Every French Palace Hotel To Know In 2026: From Paris Icons To Côte d’Azur Legends

France has unveiled its official 2026 collection of Palace hotels, confirming 33 of the country’s most exceptional addresses across Paris, the Alps, the Côte d’Azur, the South-West, Champagne and Saint-Barthélemy.

Announced by Atout France on 2 June 2026, the prestigious list recognises the hotels that sit at the very top of French hospitality. More than a five-star rating, the Palace distinction is reserved for properties that embody the highest levels of service, heritage, gastronomy, setting and French art de vivre.

For 2026, 27 hotels have had their Palace distinction renewed, while six new properties have joined the exclusive circle for the first time. The new additions are Bvlgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Fouquet’s Paris, Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hôtel Martinez Cannes and Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa.

From grand Parisian landmarks and snow-dusted Alpine retreats to Riviera icons and vineyard hideaways, the 2026 Palace list offers a definitive guide to the most extraordinary places to stay in France.

What Is A Palace Hotel In France?

The Palace distinction was created in 2010 to showcase the very best of French hospitality. Awarded only to outstanding five-star hotels, it recognises properties that go beyond traditional luxury through exceptional location, historical or architectural significance, aesthetic value, service, amenities and overall guest experience.

The title is officially recognised and regulated by the French State, and is awarded for a period of three years following a rigorous assessment process. This includes an initial review by Atout France, site inspections and a hearing before a commission made up of leading figures from the hospitality and luxury sectors.

In simple terms, a Palace hotel is not just somewhere luxurious to sleep. It is a destination in its own right, a place where architecture, culture, gastronomy, service and atmosphere come together to create something unmistakably French.

The Six New French Palace Hotels For 2026

For 2026, six hotels have been awarded the Palace distinction for the first time.

In Paris, Bvlgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris and Fouquet’s Paris have joined the capital’s already glittering Palace collection. In the Alps, Four Seasons Resort Megève has been recognised, bringing another exceptional mountain retreat into the fold. On the Côte d’Azur, Hôtel Martinez Cannes has received the Palace distinction, while Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa brings the title to the Champagne region.

Together, these additions reflect the breadth of modern French luxury, from fashion-led city hotels and grand Riviera addresses to vineyard wellness retreats and Alpine escapes.

Paris Palace Hotels

Bvlgari Hotel Paris

A new addition to the Palace list for 2026, Bvlgari Hotel Paris brings the glamour of an Italian jewellery house to one of the most prestigious addresses in the French capital. Located on Avenue George V, the hotel sits within Paris’s golden triangle, close to the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne and the Seine.

The atmosphere is sleek, polished and deeply contemporary, combining Parisian elegance with Bvlgari’s unmistakable sense of design. It is a hotel for travellers who want the refinement of a Palace property, but with a sharper, more modern edge.

Cheval Blanc Paris

Cheval Blanc Paris is another new Palace addition for 2026, and one of the most significant luxury hotel openings in the capital in recent years. Set within the restored La Samaritaine building overlooking the Seine, it offers a highly curated vision of Parisian luxury.

The hotel feels intimate despite its grandeur, with exceptional views, refined interiors and the kind of service that has become synonymous with the Cheval Blanc name. It is elegant, fashion-conscious and unmistakably Parisian, appealing to guests who want heritage and modernity in equal measure.

Fouquet’s Paris

Fouquet’s Paris joins the Palace list for 2026, cementing its place among the capital’s most iconic hotels. Set on the Champs-Élysées, the property is deeply tied to French cinema, celebrity and old-world Parisian glamour.

Its famous brasserie has long been part of the city’s cultural fabric, while the hotel itself offers a refined base in one of Paris’s most recognisable neighbourhoods. For travellers looking for classic Paris with a sense of occasion, Fouquet’s remains a name with serious cachet.

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Four Seasons Hotel George V is one of Paris’s most celebrated Palace hotels, known for its opulent interiors, grand floral displays and extraordinary attention to detail.

Located just off the Champs-Élysées, it has long been a favourite among international luxury travellers. Its sense of theatre is part of its charm, from the marble lobby and sweeping staircases to its refined suites and celebrated dining. This is Parisian luxury at its most polished.

