Established by the French government, Palaces de France is a coveted title awarded to the country’s most prestigious and timeless properties, which transcend a traditional five-star rating.
Awarded only to a select number of exceptional hotels, whether your clients are headed to the city, beach, mountains or countryside, you’ll be able to find a Palaces de France property to make their stay exceptional.
Four Seasons Hotel George V and Le Royal Monceau – Raffles are among the listed hotels in Paris. On the coast, those with the distinction include Cheval Blanc in St Tropez and Hotel du Palais in Biarritz. In the countryside, Les Sources De Caudalie Martillac, amid the vineyards of Bordeaux, is among choices, while, for skiers, several Palaces de France options in Courchevel include ‘snow castle’ Les Airelles.
The rigorous assessment process to become a Palace de France starts with a selection led by Atout France, the French tourism development agency, and progresses to a commission with representatives from the arts, media, business and the upper echelons of hospitality.
A property’s location, design and heritage are considered, with only the very best making the cut. Gourmet restaurants, environmentally responsible policies and the savoir-faire of staff are also taken into account.
New showcase videos
The Peninsula Hotel Paris is a short walk away from the Arc de Triomphe.tif
Now, selling these extra special properties is becoming even easier. Palaces de France is building a five-part themed online video series called A Legacy of Excellence, exploring different aspects of its luxury difference.
These films use stunning visuals and immersive storytelling to engage and enthral.
Two episodes are already available. A Distinction Defined: Elevating French Hospitality introduces the Palaces de France concept and the rigorous selection process.
Meet the Exceptional Talents Behind the Scenes showcases the staff who will make your clients’ stays special, with comments from head concierges, ski butlers, spa consultants, head florists and art concierges.
A further three episodes covering Art de Vivre & Gastronomy, Architecture, Design & Innovation, and Sustainable Development are in the pipeline.
The beautifully shot videos serve as valuable tools for product training, as well as sources of inspiration for clients during presentations or events.
Look out too for a marketing campaign that will help raise the profile of Palaces de France using the tagline: A Legacy of Excellence, France’s Most Prestigious and Timeless Properties.
Hotel Barrière Les Neiges in Courchevel 1850. (Credit: Marc Berenguer)
The Palaces de France Distinction
While the videos are a sumptuous showcase of what makes Palaces de France stand out, here’s a handy summary of the hotels’ unique selling points.
Rigorous selection criteria
Reserved for a select few properties, prestigious Palaces de France status goes beyond the traditional five-star category, recognising the ultimate expression of French know-how and design for life.
The highly regulated, three strand decision-making process begins with a phase of eligibility assessment conducted by Atout France, proceeds to a review by a commission of distinguished experts who base their judgment on a wide range of qualitative criteria, and is ultimately signed off by the Ministry of Tourism. Hundreds of criteria must be met, and the awarded hotels’ status is reviewed every three years.
Stunning architecture, design and locations
Palaces de France hotels’ heritage is not only preserved but celebrated. Many artisans play their part in the upkeep of antique surrounds, from skilled painters to master upholsterers.
The properties also work with some of the world’s best design teams to carefully balance historic architecture with modernity, including the integration of opulent spas.
Many of the hotels have become destinations in their own right, inextricably linked to their locations and acting as regional and cultural ambassadors.
Exceptional dining
The world famous French gastronomic meal and its rituals have earned a place on Unesco’s cultural heritage list.
At Palaces de France properties, master chefs, renowned patissiers and sommeliers continue to honour this legacy. As you might expect, many of the hotels have Michelin-starred restaurants or extensive wine cellars.
Guests can enjoy Matthieu Carlin's creations at Hotel de Crillon's Butterfly Patisserie in Paris (Credit: Virginie Garnier)
Attentive ambassadors
Palaces de France members are chosen in part because they uphold ‘art de vivre’, the French art of living, which is linked to an appreciation of beauty, elegance, and refinement.
The teams behind each prestigious establishment are adept at personalisation, from remembering guests’ favourite wines to leaving them monogrammed pillows or arranging apt presents.
They can also make ambitious requests a reality. They might secure your clients a last-minute reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant, a private tour of a gallery, a Rolls-Royce pick up or even exclusive access to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
