According to Michelin, the best hotels in France include the Four Seasons Megeve, Le Meurice in Paris and Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. Marisa Cannon reports
Following the launch of Michelin Keys in 2023, Michelin has revealed its very first selection of hotel awards in France.
Based on anonymous stays taken by the renowned guide’s team, the awards are designed to help travellers find places to stay that stand out for their concept, character, welcome and service.
Some 189 hotels and accommodation providers have made the cut this year, with 24 presented with the highest accolade of three Michelin Keys. 38 hotels were awarded two Keys and 127 hotels given one.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides says: “With this new distinction, the Michelin Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travellers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years.
“Using the Michelin Guide digital platforms, travellers can filter their search and book awarded hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.”
Just as the number of Michelin stars indicate the calibre of dining experience, Michelin Keys do the same for the world’s most exceptional stays, measuring them in holistic terms rather than through their amenities alone.
Michelin Keys: the best hotels in France
Among the 24 hotels awarded Three Michelin Keys – indicating an “extraordinary stay, worthy of a specific trip” is Le Meurice (pictured above) and the Four Seasons George V, which is home to one Paris’ most outstanding spas, and three restaurants with one, two and three Michelin stars.
The Cheval Blanc Paris (pictured below) meanwhile stood out for its stunning city views, while the Saint James Paris is the capital’s only château-hotel.
Three Key hotels
- Antibes: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
- Bordeaux: Les Sources de Caudalie
- Champillon: Le Royal Champagne
- Courchevel: Cheval Blanc Courchevel
- Courchevel: Le K2 Palace
- Gordes: La Bastide de Gordes
- Le Castellet: Hôtel du Castellet
- Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade: Villa La Coste
- Les Baux-de-Provence: Baumanière
- Megève: Four Seasons Megeve
- Monte-Carlo: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
- Paris: Villeroy
- Paris: La Réserve Paris
- Paris: Saint James Paris
- Paris: Four Seasons George V
- Paris: Cheval Blanc Paris
- Paris: Ritz Paris
- Paris: Le Bristol Paris
- Paris: Le Meurice
- Paris: Plaza Athénée
- Reims: Domaine Les Crayères
- Saint Tropez: La Reserve Ramatuelle
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
- Versailles: Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle (pictured below)
The 18th-century neoclassical Château du Grand-Lucé was awarded two Michelin Keys, alongside Château Richeux – Les Maisons de Bricourt in Brittany, which features a two Michelin-starred and Michelin Green star restaurant. L’Apogée Courchevel was one of the three Alpine resorts to receive two Michelin Keys, located minutes from the slopes and innovative in its interior design.
Awarded one Michelin Key was Château & Village Castigno, a digital detox in the wine estate of Assignan in Occitania, alongside Ferme HI Bride in Villelaure in the Luberon, which has eight rooms, two studios and two houses set in the heart of a lush olive grove. The Loire Valley Lodges (pictured below) in Esvres, South Tours, also received one Key. 
In Paris, 22 hotels were awarded one Michelin Key, including l’Hôtel Le Ballu, boutique hotel Les Bains and Château Voltaire just minutes from Opéra Garnier.
You can read the full listing of the best hotels in France here.
The next selection of Michelin Keys will cover the US, reviewing hotels and accommodation providers in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington DC, with Spain, Italy and Japan to follow through 2024.
Michelin Keys
One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay
This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and it provides so much more than similarly priced establishments.
Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay
Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s run with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.
Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay
It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts.