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EVENT – DUCO FRANCE 'NO. 5’, A SWEET SCENT OF HERITAGE AND RENEWAL
For its fifth edition, DUCO France brought together the elite of the luxury hotel industry and international influencers in Paris for an immersive celebration of French excellence and the projects shaping the future of the industry. |
Catégorie : Europe - France - Expériences exclusives
- Récompenses, remises de prix, concours - Événements
Article rédigé par Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine le vendredi 07 novembre 2025
 A wind of change is blowing through this fifth edition, illustrated by the handover from Carolina Perez, founder of the show, to her daughter, Catarina
Crédit photo © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Journal des Palaces
186 international buyers, hand-picked from countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, met with 234 exhibitors, hoteliers, and experience creators from all over France, in the luxurious setting of the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia and the Shangri-La Paris. “The core of Duco has always been to dive into the destination. So there are incredible events out there, but some years ago I felt the necessity of creating something that is really profound. That you come to the destination, you live the destination, you listen to the music of the language, and you only meet hoteliers from that destination” said Carolina Perez, founder of DUCO. “I thought this would be an opportunity to create something very unique with the country in order to have advisors to go back to their work as ambassadors of France.”
Inspiring projects in the most beautiful regions of France
Participants were treated to an exciting overview of recent and upcoming developments. In Paris, the Mandarin Oriental Paris is breathing new life into the city with the promotion of Nina Haradji in the kitchen and the arrival of Julien Dugourd in the patisserie, in a spirit of increasingly strong partnerships with major luxury brands such as Panerai and Frédéric Malle.
The promotion last June of Édouard Lapasset to general manager of the palace hotel has given the venue and its teams a new lease of life. In the Landes region, Morgane Hürstel, sales and marketing manager at Les Prés d'Eugénie – Maison Guérard, discussed the latest developments at the gourmet palace hotel, with a new kids' club opening this year and rooms currently being renovated.
Burgundy is also attracting attention, with the opening of Les Sources de Vougeot next February, led by Alice Tourbier, followed by Les Sources d'Alsace in 2027. The Champagne Hospitality group is also preparing to open the Château de la Commarraine, an exceptional venue to be discovered in 2026.
On the French Riviera, Lily of the Valley has expanded its range of villas with two new villas unveiled in 2025, and the Château de Berne, run by a committed owner, is increasing its immersive experiences to soon reach 100 on-site offerings. From goat farming to olive oil production, vegetable gardens and vineyard safaris, the experience is designed to be sustainable and family-friendly. The Domaine du Mas de Pierre has entrusted its kitchens to Rodolphe Loury, its new executive chef.
Finally, Normandy is not to be outdone. In June, Maison Douce Époque, a 14-room boutique hotel, opened its doors in Benerville-sur-Mer, offering breathtaking views and a team of 29 people dedicated to providing discreet luxury hospitality. Gastronomy, an award-winning spa and a partnership with the Polo Club are the hallmarks of this unique establishment, according to its director, Philippe Chamard.
A transition in continuity
This fifth edition also marked a symbolic transition. Carolina Perez officially handed over the reins to her daughter Catarina, who is now actively involved in the French, Italian, and Iberian editions of the show. “As Carolina said, this is Duco’s fifth anniversary in France, and we're very lucky to have such an immersive event and also to liaise with all of our friends who believe in Duco’s spirit and mission. We couldn’t do it without them and with all the journalists and the support of everyone” said Catarina Perez during a discussion with the media. “As we like to say, this week it’s an immersion, so you educate the mind while pleasing the soul.”
The success of this edition confirms the relevance of the format: targeted meetings, a refined setting, and dense and inspiring content. A subtle alchemy that continues to place France at the heart of the global luxury travel map.
The DUCO Awards 2025
Best Hôtelier
Fabrice Moizan
General Manager - Eden Rock - St Barths
Unique Experience Provider
Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf
Hôtel de Charme
(up to 50 rooms)
Château la Chenevière
Port-en-bessin - Normandy
Emblématique Maison
(more than 51 rooms)
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Cap d’Antibes - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
 This year's meetings took place between the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia and the Shangri-La Paris
Crédit photo © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Journal des Palaces
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