Accor Revives La Citadelle Vauban in Belle-Île-en-Mer

Accor Partners to Restore La Citadelle Vauban for 2027 Opening

Accor has announced a partnership with Banque des Territoires, part of the Caisse des Dépôts Group, to restore La Citadelle Vauban in Belle-Île-en-Mer, France. The partnership supports the redevelopment of the historic monument, which is scheduled to reopen in summer 2027 as the first French property under Accor’s Emblems Collection brand.

The project aims to preserve the site’s historic character while creating a destination that combines hospitality, culture and community engagement.

Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, said the redevelopment is designed to restore an important heritage site while contributing to the local economy and strengthening Belle-Île’s tourism appeal.

Banque des Territoires has joined the project as a long-term equity investor through its Territoires d’Histoire(s) programme, supporting heritage conservation alongside regional development.

Located at the entrance to the port of Le Palais, La Citadelle Vauban has stood for nearly five centuries and is listed as a historic monument. Restoration work is being carried out with careful attention to preserving its architectural heritage while adapting the site for future use.

The project also receives support from the Fondation du patrimoine, which will help restore museum collections, including paintings, maps, engravings and ship models. Once reopened, the museum will present exhibitions highlighting Belle-Île’s military and maritime history, alongside a new outdoor visitor trail.

When completed, the destination will include a 90-key Emblems Collection hotel, featuring 57 rooms, 24 suites, six duplexes, two apartments and one private house. Guests will also have access to two restaurants, a bar, a wellness centre covering nearly 2,000 square metres, seminar facilities and the restored museum, which will remain open to both visitors and local residents.

Beyond restoring the monument, the project is expected to contribute to the local economy by creating more than 100 permanent jobs and around 70 seasonal positions. Accor also plans to work with local businesses, producers, artisans and suppliers while placing emphasis on environmental responsibility, staff training and cultural accessibility.

The partnership marks a new phase in the restoration of La Citadelle Vauban and reflects Accor’s continued investment in heritage-led hospitality projects.

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