Atout France Adds Six New Palace Hotels to Its National Collection | News
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. Recognized 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 agreed 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
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
Hotel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris
La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa
The 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)
Royal Hotel – Evian-Les-Bains
L’Apogée Courchevel – Courchevel
The K2 Palace – Courchevel
FRENCH RIVIERA – SOUTH-EAST
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide – Gordes
Cranberries 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
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Antibes
Hotel Martinez Cannes – Cannes (new for 2026)
La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas – Ramatuelle
Villa La Coste – Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
SOUTH-WEST
Eugénie’s Meadows – Eugénie-Les-Bains
The Sources of Caudalie – Martillac
EAST
Royal Champagne Hotel & 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 recognized 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 recognizes, 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, recognized 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.
