Vatel in brief
Data and performance indicators
Summary of audited indicators declared by the institution for recruiters and academic partners.
| Indicator | Data to display | Editorial Commentary InfosTourisme |
|---|---|---|
| QS 2026 Rankings | No. 1 in France & No. 11 worldwide in Hospitality | It confirms the excellence of the Vatel brand on the national and international stage. |
| State recognition | RNCP certified qualifications Levels 6 and 7 / Eurhodip | Guarantee of training that is academically and professionally recognized in Europe. |
| Professional Integration | Investment rate close to 100% | Extremely rapid integration thanks to mandatory professional immersions. |
| Network Strength | 50,000 graduates (Vatelians) | A powerful integration lever providing access to opportunities in 150 countries. |
| Global reach | 55+ campuses in 30+ countries | An exceptional synergy allowing for great mobility within the academic curriculum. |
| teaching formula | Initial and Apprenticeship options available | The work-study program allows for total exemption from fees by the host company. |
A story of excellence
Founded in 1981 in Paris by Jocelyne and Alain Sebban, Vatel was born from a clear ambition: to create a hotel management school that harmoniously combines academic theory and practical experience. The institution takes its name from François Vatel, an iconic 17th-century hotel manager whose sense of organization and service remains legendary.
Under the leadership of Karine Sebban-Benzazon, president of the group since 2023, Vatel perpetuates this spirit of rigor and innovation. The teaching methods are based on real-world application structures (restaurants, hotels, training cafes) to immediately expose students to customer demands.
1. Active pedagogy
The close alternation between theory in class and immediate application within the school's infrastructure (hotels, partner restaurants).
2. DNA International
Opportunity to discover new cultures through the Marco Polo program and mandatory international internships.
3. "Family" spirit
A caring school culture, focused on mutual respect, a spirit of cohesion and the sharing of knowledge between generations.
Academic offerings & flagship programs
International Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management
The Vatelis designed for future operational managers. In the initial training program, it alternates weeks of coursework (marketing, languages, finance) with weeks of practical experience. In the work-study program, the immersion in a company is total over three years.
- Certification: Level 6 RNCP recognized by the State
- Marco Polo: Possibility of completing the 2nd year on another Vatel
- Costs covered: In the case of an apprenticeship, training costs are covered by the employer.
- Mandatory internships: 2 practical internships included, one of which is international.
- Integration: Projects in application structures integrated into pedagogy
- Employment: Remarkable job placement rate immediately upon leaving school
International MBA in Hotel Management
Intended for holders of a Bachelor's degree (or a two-year post-secondary degree after a preparatory year), this Master's level program aims to train senior managers capable of leading large hotel complexes or launching their own concept.
- Certification: Level 7 RNCP (International Hospitality Director) / Eurhodip EQF 7
- Language of instruction: French-language courses or 100% in English on some campuses (Bordeaux, Nîmes)
- Key skills: Financial strategy, HR management, CSR, Yield management
- Study format: Available as a work-study program or as a full-time program (with mandatory internships)
- Final year project: Consulting mission or business plan for startup creation
- Tuition fees: Covered by the host company as part of the apprenticeship.
The Marco Polo exchange program
Exclusive to the Vatel, the Marco Polo offers Bachelor's students the opportunity to complete their second year at another Vatel campus worldwide (in over 50 destinations). This year-long immersion, combining local courses and an internship in the host country, allows students to acquire exceptional language skills and assimilate new hotel management cultures.
