Esprit de France continues its growth. In the first half of 2026, the hotel activity of the family collection posted revenue of €27.9 million, up 6% on a like-for-like basis compared with the same period in 2025.
According to the press release, this growth is notably driven by the return of international clientele.
In Paris, the properties recorded an average occupancy rate of 86.5%, stable year over year and two percentage points above the market, according to MKG.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached €302, up from €289 a year earlier, i.e., a 4.5% increase, while the market declined by 1%. In the regions, Pigonnet, in Aix-en-Provence, saw its revenue rise by 12% after reopening at the end of February 2025, following a major renovation.
According to the press release, this growth is notably driven by the return of international clientele.
In Paris, the properties recorded an average occupancy rate of 86.5%, stable year over year and two percentage points above the market, according to MKG.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached €302, up from €289 a year earlier, i.e., a 4.5% increase, while the market declined by 1%. In the regions, Pigonnet, in Aix-en-Provence, saw its revenue rise by 12% after reopening at the end of February 2025, following a major renovation.
The Esprit de France Club Expands
Esprit de France, owner of twelve boutique hotels, also brings together about thirty Châteaux and Demeures within the Esprit de France Club.
In the first half of 2026, three new addresses joined the network: Domaine du Colombier, Château du Gué aux Biches and Château de Saint-Paterne. These additions represent 40 additional rooms, i.e., a 21% increase compared with 2025.
About ten projects are currently under study in several French regions, including Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-C Côte d’Azur. The group also participates in the “Reinventing the Heritage” program, launched in 2019 by Atout France and the Banque des Territoires, with support from the Ministry of Culture through webinars.
“Our ambition today is to continue developing the collection without diluting what gives it its identity,” emphasizes Jérémie de Fombelle, Chief Executive Officer of Esprit de France.
In the first half of 2026, three new addresses joined the network: Domaine du Colombier, Château du Gué aux Biches and Château de Saint-Paterne. These additions represent 40 additional rooms, i.e., a 21% increase compared with 2025.
About ten projects are currently under study in several French regions, including Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-C Côte d’Azur. The group also participates in the “Reinventing the Heritage” program, launched in 2019 by Atout France and the Banque des Territoires, with support from the Ministry of Culture through webinars.
“Our ambition today is to continue developing the collection without diluting what gives it its identity,” emphasizes Jérémie de Fombelle, Chief Executive Officer of Esprit de France.
Three Hotels Under Management Contracts
Historically owning and operating its properties, Esprit de France also develops hotel management for third parties. The collection now operates three hotels under management contracts.
Early results are encouraging, details a press release: in a property where it has taken over management, the Booking score rose from 8.4 to above 9 in six months. At Hôtel Tourisme Avenue, gross operating profit (GOP) rose by six points over the same period compared to the previous year.
“Our business is, on the contrary, to understand what creates a place’s value and to bring the necessary expertise to improve its performance without erasing its personality,” explains Jérémie de Fombelle. Esprit de France thus intends to accelerate the development of this activity, leveraging its operational know‑how and its proximity to owners.
Early results are encouraging, details a press release: in a property where it has taken over management, the Booking score rose from 8.4 to above 9 in six months. At Hôtel Tourisme Avenue, gross operating profit (GOP) rose by six points over the same period compared to the previous year.
“Our business is, on the contrary, to understand what creates a place’s value and to bring the necessary expertise to improve its performance without erasing its personality,” explains Jérémie de Fombelle. Esprit de France thus intends to accelerate the development of this activity, leveraging its operational know‑how and its proximity to owners.
Word-of-mouth surprisingly no longer, or hardly, a factor in choice. While stars convinced 64% of European travelers in 2009, they weigh in at only 8% today, i.e., half as much as in 2022. Why? Mostly due to a lack of understanding of the references assigned to each range.
Publié par Amelia Brille 
