6 new hotels in the very exclusive circle of Palaces
In France, luxury isn't limited to a five-star hotel. Some establishments achieve such a level of excellence that they earn the prestigious Palace distinction. In 2026, six new hotels have joined this very exclusive circle, bringing the number of Palace hotels in France to 33. This recognition is a testament to French expertise and attracts an international clientele every year. For companies, these exceptional places also represent an original idea for organizing a Team Building or a professional seminar in an extraordinary setting. In the capital, three establishments have earned the distinction and joined the crown jewels of Parisian hospitality.
The "Palace" distinction is a French-specific designation created in 2010 to recognize the country's most prestigious hotels. It is Atout France, the French tourism development agency, which awards this distinction.
Before obtaining it, an establishment must belong to the 5-star category. Then, a commission composed of experts in tourism, culture, hospitality, and luxury examines each application.
The selection criteria are very demanding. They assess, in particular, the quality of service, architecture, history, location, and gastronomy. Furthermore, the establishment must contribute to France's influence on visitors from around the world.
Today, six new hotels have joined this exceptional category. Thus, France now has 33 Palaces. It thus confirms its status as a world reference in luxury hotels.
In Paris, the Golden Triangle, located between Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and the Champs-Élysées, boasts the largest number of Palaces. This iconic district is home to world-renowned hotels. Consequently, heads of state, celebrities, and travelers from all over the world stay here year-round.
Furthermore, this high concentration of prestigious establishments enhances the capital's tourist appeal. Visitors come to discover French luxury. They also take advantage of the monuments, luxury boutiques, and exceptional restaurants located just a stone's throw away.
Finally, the Golden Triangle represents Parisian elegance. It showcases French hospitality and contributes to Paris's attractiveness to foreign tourists.
Organize a Team Building in Paris and staying one or more nights in a Parisian Palace transforms a simple corporate day into a unique experience. Employees enjoy a prestigious setting, exceptional service, and spaces perfectly suited for professional events.
In addition to meetings, teams can participate in collaborative workshops, galas, or original activities. This makes every moment more immersive. Furthermore, this environment fosters exchanges, strengthens cohesion, and values each employee.
To enrich this experience, add customized activities like an urban rally, collaborative challenges, immersive workshops, a relaxation activity like The Blind Test, a playful discovery Parisian covered passages… This combination makes it possible to combine the excellence of a Palace hotel with a Original Team Building, unifying and unforgettable. Another neighborhood that appeals to foreigners, the Marais in Paris.
Once the Palace is selected for your teams, you can consider a specific Team Building activity to discover a district of the capital. With international teams, favor a custom outdoor activity in the Montmartre district in Paris.
A Palace is a 5-star hotel that receives a distinction of excellence awarded by Atout France. This recognition rewards establishments offering an exceptional level of service, comfort, and prestige.
France today has 33 Palaces. This label is exclusively French and distinguishes the country's most prestigious hotels.
Hotels must meet four cumulative conditions to be eligible for the Palace distinction, namely: a period of operation of more than 24 months (12 months in the event of total renovation); to be classified as 5-star; to have rooms with a surface area of more than 26m², to respect the reinforced criteria grid (minimum percentage of suites, valet service, SPA). Hotels will then demonstrate their exceptional character through 12 assessment criteria, defined by decrees. We find criteria such as the legend, history, and personality of the establishment. Or the excellence of the catering and bar. The exceptional architecture of the building: it can be contemporary and not be penalized on this criterion.
Paris has the largest number of Palaces, particularly in the Golden Triangle, between the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V.
A Palace offers a prestigious setting that fosters exchange, values employees, and transforms a professional event into a high-end experience.
You can organize an urban rally, collaborative challenges, an immersive workshop, a blind test, or a tailor-made activity to strengthen team cohesion in an exceptional setting.
The "Palace" distinction for a hotel is valid for 3 years. Hotels awarded the Palace distinction must therefore apply to the Palace commission to renew their distinction.
The Palace Mandarin Oriental Lutetia in Paris is the only Palace hotel located on the Left Bank in Paris. The other twelve Parisian palaces are all located on the Right Bank in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is located on the Left Bank in Paris.
