Map: Where are France’s 33 exceptional hotels?

An exclusive list of 33 ‘exceptional’ hotels across France has been published by the country’s tourism ministry under the ‘Palaces de France’ scheme. 

The list from Atout France highlights “establishments embodying the excellence of French hospitality expertise [offered by the] flagship hotels, recognised for the unique experiences they offer their guests.” 

This year, six new establishments were awarded the title, with the 27 hotels already in receipt of an award all seeing it renewed.

The hotels are spread throughout the country, with 13 being located in Paris including The Bristol.

There are seven in the Alps, including new recipient Four Seasons Megève, and nine in the south-east/French Riviera. 

One hotel, the Cheval Blanc St-Barth, is located in the Caribbean, with all others in mainland France. 

You can see the name and location of all 33 in the map below.

Tourism boost

First created in 2010, the Palaces de France award is only available to five-star hotels located in the country and aims to promote these luxury destinations as must-stay attractions in their own right.

It is available to hotels with “exceptional geographical location, historical, aesthetic and/or heritage value, service and outstanding amenities [that] place them among the jewels of French hospitality,” said Atout France in a press statement following the 2026 awards.

“The palace distinction is an official category, recognised and regulated by the state, based on specific, very demanding criteria, and is fully aligned with a proactive national tourism policy of excellence," it added. 

After being shortlisted, hotels face several rounds of examinations from industry experts appointed by the tourism ministry. 

Newly-dubbed ‘palaces’ keep the award for three years, before they must be re-examined.

“If France is an essential tourist destination for all visitors, it is also thanks to French hotel excellence. This is what the palace distinction recognises” said Tourism Minister Serge Papin.

“We can be proud to see our country shine with its expertise. Behind all these prestigious establishments, there are teams that do a remarkably demanding job and whose attention to detail is truly extraordinary.” 

While the aim of the award is to promote tourism to France, there is little reason for officials to worry about a drop in desirability as a travel destination. 

The country was again recently crowned the most-visited country in the world, welcoming more than 100 million international tourists in 2025.

Have you stayed in one of these 33 hotels? If so, what was your experience like? Let us know via feedback@connexionfrance.com