Atout France adds six new Palace hotels to its national collection | News
On June 2, Atout France was pleased to unveil the 2026 collection of France’s Palace hotels, an exclusive selection of properties that embody France’s outstanding expertise in hospitality. This prestigious award, above five stars, was awarded again for the first time in seven years. Recognized for the unique experiences they offer their guests, there are now a total of 33 of these flagship establishments of French hospitality, including six new additions for 2026.
In 2025, Atout France agreed several times that members of the Palace committee would review applications from institutions seeking renewal of their Palace award, which was valid for three years.
Earlier this year, the Commission also examined applications from new hotels that had never received the distinction before.
After the various evaluation sessions and on the recommendation of the Commission, Serge Papin, Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Consumer Affairs, officially awarded the Palace Award.
As a result, the Palace award of 27 establishments has been renewed, while six new establishments have joined the highly exclusive circle of French 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
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 – Lotteries Paris
Shangri-La Paris
The Paris Peninsula
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 – SOUTHEAST
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-season 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
The meadows of Eugénie – 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
—-
Serge Papin, Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Trade, Craft Industry, Tourism and Consumer Affairs, notes: “If France is a must-visit tourist destination for everyone, it is also thanks to the excellence of French hospitality, a fact recognized again this year by the Palace award. We can be proud that our country shines through its expertise. Behind all these prestigious establishments are teams who do incredibly demanding work and whose attention to detail is truly remarkable: against these women and I want to say to men: well done. You can be proud of yourself!”
KEY FACTS
The Palace award 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 hotels those whose excellent location, historical, aesthetic and/or heritage value, as well as their outstanding service and amenities, place them among the finest accommodations in French hospitality.
The Palace award is an official category, recognized and regulated by the French state. Based on very demanding and specific criteria, it is an integral part of France’s proactive policy to promote excellence in tourism. The award is granted for a period of three years following a rigorous assessment process: an initial assessment carried out by Atout France, followed by an evaluation phase, including on-site inspections and a hearing before a committee composed of leading figures from the hospitality and luxury sectors, appointed by the Minister responsible for Tourism.
The Palace award also provides the opportunity to promote these exceptional properties on the international stage, adding to Destination France’s global appeal and prestige.
