Palace Hotels France Unveils Exclusive Six New Properties 2026

Palace hotels France has expanded its exclusive collection for the first time since 2022. Six luxury properties across Paris, Champagne, Cannes and Megève received the country's highest hotel honour. Four long-standing members were removed from the list.

Understanding the Palace Hotels France Distinction

Created in 2010, the french palace distinction is the highest honour in French hospitality. It sits above the country's five-star classification. The French State awards it to properties representing the pinnacle of luxury and service.

Hotels are assessed by atout france palace hotels inspectors before site visits. They then appear before the palace commission france, an independent panel of hospitality experts appointed by the Minister for Tourism.

Exact criteria remain closely guarded. Hotels are believed to be judged on location, architecture, cultural value, restaurants, spa facilities and service standards. The title is not permanent. Hotels must reapply every three years. The latest awards run until 2029.

Four Palace Hotels France Properties Lose Status

Following the review, palace hotels france now number 33 nationwide. Six properties earned the designation for the first time. The 2026 announcement marks a turning point for the program.

For the first time since launch, four hotels lost their status. Officials said they no longer met required standards. The removed properties are Mandarin Oriental Paris, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz and Byblos Saint-Tropez.

Six New Luxury Hotels France 2026 Additions

The newest luxury hotels france 2026 additions span several regions. They reflect continued investment in top-tier hospitality nationwide. The six new properties are:

Bvlgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Hotel Fouquet's Paris, Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hôtel Martinez Cannes and Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa in Champillon.

Complete Palace Hotels France List for 2026

Paris: Bvlgari Hotel, Cheval Blanc, Hotel Fouquet's, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Hôtel de Crillon, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, La Réserve Paris, Le Bristol, Le Meurice, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Royal Monceau, Shangri-La and The Peninsula.

French Alps: Airelles Courchevel, Cheval Blanc Courchevel, Fouquet's Courchevel, Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hôtel Royal in Évian-Les-Bains, L'Apogée Courchevel and Le K2 Palace.

Southern France: Airelles Gordes, Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Hôtel Martinez Cannes, La Réserve Ramatuelle and Villa La Coste.

South-west France: Les Prés d'Eugénie and Les Sources de Caudalie. Eastern France: Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa. Overseas: Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France.

Why Palace Hotels France Status Matters

The palace hotels france distinction remains one of the most selective honours worldwide. With only 33 properties holding the title, it sets a benchmark few destinations can match.

For travelers, the label offers a shortcut through France's crowded five-star market. It signals hotels that passed one of hospitality's most rigorous evaluations.

For more coverage on France's top properties, visit our palace hotels France guide. Full classification details are available via the official Atout France tourism agency page.