Accor and Banque des Territoires Join Forces for the Revival of La Citadelle Vauban in Belle-Île-en-Mer
An unprecedented partnership dedicated to an emblematic historical monument, its region, and its influence, marking a new stage in its transformation into the first French Emblems Collection address.
Accor and Banque des Territoires will transform the 16th-century La Citadelle Vauban into a 90-key Emblems Collection luxury hotel and museum, set to open in summer 2027 on Belle-Île-en-Mer.
Photo by Accor
Belle-Île-en-Mer – Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announced a strategic partnership with Banque des Territoires (Caisse des Dépôts group), which is joining the revival project of La Citadelle Vauban in Belle-Île-en-Mer as a long-term investor. This alliance marks a major step in the transformation of one of the most emblematic historical monuments on the French coast, set to become, by 2027, the first French address of Emblems Collection, Accor's latest luxury brand. This partnership illustrates a shared ambition: to demonstrate that it is possible to combine heritage restoration, economic development, regional attractiveness, and cultural transmission.
The revival of La Citadelle Vauban is much more than a hotel project. It is a heritage, cultural, and regional project that aims to bring an exceptional monument back to life while creating lasting value for Belle-Île. By welcoming Banque des Territoires alongside us today, we strengthen this common ambition: to preserve unique heritage by giving it a sustainable future open to its region.
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems
By committing alongside Accor to revive La Citadelle Vauban, through the Territoires d'Histoire(s) program, we are not only investing in exceptional heritage but also in the future of the Breton region. Our role as an investor in the public interest makes full sense here: to bring to life a project that combines heritage preservation, tourist attractiveness, and local economic dynamism.
Olivier Sichel, CEO of Caisse des Dépôts
An Alliance Dedicated to Exceptional Heritage
Dominating the entrance to Le Palais port for nearly five centuries, La Citadelle Vauban is a major monument in the history of Belle-Île-en-Mer and national heritage. Fully classified as a historical monument and closed for several years, this heritage complex is now undergoing an ambitious restoration program aimed at preserving its historical identity while offering it a new future.
Through this partnership, Accor and Banque des Territoires combine their expertise to ensure the restoration, enhancement, and sustainable operation of the site. Banque des Territoires, through its Territoires d'Histoire(s) program, acts as an equity investor, with a long-term commitment to heritage and the tourist and cultural attractiveness of the regions, while Accor leads the project development and will manage the future hotel destination.
The project also benefits from the support of the Fondation du patrimoine, as part of a partnership between Banque des Territoires, through its Territoires d'Histoire(s) program sponsored by Stéphane Bern, and the Fondation du patrimoine. These two institutions work together to identify projects with economic and tourist impact in rural areas and to consider their co-financing. La Citadelle Vauban site is thus the first project of this partnership. As such, the Fondation du patrimoine will provide exceptional support for the restoration of emblematic pieces from La Citadelle of Belle-Île museum (paintings, plans, engravings, ship models). Upon its reopening to the public, the museum will offer a tour focused on the island's defensive and military history, as well as an outdoor route.
The best way to transmit heritage is to find a use for it. The project to transform La Citadelle Vauban into a hotel and museum is the best guarantee of its longevity. The Fondation du patrimoine is pleased to support the preservation of the museum's collections.
Alexandre Giuglaris, CEO of the Fondation du patrimoine
Furthermore, Caisse d'Épargne Bretagne acts as a banking partner for the project's financing.
From left to right: Thibault Grollemund, Mayor of Le Palais; Christophe Pinault, Chairman of Caisse d'Épargne Bretagne–Pays de la Loire; Michael Galy, Prefect of Morbihan; Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor; Alexandre Giuglaris, Managing Director of the Fondation du Patrimoine; Florence Bessy, Sub-Prefect of Lorient; Maud Bailly, Chief Executive Officer of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems; Olivier Sichel, Chief Executive Officer of Caisse des Dépôts and Banque des Territoires; Stéphane Bern, Lead of the French Heritage Mission and Patron of Territoires d'Histoire(s); Christian Mantei, Chairman of Atout France; Camille Rives, Investment Manager, Banque des Territoires; and Karine Bellec, Vice President of the Morbihan Departmental Council.
Restoring a Monument, Revealing a Destination
Beyond architectural restoration, the project has a much broader ambition: to make La Citadelle Vauban an open, vibrant destination deeply rooted in Belle-Île-en-Mer.
Upon its opening, scheduled for summer 2027, La Citadelle Vauban will host a 90-key Emblems Collection hotel (57 rooms, 24 suites, 6 duplexes, 2 apartments, 1 house), two restaurants, a bar, a wellness destination spanning nearly 2,000 sqm, seminar spaces, and a completely redesigned museum by Studio Adrien Gardère, accessible to visitors and residents of Belle-Île.
Conceived as a true cultural journey, this museum will reconnect with the site's history while offering an immersive experience linking built heritage, landscapes, biodiversity, and local memory.
Restoration work is being carried out with the utmost respect for the historical monument, notably under the direction of Valode & Pistre Architectes and Pierre-Antoine Gatier, Chief Architect of Historical Monuments. They reflect a constant desire to foster dialogue between heritage and contemporary uses, in the spirit of Emblems Collection.
A Project for Belle-Île-en-Mer
Beyond its heritage dimension, the revival of La Citadelle Vauban constitutes a regional development project.
Ultimately, the site will become the largest private employer on Belle-Île, with over 100 permanent employees and nearly 70 seasonal jobs. The project will also promote partnerships with local businesses, producers, artisans, and suppliers to maximize economic benefits for the Breton island.
Particular attention is paid to the preservation of ecosystems, the reduction of the project's environmental footprint, the training of future employees, and the cultural accessibility of the site.
The entry of Banque des Territoires into the project marks a new phase in La Citadelle Vauban's revival and confirms Accor's ambition for this emblematic address.
About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.