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

Overlooking Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon is one of the most historic hotels in Paris. Its story is woven into the fabric of the city, with an 18th-century façade, grand salons and a sense of heritage that few hotels can rival.

Following an extensive restoration, the hotel balances its historic grandeur with the understated elegance of Rosewood hospitality. It is one of the great Parisian addresses for travellers who value history, discretion and craftsmanship.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection

With its red awnings, elegant façade and Avenue Montaigne address, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most recognisable hotels in the world. It is closely associated with Parisian fashion, sitting at the heart of the city’s haute couture district.

The hotel captures a very specific kind of Paris fantasy: romantic, glamorous and exquisitely dressed. From Eiffel Tower views to its grand dining spaces, Plaza Athénée remains one of the capital’s defining Palace hotels.

La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa

La Réserve Paris offers a quieter, more residential expression of Palace luxury. Close to the Champs-Élysées but set away from the bustle, it feels more like a private mansion than a traditional grand hotel.

The atmosphere is intimate, elegant and deeply discreet, with richly layered interiors and a strong emphasis on personalised service. For those who prefer understated luxury over spectacle, La Réserve is one of Paris’s most refined addresses.

Le Bristol Paris

Le Bristol Paris is a timeless icon of Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Known for its classic elegance, beautiful courtyard garden and exceptional gastronomy, it has long been one of the most beloved hotels in the city.

There is a warmth to Le Bristol that sets it apart. It offers grandeur without feeling cold, tradition without feeling dated, and service that feels deeply personal. It is a Palace hotel that continues to define Parisian hospitality.

Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection

Facing the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice is one of Paris’s most storied hotels. Long associated with artists, writers and cultural figures, it brings together historic grandeur, creative heritage and Dorchester Collection polish.

Its interiors are lavish and theatrical, but the hotel also has a playful, artistic spirit. For travellers who want to stay somewhere with a sense of history and imagination, Le Meurice remains one of the capital’s most distinctive Palace properties.

Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris

A Left Bank landmark, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris brings together Saint-Germain sophistication, Art Deco heritage and contemporary luxury. It has long been one of the most important hotels on the Rive Gauche, appealing to guests who want a more literary, artistic side of Paris.

Its Palace status reflects not only its architectural significance, but also its position as one of the city’s great cultural hotels. It is glamorous, but in a quieter and more intellectual way than some of the Right Bank grande dames.

Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris

Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris offers a more contemporary, art-led interpretation of Palace luxury. Close to the Arc de Triomphe, it is known for its creative energy, design-conscious interiors and cultural programming.

Rather than leaning solely on old-world Parisian grandeur, Royal Monceau feels modern, expressive and international. It is a strong choice for travellers drawn to art, design and a less traditional version of Paris luxury.

Shangri-La Paris

Set in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Shangri-La Paris is one of the capital’s most spectacular Palace hotels. Its grand staircase, historic salons and Eiffel Tower views make it one of the most photogenic hotels in the city.

The property combines French imperial architecture with Shangri-La’s Asian hospitality heritage, creating a hotel that feels both palatial and serene. For many travellers, it offers one of the most romantic stays in Paris.

The Peninsula Paris

The Peninsula Paris sits close to the Arc de Triomphe and combines classic Parisian architecture with high-spec contemporary luxury. Its grand public spaces, rooftop views and polished service make it a favourite among international guests.

It is elegant without feeling overly formal, blending the grandeur expected of a Palace hotel with the comfort and technology associated with the Peninsula brand. For travellers who want Paris with a global luxury sensibility, it is one of the city’s strongest addresses.

Palace Hotels In The Alps

Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles

Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles is one of the most enchanting Palace hotels in the Alps. Inspired by Austro-Hungarian castles, it has a fairytale quality, with turrets, warm interiors and a sense of theatrical mountain romance.

Located in Courchevel, it offers direct access to one of the world’s most exclusive ski destinations. It is lavish, atmospheric and designed for travellers who want their Alpine escape to feel like stepping into a snow-covered storybook.

Cheval Blanc Courchevel

Cheval Blanc Courchevel brings the refinement of the Cheval Blanc brand to the slopes. With ski-in, ski-out access and an intimate, highly personalised atmosphere, it is one of the most exclusive winter hotels in France.

