What's a Palace? Six new establishments earn the distinction
The Palace distinction, awarded by Atout France, rewards more than just luxury. Six new addresses are joining this restricted circle... What are the criteria for obtaining this title?
The news came down on June 2, 2026: six establishments have officially joined the Palaces category. A rare, coveted distinction that intrigues as much as it impresses.
But what does it really mean to be a Palace? Contrary to popular belief, it's not simply a question of upgrading a 5-star hotel. In France, the Palace label is a recognition in its own right, awarded by the government via Atout France, to establishments that embody a form of global excellence.
Six new palaces, six visions of luxury
Created in 2010, the Palace distinction was designed to identify hotels capable of exceeding international luxury standards. A Palace must combine several dimensions rarely found in the same place:
- an exceptional location or setting
- a strong architectural identity
- an impeccable level of service
- and above all, the ability to create a memorable and unique experience.
From now on, newly opened establishments must have been in business for at least twenty-four months before they can even apply, as opposed to twelve months previously. Technical standards have also been raised, notably with regard to the size of rooms, which must all be at least 26 m², including sanitary facilities. This ensures that the Palace experience is based as much on the time and maturity of the homes as on the intrinsic quality of the spaces and services.
The strict evaluation process involves an in-depth dossier, site visits and a hearing before an independent commission of luxury and hotel industry professionals. The distinction is awarded for a period of three years, and is regularly reassessed.
This year, the Palace distinction expands its very closed circle, welcoming six new establishments. in Paris, the Bulgari Hôtel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris andHôtel Barrière Fouquet's Paris join this elite group. In the regions, the movement continues between mountains, sea and vineyards, with the Four Seasons Resort Megève in the Alps, theHôtel Martinez in Cannes on the Côte d'Azur, and the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in Champagne.
With these new additions, France now boasts 33 Palaces, spread between Paris, the South-East, the Alps, the South-West, the East and the Caribbean, confirming the country's singular role in the world of top-class hotels.
