Bucket List Travel: The 24 Palaces of France

Did you know that France is home to a hotel category so prestigious it merits its very own distinction? Above and beyond the five-star hotel, the “palace” is an exceptional property recognised for its architectural heritage, service, design, gastronomy, and unrivalled geographic location. What the palaces embody is a certain French “art de vivre” that is renowned around the world.

Atout France, the French Agency for Tourism Development, launched the “palace” label in November 2010 to distinguish these magnificent hotels. The label lasts for a period of five years, when it can then be renewed. Today there are 24 palaces in France.

Recently Atout France decided to assemble all the talents behind the Palaces de France on the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris for a portrait– delivering a welcoming message to their international guests. These men and women– including many Michelin-starred chefs– are experts in their respective fields.

The full list of palaces is below. Enjoy!

Paris
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
La Réserve Paris
Le Bristol Paris
Le Meurice
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris
Shangri-La Hôtel
Le Peninsula Paris

Alpes Mont-Blanc
Cheval Blanc Courchevel Hôtel
Le K2 Palace, Courchevel Hôtel
Les Airelles, Courchevel
Le Royal Evian

Côte-d’Azur
Byblos Saint-Tropez
Château de la Messardière, Saint-Tropez
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
La Bastide de Gordes
La Réserve Ramatuelle Hôtel Spa et Villas

South West
Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz
Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux
Les Près d’Eugénie, Eugénie les bains

Overseas
Cheval Blanc Saint –Barth Isle de France