The mood is elegant and discreet, with a focus on service, gastronomy and privacy. For guests who want serious Alpine luxury without losing a sense of calm, Cheval Blanc Courchevel remains one of the ultimate ski addresses.

Fouquet’s Courchevel

Fouquet’s Courchevel brings Barrière’s French hospitality heritage to the mountains. It combines the glamour of the Fouquet’s name with the warmth and comfort expected from an Alpine retreat.

Set in Courchevel, the hotel is ideal for travellers who want ski access, sophisticated interiors and the feeling of a lively winter social scene. It is a Palace hotel with both mountain character and Parisian polish.

Four Seasons Resort Megève

Newly awarded Palace status for 2026, Four Seasons Resort Megève is one of the most elegant Alpine additions to the list. Set in one of France’s most beautiful mountain destinations, it offers a quieter alternative to the high-octane glamour of Courchevel.

The hotel blends Four Seasons service with the charm of Megève, a village long associated with refined winter travel. Expect mountain views, polished hospitality and an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and relaxed.

Hôtel Royal, Évian-Les-Bains

Hôtel Royal in Évian-Les-Bains offers a different kind of Alpine luxury. Set above Lake Geneva, it is less about ski glamour and more about wellness, landscape and Belle Époque grandeur.

The hotel’s position gives it extraordinary views across the water and towards the mountains, while its spa and resort setting make it ideal for restorative stays. It is one of the most graceful Palace hotels outside France’s major city and ski circuits.

L’Apogée Courchevel

Part of the Oetker Collection, L’Apogée Courchevel is a glamorous ski-in, ski-out retreat with an enviable position in Courchevel. It is intimate, elegant and designed for guests who want privacy and service at the highest level.

The hotel has a chic chalet spirit, balancing mountain warmth with refined design. For those seeking a polished winter escape in one of Europe’s most exclusive ski resorts, L’Apogée is a natural choice.

Le K2 Palace, Courchevel

Le K2 Palace is one of Courchevel’s most distinctive Palace hotels, with a design identity inspired by the Himalayas. Its architecture and interiors bring a sense of drama and individuality to the French Alps.

With chalet-style accommodation, sweeping mountain views and a strong wellness offering, it appeals to travellers who want their ski holiday to feel immersive and memorable. It is bold, atmospheric and unmistakably luxurious.

Palace Hotels On The Côte d’Azur And In South-East France

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

Set in one of Provence’s most beautiful hilltop villages, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide is a Palace hotel with a deeply romantic sense of place. Its stone terraces, valley views and village setting make it feel timeless.

This is not Riviera glamour in the traditional sense. Instead, it offers a softer, Provençal version of luxury, shaped by landscape, food, craft and slow living. It is one of the most atmospheric hotels in the South of France.

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière is one of the great addresses of the French Riviera. Set in a 19th-century château overlooking the Bay of Pampelonne, it combines Saint-Tropez glamour with the privacy of a grand estate.

The hotel feels cinematic, expansive and indulgent, with views, gardens and a sense of escape that make it one of the most desirable stays on the Côte d’Azur. It is Saint-Tropez at its most polished.

Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Vence

Château Saint-Martin & Spa is tucked into the hills above the Riviera, offering a quieter and more romantic alternative to the coast’s beachfront icons. The setting is peaceful, with views over the surrounding countryside and towards the Mediterranean.

The hotel has a graceful, almost retreat-like atmosphere, making it ideal for guests who want proximity to the Côte d’Azur without being in the centre of its summer energy. It is elegant, intimate and deeply restorative.

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez brings the understated refinement of the Cheval Blanc brand to the Mediterranean. Set directly by the sea, it offers a polished and intimate Riviera experience.

The hotel is elegant rather than ostentatious, with a focus on service, design and the rhythm of life by the water. For travellers who want Saint-Tropez with a quieter, more refined sensibility, it is one of the area’s most desirable addresses.

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is one of the most legendary hotels on the Côte d’Azur. Set on the exclusive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, it has long been associated with Riviera glamour, Mediterranean gardens and timeless elegance.

