France is a country that fastidiously applies rigorous nomenclature to everything from cheese to wine. (You know the rule: if it’s not made in Champagne, it’s not Champagne.) So, of course, a nation famed for its exacting culture and being the most visited in the world – clocking 102 million international tourists in 2025 – has a very specific appellation system for its luxury hotels.
On 2 June 2026, France’s Ministry of Tourism expanded its list of hotels and resorts with the highly coveted “Palace” distinction for the first time since 2022. The designation recognises a level of hospitality that, in the Ministry’s view, exceeds even that of a traditional five-star property. There are six newly minted Palace hotels in metropolitan France: Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, and Fouquet’s Paris in the capital; Four Seasons Megève in the French Alps; Hôtel Martinez – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in the South of France; and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in – where else? – Champagne.
Additionally, Palace status was renewed for 27 other hotels who reapplied for it, a coterie of urban grandes dames, rural retreats, beachfront pads, and sumptuous alpine lodges that include iconic names like Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel; Le Meurice; and Airelles Gordes, La Bastide (all three of which have just received CNT Triple Crown status, our newest – and most prestigious – award yet).
The exact criteria for what makes a Palace hotel are well guarded, but applicants are evaluated on their location, design and appearance, cultural heritage, spa and restaurant venues, and level of service, among other considerations. The distinction is not permanent and must be retained through a reapplication process every three years. In 2026, the total number of Palace hotels in France now stands at 33, the largest the list has ever been.
All the properties – the new initiates and those who re-pledged, so to speak – were honoured at an event at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris on 2 June. Following the announcement of the six new Palaces, representatives from the hotels and members of the media were invited to an event resembling a high school science fair for luxury tourism: Select Palaces manned booths and stations demonstrating their hotels’ offerings. Le Meurice handed out desserts by celebrity pastry chef Cedric Grollet. Hôtel de Crillon served cocktails – and non-alcoholic versions – from its popular Bar Les Ambassadeurs. Shangri-la Paris had a spa therapist on hand for five-minute face massages. Les Sources de Caudalie (another CNT Triple Crown winner) poured Bordeaux wine from its estate’s vineyards. Southwestern countryside hotel Les Prés d’Eugénie brought jars of honey as well as the bees that made them.
