La Citadelle Vauban of Belle-Île-en-Mer will become the first Emblems Collection property in France.

Belle-Île-en-Mer is located off the coast of Brittany in northwest France. La Citadelle Vauban is a historic, landmark, star-shaped fortress, which is currently undergoing a transformation. The  ultra-luxury hotel is expected to open in Q2 2027.

‘With Emblems Collection, we select exceptional places with soul and deep memory. La Citadelle Vauban, an emblem of Belle-Île-en-Mer, perfectly embodies this vision: majestic, rich in history, and deeply connected to its territory,” said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. “Our ambition is to transform it into a destination in its own right, offering an Emblems experience that is intimate, inspiring and singular for all who discover or rediscover it. I am proud that our Group has committed to bringing a French heritage jewel to life, benefiting both guests and the local community.”

Plans to transform the historic site – its origins date back to the Middle Ages – were first announced in 2024. The restoration project launched in September 2025. It brings together leading partners, including Valode & Pistre Architectes, Pierre-Antoine Gatier, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, and Paris Society Consulting, which will lead the F&B concept development.

Overlooking the entrance to Le Palais harbor, La Citadelle Vauban in Belle-Île-en-Mer will offer 90 keys, comprising 49 rooms, 22 suites, and nine  apartments, thoughtfully designed to provide both comfort and residential-style stays. The property will also be home to two restaurants, a bar, more than 21,500 square feet of wellness amenities, and fully-equipped meeting and seminar spaces. In addition, the site’s museum is being revived, creating a destination that seamlessly blends hospitality, wellbeing and history.

Launched in November with the opening of Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom, the Emblems Collection brand aims to reach 60 properties worldwide by 2032, with six additional openings already planned by 2027 in Canada, Italy, and Greece.