- In France, all Palaces are 5-star hotels, but the reverse is not true.
- The 5-star rating is an official state classification (Atout France) based on measurable criteria; the Palace title is a much rarer distinction of excellence, awarded by a jury.
- In 2026, France has 33 Palaces, including 13 in Paris.
- The Palace title recognizes exceptional character: history, location, service, and iconic dimension, beyond the star rating system.
Palace or 5-star: the difference in one sentence
A 5-star hotel has achieved the maximum level of the official hotel classification, while a Palace is an exceptional 5-star hotel that has also received the « Palace » distinction awarded by Atout France. In other words, the Palace begins where the star rating system ends: it rewards what cannot be measured solely in terms of facilities, but in history, soul, and service.
The 5-star rating: a state benchmark
Hotel stars are awarded by Atout France, the state’s tourism development agency. The classification is based on a grid of several hundred criteria (room size, facilities, services, languages spoken, accessibility, environmental approach). It ranges from 1 to 5 stars, is valid for 5 years, and is subject to an inspection visit. The fifth star corresponds to the highest level of comfort, but remains an « open » category: France has several hundred 5-star hotels.
The Palace distinction: the elite above the stars
Created in 2010, the Palace distinction was designed to identify the very rare establishments that transcend the fifth star. It is awarded by an independent jury and is valid for only 3 years (renewable). The jury judges largely intangible criteria: the history and reputation of the establishment, its exceptional location, the quality and personalization of service, its iconic dimension, and its international influence. It is a recognition, not a simple checkbox.
How does a hotel become a Palace?
To claim the Palace title, a hotel must first be classified as 5-star, then submit its application to Atout France. A jury examines the application and the experience offered, then awards (or not) the distinction for three years. The title is never permanently acquired: a Palace can lose it if it does not maintain its level, which makes it a particularly demanding label.
How many Palaces are there in France in 2026?
In 2026, France has 33 Palaces, including 13 in Paris alone. The 2026 collection welcomed six new establishments: Bvlgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Fouquet’s Paris, Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa. Paris confirms its dominance, ahead of the French Riviera, the Alps, and a few regional gems.
5-star or Palace: the summary table
| Criterion | 5-star Hotel | Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Who awards it | Atout France (classification) | Atout France (distinction, by jury) |
| Basis of judgment | Grid of measurable criteria | Excellence, history, service, location |
| Duration | 5 years | 3 years |
| Rarity | Several hundred in France | 33 in 2026 |
| Prerequisite | Hotel classification | Already be 5-star |
And internationally, what does « 5 stars » mean?
There is no unified global hotel classification: the « fifth star » does not cover the same reality from one country to another. Some destinations add mentions like « 5-star Luxury » or « Deluxe », while others rely on private labels such as The Leading Hotels of the World. The Palace distinction, however, remains a French specificity, making it one of the most reliable benchmarks for luxury hotels in France.
Read also: in Paris, the most beautiful charming boutique hotels sometimes rival Palaces in refinement, for a lower budget.
Read also: our selection of the most beautiful 5-star hotels in France.
