Five years after opening its doors on the banks of the Seine, Cheval Blanc Paris has been awarded the Palace label, a distinction widely regarded as the pinnacle of French luxury hospitality. The recognition, announced in June 2026, places the LVMH-owned hotel in a carefully curated circle of 33 five-star establishments that stand out for their exceptional character, architectural significance, personalized service, and global reputation. For Cheval Blanc Paris, this honor marks the culmination of a remarkable first chapter defined by Michelin-starred cuisine, breathtaking design, and a prime location in one of the most storied buildings in Paris.
The Palace label was created in 2010 to go beyond the standard five-star rating and identify French luxury hotels that deliver an experience of global excellence. It is not an easy distinction to earn. Properties must be existing five-star hotels that demonstrate exceptional international reputation, unique architectural or historical features, and a level of personalized service that goes beyond conventional luxury standards. The label is awarded by Atout France, the national tourism development agency, after rigorous evaluation. Receiving the label brings no direct financial benefit, but it carries immense prestige and serves as a powerful marketing tool in the competitive world of high-end travel.
In June 2026, six new establishments were added to the list, bringing the total number of Palace-labeled hotels in France to 33. Alongside Cheval Blanc Paris, the Palace family gained three Parisian addresses: The Fouquet's, Hôtel Bulgari, and Cheval Blanc Paris. The other winners were located outside the capital. Each of these hotels was judged to meet the strict criteria set by the commission, which considers factors such as location, history, architecture, service quality, and contributions to the influence of France on the international tourism stage.
An exceptional Parisian location with a storied past
Cheval Blanc Paris occupies the top floors of the famous Samaritaine building, an architectural emblem that has overlooked the Seine for over a century. The original department store was founded in 1870 by Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ on the site formerly known as the Grande Samaritaine. Over the years, it became a beloved Parisian institution, celebrated for its innovative retail concept and its breathtaking Art Nouveau and Art Deco interiors. The store was heavily damaged over time and eventually closed in 2005 due to safety concerns, after years of negotiations and preservation battles.
In 2010, LVMH acquired the iconic building with plans to restore it to its former glory. The renovation project, led by Japanese architecture firm SANAA in collaboration with the heritage-preservation agency Ateliers de France, was among the most complex and ambitious in the city. The goal was to preserve the historic facades and signature glass roof while transforming the interior into a modern mixed-use complex that would include offices, shops, and a luxury hotel. After years of construction and some legal challenges, the Samaritaine reopened in 2021, much to the delight of Parisians and visitors alike.
The hotel itself is tucked into the upper floors of the Samaritaine, with its own private entrance at 8 quai du Louvre. The location cannot be beaten: guests look out over the Seine, the Louvre, and the Île de la Cité, with Notre-Dame Cathedral visible in the distance. This unique vantage point offers an intimate perspective on Parisian landmarks that few other hotels can match. The address has long been considered one of the most desirable positions in the capital, combining the energy of the city with the tranquility of a riverside retreat.
An intimate hotel designed by Peter Marino
Cheval Blanc Paris was designed by the renowned American architect Peter Marino, known for his work on some of the world's finest luxury stores and hotels. Marino's approach to the hotel combines classical French elegance with contemporary sophistication, using rich materials such as bronze, oak, and marble to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel comprises only 72 keys, including rooms and suites, which makes it one of the most exclusive addresses in the city. Each room is uniquely configured, many featuring sweeping views of the river or the rooftops of Paris.
The intimacy of the hotel is one of its defining characteristics. Unlike many large luxury hotels, Cheval Blanc Paris offers a sense of privacy and discretion that appeals to a discerning clientele. Service is tailored to the individual, with a high staff-to-guest ratio and a dedicated team that anticipates needs before they are spoken. The hotel also includes a renowned spa, a fitness center, and a heated indoor pool, all designed to promote relaxation and wellness. These amenities, combined with the hotel's architectural splendor, have quickly established it as a destination in its own right.
Gastronomy that has reached the stars
From its opening, Cheval Blanc Paris made a bold statement in the culinary world. Its flagship restaurant, Plénitude, is helmed by chef Arnaud Donckele, who previously earned three Michelin stars at La Vague d'Or in Saint-Tropez. Donckele's cuisine is intensely personal, drawing inspiration from the ingredients and techniques of the French Riviera while embracing the bounty of Parisian markets. Within months of opening, Plénitude was awarded three Michelin stars, an extraordinary achievement for such a young establishment. The restaurant occupies a luminous space on the hotel's ground floor, where chef Donckele offers a seasonal tasting menu and an exceptional wine pairing curated by an expert sommelier team.
