Luxury properties in France are a dime a dozen. Even Versailles has its own five-star hotel. But not all French upscale hotels are created equal, and if you only want the crème de la crème, we’ve got you covered. Since 2010, Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency, curates a list of the best five-star hotels (AKA palaces) in the country. So far, the distinction Palace de France has been awarded to 31 French properties. We have selected the seven best so you can take an opulent grand tour of La Belle France.
Le Bristol Paris, Eighth Arrondissement, Paris
Paris has a total of 12 establishments with the distinction Palace de France, and all of them are exceptional. That said, Le Bristol is extra special – and not only because it has a cat mascot wandering the corridors. The property’s courtyard garden is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of ever-busier-and-louder Paris. Le Bristol is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year so it’s the perfect time to indulge in a swim in their picturesque indoor rooftop pool, or in a Michelin-starred meal at L’Epicure or Faubourg 114. Make sure to request a room or suite with views on the Eiffel Tower.
Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux-Martillac, Southwest France
You may recognize the name Caudalie from the skincare section of your favorite store. The brand, whose products are made from grapevine derivatives, started at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, where Les Sources de Caudalie stands. Of course, that means that there is a Caudalie spa on site and that its treatment menu includes Merlot wraps, crushed Cabernet scrubs, and Vinotherapist massages. But there’s more to the palace than wellness. The location, 20 minutes from the center of Bordeaux, is one of its undeniable assets. The stunning 62 rooms and suites spread over six houses are another.
The food and drink venues meet every expectation from such a property. The on-site La Grand’Vigne is a two-Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant that you can’t pass on. Rouge, the wine bar, is a laid-back venue where you can try all regional wines your heart desires – this time, without having to soak in them (at least literally).
Les Prés d’Eugénie, Eugénie-les-Bains, Southwest France
Yes, Les Près d’Eugénie features impeccable traditional French decor in every single one of its 45 rooms and suites. And yes, there are three restaurants, including a three-Michelin-starred venue where the food will make you weak in the knees. And again, yes, there is a magnificent spa that makes good use of the local hot springs. Despite all that, it’s the 17 acres of land on which the property is located, with its gardens of roses, water features, vineyard, and century-old forest, that will win you over. If you’re looking for a peaceful setting where to experience the French countryside with a side of caviar, this is the place you need to retreat to.
Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, Biarritz, Southwest France
The Hyatt brand might not conjure up images of swanky hotels, but that’s because you’ve never been to Hôtel du Palais Biarritz. The oceanfront property, from the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is undeniably a palace. A quick look at the exterior of the 1854 building is enough to leave anyone gawking – even the ones among us who are used to lavish displays of luxury. Inside, it’s just as impressive, with 142 rooms and suites decorated with tasteful French antiques and calming, neutral colors. There are several dining venues on site but nothing beats La Rotonde. The panoramic views of the restaurant will almost leave you indifferent to the gastronomic French cuisine on offer. Almost.
K2 Palace Courchevel, Courchevel, French Alps
A skiing vacation is exhilarating, but it’s also exhausting. And if you don’t have the perfect place to rest at the end of a day filled with Black-Diamond runs, your outdoorsy trip can easily turn into a miserable time.
To make sure this does not happen, book yourself at K2 Palace, one of the ritziest hotels in all of Courchevel. While there are 29 gorgeous rooms and suites on offer, go for one of the 10 chalets. The opulent wooden homes feature a mix of traditional alpine decor and modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable and atmospheric as possible. It helps that the balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows open onto jagged mountain peaks and forests. The Goji Spa, and the multitude of restaurants on site (including the two-Michelin-starred Sarkara) complete an already-perfect picture.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Vence, Provence
We’re not trying to be controversial, but it has to be said: there’s more to the south of France than the Mediterranean coast. Just a little further inland, you’ll find luxurious properties that are very much worth your attention.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is one such property. While only 15 minutes away from the beach, its location in the town of Vence, make for a great place to pause. The Provence palace consists of only 51 rooms and suites, as well as six independent villas. The spa and the grounds (packed with olive trees, cypresses, and lavender, of course) allow guests to relax, but it’s the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Saint-Martin that will charm you best.
Château de la Messardière, Saint-Tropez, South of France
We maintain that the Mediterranean coast isn’t the only part of the south of France worth visiting. That said, if you do go to the Côte d’Azur, you can’t pass on a little stay in Saint-Tropez.
The most glamorous of all of the towns on the French Med is home to four Palaces de France, including the Château de la Messardière. The property is owned by Airelles, the hospitality brand behind Le Grand Contrôle, Versailles’ five-star hotel. That’s how you know you’re in for a royal treat. Château de la Messardière is a 19th-century edifice located on 32 acres of land, and home to 86 Provence-inspired rooms and suites. The hotel has its own private beach club, Jardin Tropezina. And if that wasn’t enough, the property also has a tennis/padel court, an outdoor gym, a yoga studio, and many swimming pools.
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FAQs
Q: How many Palaces de France are there?
A: There are 31 hotels currently designated as Palaces de France.
Q: How many Palaces de France are there in Paris?
A: There are 12 Palaces de France in Paris.
Q: Who used to live at Hôtel du Palais Biarritz?
A: The 1854 building now known as Hôtel du Palais Biarritz used to be one of the residences of Napoléon III and and Empress Eugénie.
