer Affairs, comments: “If France is a must-visit tourist destination for everyone, it is also thanks to the excellence of French hospitality, a fact once again recognised this year by the Palace distinction. We can take pride in seeing our country shine through its expertise. Behind all these prestigious establishments are teams that do incredibly demanding work and whose attention to detail is truly remarkable: to these women and men, I want to say well done. You can be proud of yourselves!”

KEY FACTS

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.

For more information, please consult our dedicated press kit.

Press contact: Laura SOLA – 06 58 52 69 91 - laura.sola@atout-france.fr