In addition to Plénitude, the hotel houses Hakuba, a Japanese restaurant conceived by Arnaud Donckele and master chef Takuya Watanabe. Hakuba, which means "white horse" in Japanese, is a subtle nod to the hotel's name and a celebration of Japanese-French culinary dialogue. The restaurant focuses on omakase-style dining, featuring the finest fish flown in from Japan and a meticulous attention to detail. In 2026, Hakuba was elevated to two Michelin stars, bringing further acclaim to the hotel's gastronomic portfolio. Together, these two venues place Cheval Blanc Paris firmly among the best dining destinations in the French capital.
A reflection of Bernard Arnault's luxury vision
Cheval Blanc Paris is part of the luxury hotel division of LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate, which is controlled by French billionaire Bernard Arnault. Arnault, who has transformed LVMH into an empire that includes Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon, and dozens of other heritage brands, has long seen hospitality as a natural extension of the group's high-end lifestyle offerings. The Cheval Blanc brand was launched in 2006 with the opening of a hotel in Courchevel, followed by properties in Saint-Barthélemy and, later, in the Maldives. Paris was always intended to be the crown jewel, given the city's status as a global center of fashion, art, and culture.
The acquisition and restoration of the Samaritaine demonstrated Arnault's commitment to preserving French heritage while creating modern luxury experiences. The project was not without controversy; heritage groups and some local residents raised concerns about the scale of the redevelopment and the potential impact on the neighborhood. However, the final result has been widely praised for its architectural sensitivity and its successful integration of contemporary design into a historic framework. The hotel now serves as a symbol of LVMH's ability to merge tradition and innovation, a philosophy that resonates throughout its entire portfolio.
Bulgari Paris: another LVMH success
Cheval Blanc Paris was not the only LVMH-affiliated hotel to receive the Palace label in 2026. The Hôtel Bulgari Paris, which opened in 2021 on the prestigious Avenue George V, was also added to the list. The hotel is the result of a joint venture between LVMH and the Bulgari jewelry house, and it has become one of the most sought-after addresses in the city. It offers 76 rooms and suites, including a spectacular penthouse of approximately 1,000 square meters, which can be reserved for a staggering 50,000 euros per night. The hotel also features a 1,300-square-meter spa, the largest in Paris, and an Italian fine-dining restaurant, Il Ristorante, led by chef Niko Romito.
The general manager of Bulgari Paris, Rodolphe Callewaert, described the Palace label as a source of "great pride" in comments following the announcement. He acknowledged that the direct impact on bookings is difficult to quantify, but he noted that the recognition carries particular weight with international travelers, especially those from the United States, who often view the Palace as a mark of ultimate quality. The label has a powerful resonance in the luxury travel market, and for a hotel like Bulgari, it solidifies its position alongside legendary Parisian names such as the Ritz, the Four Seasons George V, and the Plaza Athénée.
Strengthening LVMH's position in luxury hospitality
With two hotels added to the Palace list in 2026, LVMH has significantly strengthened its presence in France's most exclusive hospitality segment. The group now operates several hotels under the Cheval Blanc and Bulgari brands, as well as other properties under the LVMH Hotels division. This expansion reflects a broader trend among luxury goods conglomerates, which increasingly view hotels as a way to immerse clients in their world and build lasting emotional connections with their brands. For LVMH, a Palace label is more than a trophy; it is validation that its investments in architecture, gastronomy, and service have met the high standards expected by the group's clientele.
For Cheval Blanc Paris, the label represents both a recognition of past achievements and a promise for the future. Five years is a relatively short time for a hotel to establish itself at the highest level of luxury hospitality, but Cheval Blanc has done so with remarkable speed. The combination of an extraordinary location, curated design, exceptional dining, and the backing of Bernard Arnault's luxury empire has created a unique proposition that resonates with travelers from around the world. The Palace label now gives the hotel a permanent place in the pantheon of French hospitality, ensuring that it will be mentioned in the same breath as the most prestigious addresses in the country.
The hotel's journey is far from over. As it moves into its next chapter, Cheval Blanc Paris will continue to refine its offerings, explore new gastronomic concepts, and push the boundaries of what a luxury hotel can be. The Palace distinction will undoubtedly bring more visibility and a greater expectation of excellence, but for a property that has already achieved so much in five years, that is a challenge it appears ready to embrace. With its idyllic perch above the Seine and the support of some of the most creative minds in the industry, Cheval Blanc Paris is poised to remain one of the most exclusive and desirable addresses in the capital for years to come.
Source: MSN News