See the complete list of France’s 33 Palace hotels for 2026, including six newly designated luxury properties and the hotels that lost their status.
In France, luxury does not end at five stars.
Above the country’s highest hotel classification sits the coveted Palace distinction, an elite designation awarded by the French Ministry of Tourism to a select group of properties considered to embody the pinnacle of French hospitality. More than simply luxurious hotels, these are addresses where exceptional service, architecture, design, gastronomy and cultural character combine to create destinations of global significance.
Introduced in 2010, the Palace label was established to formally recognise a handful of extraordinary hotels that had long helped define France’s reputation as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations, yet had no official category beyond the traditional five-star rating.
Following the latest assessment by the Palace Commission—the body charged with awarding and renewing the distinction—six new properties across Paris, Champagne, Cannes and Megève have been admitted into this rarefied collection.
Among the most notable newcomers is the Three-MICHELIN-Key Cheval Blanc Paris, home to the one-MICHELIN-starred Le Tout Paris and the three-MICHELIN-starred Plénitude. The property now joins the highest echelon of French hospitality.
In the capital, Bvlgari Hotel Paris (Two MICHELIN Keys), Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris and Cheval Blanc Paris (Three MICHELIN Keys) have all secured Palace status. Beyond Paris, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa (Three MICHELIN Keys) in Champagne, Hôtel Martinez in Cannes and Four Seasons Hotel Megève (Three MICHELIN Keys) have also joined the country’s most exclusive hotel club.
The review has also resulted in departures. Mandarin Oriental Paris, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hôtel du Palais (Two MICHELIN Keys) in Biarritz and Byblos Saint-Tropez have lost their Palace designation. Officials reportedly determined that these properties no longer fulfilled the required standard of excellence, citing unspecified shortcomings within the evaluation process. It is the first time since the Palace distinction was created that hotels have formally been removed from the list.
The addition of the Three-MICHELIN-Key Four Seasons Hotel Megève further strengthens the presence of the French Alps within the Palace collection.
Yet the latest changes suggest something more nuanced than a simple reshuffle. Rather than reducing the exclusivity of the group, the review reflects an evolving definition of what France now considers the highest expression of hospitality excellence.
Today, the Palace collection encompasses some of the country’s most celebrated addresses. From Parisian grande dames such as Le Bristol Paris (Three MICHELIN Keys), Hôtel de Crillon (Two MICHELIN Keys) and Le Meurice (Three MICHELIN Keys), to Riviera legends including Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (Three MICHELIN Keys), the list spans many of France’s most iconic hotels, alongside renowned Alpine retreats and Mediterranean landmarks.
With the latest additions, France is now home to 33 Palace hotels. Approximately one-third are located in Paris, reinforcing the capital’s enduring dominance within the country’s luxury hospitality landscape. Hotels affected by the latest review continue to retain their five-star classification and remain firmly among France’s leading luxury properties.
The 33 Palace Hotels of France in 2026
Paris — 13 Palace Hotels
- Bvlgari Hotel Paris — New for 2026 (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Cheval Blanc Paris — New for 2026 (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris — New for 2026 (MICHELIN-selected)
- Four Seasons Hotel George V (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Le Bristol Paris (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Paris (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Shangri-La Paris (One MICHELIN Key)
- The Peninsula Paris (Two MICHELIN Keys)
Alps — 7 Palace Hotels
- Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles — Courchevel
- Cheval Blanc Courchevel — Courchevel (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Fouquet’s Courchevel — Courchevel (MICHELIN-selected)
- Four Seasons Resort Megève — New for 2026 (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Hôtel Royal — Évian-les-Bains (One MICHELIN Key)
- L’Apogée Courchevel — Courchevel (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- K2 Palace — Courchevel (Three MICHELIN Keys)
South of France — 9 Palace Hotels
- Airelles Gordes, La Bastide — Gordes (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière — Saint-Tropez (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Château Saint-Martin & Spa — Vence (One MICHELIN Key)
- Cheval Blanc St-Tropez — Saint-Tropez (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel — Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc — Antibes (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Hôtel Martinez Cannes — New for 2026 (MICHELIN-selected)
- La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas — Ramatuelle (Three MICHELIN Keys)
- Villa La Coste — Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade (Three MICHELIN Keys)
Southwest — 2 Palace Hotels
- Les Prés d’Eugénie — Eugénie-les-Bains (Two MICHELIN Keys)
- Les Sources de Caudalie — Martillac (Three MICHELIN Keys)
Eastern France — 1 Palace Hotel
- Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa — Champillon — New for 2026 (Three MICHELIN Keys)
Overseas — 1 Palace Hotel
- Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France — St. Barth Isle de France (Two MICHELIN Keys)
Following the latest review, France’s Palace collection now stands at 33 hotels, including six newly designated properties.
What Is a Palace Hotel in France?
The Palace distinction represents the highest level of recognition available to a hotel in France. Awarded by the French Ministry of Tourism, it is reserved for exceptional five-star properties that exemplify French excellence through service, design, gastronomy, heritage and cultural significance.
Unlike a conventional hotel rating, Palace status is a government-regulated distinction established in 2010 to identify properties that embody the French art de vivre at its highest level. Successful hotels receive the designation for a period of three years following a rigorous evaluation process.
Why Was the Palace Distinction Created?
The designation was introduced to recognise a select group of hotels deeply woven into France’s cultural history and international reputation. Many of these properties had long played an important role in establishing France as one of the world’s premier luxury destinations, yet lacked a formal classification above five stars.
The programme was created to preserve and promote a distinctly French vision of hospitality excellence while strengthening the country’s cultural and economic influence through tourism.
How Do Hotels Become Palace Hotels?
To be considered, a hotel must first hold a five-star classification and satisfy stringent eligibility criteria established by Atout France, the country’s national tourism development agency. Requirements include minimum room dimensions, concierge services, multilingual staff, valet parking, wellness facilities, fitness centres and extensive dining options.
Qualifying hotels are then evaluated by the Palace Commission, a panel appointed by the Minister for Tourism and composed of specialists from hospitality, architecture, gastronomy, media and related fields.
Assessment criteria include location, architecture, heritage value, quality of service, culinary offerings, sustainability initiatives, digital innovation and the overall character of the property. Hotels are also inspected in person before recommendations are made.
The final distinction is awarded by ministerial decision and remains valid for three years.
How Many Palace Hotels Are There in France?
Following the latest review, France has 33 Palace-designated hotels. Approximately one-third are located in Paris.
Can a Palace Hotel Lose Its Status?
Yes. Unlike a five-star classification, Palace status is not permanent. Properties are reassessed on a regular basis and must continue to meet evolving standards of excellence in order to retain the distinction.