Now operated by Four Seasons, the hotel combines historic prestige with contemporary service. Its sea views, iconic pool club and sense of old-world glamour make it one of the definitive Palace hotels in the South of France.

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Few hotels in the world have the mythology of Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Set in Antibes, it has long been linked with Hollywood, the Cannes Film Festival and the golden age of Riviera travel.

The hotel is the definition of timeless glamour, with its cliffside setting, sea access and iconic swimming pool. For many travellers, it represents the ultimate expression of Côte d’Azur luxury.

Hôtel Martinez Cannes

Newly awarded Palace status for 2026, Hôtel Martinez Cannes is one of the most famous hotels on La Croisette. With its Art Deco heritage and deep connection to the Cannes Film Festival, it is one of the Riviera’s most recognisable addresses.

Its Palace distinction confirms its place among the elite of French hospitality. For travellers drawn to cinema, glamour and the energy of Cannes, Hôtel Martinez is one of the most exciting additions to the 2026 list.

La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas

La Réserve Ramatuelle offers a more secluded Riviera experience, set above the Mediterranean near Saint-Tropez. It is known for its privacy, contemporary design and strong wellness focus.

With rooms, suites and villas, the hotel appeals to travellers who want space, discretion and sea views without the intensity of the Riviera’s busiest addresses. It is refined, restorative and quietly luxurious.

Villa La Coste

Villa La Coste is one of the most distinctive Palace hotels in France. Set within a vineyard estate in Provence, it brings together wine, art, architecture and hospitality in a way that feels entirely its own.

The property is particularly appealing to travellers who want more than a hotel stay. With its creative spirit, contemporary architecture and Provençal landscape, Villa La Coste feels like a cultural destination as much as a luxury retreat.

Palace Hotels In South-West France

Les Prés d’Eugénie, Eugénie-les-Bains

Les Prés d’Eugénie is a romantic country retreat in the Landes region, known for its gardens, gastronomy and timeless charm. It offers a gentler, more pastoral expression of Palace hospitality.

Closely associated with French culinary heritage, the hotel is ideal for travellers who want rural elegance, exceptional food and a sense of being far from the pace of city life. It is intimate, graceful and full of character.

Les Sources de Caudalie, Martillac

Set among the vineyards of Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie is one of France’s most beloved countryside Palace hotels. It combines wine, wellness and relaxed luxury in a beautiful vineyard setting.

The hotel is known for its spa, wine-country atmosphere and easy elegance. For travellers who want to experience Bordeaux beyond the city, it offers a deeply French blend of gastronomy, terroir and slow luxury.

Palace Hotel In Eastern France

Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa

Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa is a new Palace addition for 2026, bringing the distinction to the Champagne region. Set in Champillon, the hotel overlooks the vineyards and offers a refined base for exploring one of France’s most celebrated wine destinations.

Its appeal lies in the combination of wine, wellness and landscape. With Champagne houses nearby and a strong spa offering on site, it is a natural choice for travellers seeking a luxurious countryside escape within reach of Paris.

Palace Hotel In The French Overseas Territories

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is the only Palace hotel on the 2026 list located in the French overseas territories. Set on Saint-Barthélemy, it brings French luxury to one of the Caribbean’s most glamorous islands.

Located on Flamands Beach, the hotel combines barefoot elegance with the polished service of the Cheval Blanc brand. It is relaxed, sun-drenched and deeply exclusive — a Palace hotel with a distinctly island rhythm.

Why France’s Palace Hotels Matter

The Palace distinction remains one of the most important markers of luxury hospitality in France. It is not simply about expensive suites or famous names, but about a hotel’s ability to embody a complete experience: exceptional service, cultural relevance, architectural beauty, gastronomy, heritage and a powerful sense of place.

For travellers, the 2026 list offers a curated guide to the very best of French hospitality. For the hotels themselves, the distinction places them within an elite international circle and reinforces their role as ambassadors of French excellence.

From Paris to Saint-Barthélemy, these 33 Palace hotels represent the many faces of French luxury: grand, discreet, historic, contemporary, coastal, Alpine, rural and sun-soaked. Together, they show why France remains one of the world’s most influential destinations for luxury travel.