Palaces of France 2026: the list of 33 hotels (6 new, 4 demoted)

It is the most coveted accolade in French hospitality. On June 2, 2026, Atout France unveiled the new list of Palaces, that exceptional distinction that sits above five stars. There are now 33, with six new entries and four significant departures, including the legendary Byblos in Saint-Tropez. Here is the new map of French hotel luxury.

Six new Palaces in 2026

The 2026 vintage sees six addresses enter the circle. Two Parisian LVMH establishments are honoured, Cheval Blanc Paris and Bvlgari Hotel Paris, alongside Fouquet’s Paris. In the regions, Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa in Champillon have earned the distinction. Champagne thus enters the Palace circle for the first time.

Four hotels lose their distinction

The renewal also has its losers. Four establishments revert to five-star status: Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Mandarin Oriental Paris, Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, and, surprisingly, the legendary Byblos in Saint-Tropez. These departures are all the more commented on as these establishments are among the best-known in the country. The distinction is never guaranteed: awarded for three years, it is reassessed in cycles.

How does one become a Palace?

To be eligible for the title, a hotel must first be classified as five-star and be in continuous operation. An independent jury then conducts an inspection and a rigorous assessment, scrutinising the geographical location, historical and heritage value, excellence of service, personalisation of the stay, dining, well-being, and international renown. Atout France describes these establishments as “the flagships of French hospitality”.

The map of French hotel luxury in 2026

With 33 establishments, the geography of the label remains heavily centred on Paris: 13 Palaces in Paris, 9 in the South-East and on the French Riviera, 7 in the Alps, 2 in the South-West, 1 in the East, and 1 in the Caribbean, Cheval Blanc St-Barth. This map confirms the importance of the capital and major resorts, while also opening up to new territories like Champagne.

Our perspective

Beyond the rankings, this 2026 edition speaks volumes about the state of French hotel luxury. The double honouring of Cheval Blanc and Bvlgari confirms LVMH’s growing influence in the ultra-high-end hotel sector. Conversely, the demotion of iconic establishments like Byblos serves as a reminder that the distinction must be continuously earned. For travellers, the list of Palaces remains the most reliable guide in a sea of five-star hotels.