Comparative summary of curricula
| Program | Duration | Target audience | Strengths | Key opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management | 3 years | High school graduates (ages 17 to 19) | Alternating theory and practice, Marco Polo program, field immersion | Head Receptionist, Community Manager, F&B Assistant, Event Project Manager |
| International MBA in Hotel Management | 2 years | Holders of a Bachelor's degree (or a two-year post-secondary degree with a bridging program) | Specializations, executive networking, option for courses in English | Hotel manager, Revenue manager, Yield manager, Strategy consultant, Business owner |
| Preparatory Bridging Year | 1 year | Students holding a Bac+2 diploma (BTS, DUT, etc.) | Rapid skills upgrading in management, administration and languages prior to the MBA | Direct and optimized access to Vatel 's international MBA |
Leading Campuses in France
Paris – La Défense
A new, exceptional campus located within the Tour Aurore. It features high-end facilities spread over the top 5 floors, including classrooms, training restaurants and an exclusive rooftop terrace.
Official address:
Tour Aurore, Place des Reflets
92400 Courbevoie - La Défense
France
Lyon (Headquarters)
A historic location accommodating approximately 850 students. Situated near Perrache station, it offers fantastic application venues: the Vatel restaurant, the Café Carnot and the Château Lacroix-Laval.
Official address:
8 Rue Duhamel
69002 Lyon
France
Nîmes
A vast, multicultural campus of 14,000 m² housing approximately 700 students. It offers a unique "campus-hotel" model combining accommodation, courses, and real-world experimental laboratories.
Official address:
140 Rue de l'Amandier
30900 Nîmes
France
Application Procedures & Admissions
To join Vatel, the process is based on submitting a rigorous online application, followed by participation in an entrance competition (written tests in general knowledge, English, logic, and an individual interview assessing motivation and suitability to the hotel project).
Bachelor's Degree Access (Level 6)
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (17 to 19 years old).
- Application submitted online.
- Success in the written entrance exam and admission interview.
- Course available in traditional initial training or in a work-study contract (apprenticeship).
Access to MBA (Level 7)
- Hold a Bachelor's degree (Bac+3) at university or a professional level.
- Those holding a Bac+2 first follow a mandatory leveling year (preparatory bridging class).
- Selection based on a national written and oral entrance examination.
- Option of a French-language course or integration into 100% English-speaking classes.
A range of international career opportunities
The strength of Vatel network graduates lies in their employability. Graduates join both the most prestigious hotel groups and major companies in management, luxury, or destination events.
Hospitality Operations
- • General Manager
- • Reception Manager / Front Office Lead
- • Hotel Operations Assistant
- • Guest Relations Manager
Food & Accommodation
- • Food & Beverage Director
- • Manager of a gourmet restaurant
- • Banquet & Event Lead
- • Housekeeping Manager
Finance & Revenue Management
- • Revenue/Yield Manager
- • Hotel Pricing Analyst
- • Junior Asset Manager
- • Hotel management controller
Marketing, Digital & Events
- • Hotel Marketing Manager
- • Hotel Brand Community Manager
- • International Event Project Manager
- • E-commerce Establishment Manager
Luxury & Wine Tourism
- • Manager of a wine tourism establishment
- • Brand Manager in the luxury sector
- • VIP Services Coordinator
- • Head of Prestigious Client Relations
Consulting & Strategy
- • Tourism engineering consultant
- • Restaurant concept entrepreneur
- • Head of Hotel Expansion
- • Customer Service Strategy Consultant
Why choose Vatel? The 6 major pillars
Number 1 in France in the world rankings
Designated as the 1st hotel management school in France by the QS 2026 ranking, a guarantee of immense prestige to start one's career.
An essential force in the alternation of power
Apprenticeships allow students to finance 100% of their tuition fees while receiving a salary each month.
The strength of a network of 50,000 Vatelians
Gain access to one of the world's largest professional networks of hospitality graduates, an exceptional advantage for referrals and internships.
The Marco Polo exchange program
Experience a year of study abroad at another Vatel (Europe, Asia, America) while remaining enrolled at your home school.
Recognized and validated diplomas
Benefit from qualifications registered with the French RNCP (Levels 6 and 7) and European academic validation Eurhodip EQF 6 and 7.
Wealth and variety of infrastructure
Study in the heart of cutting-edge infrastructure, from the Tour Aurore in La Défense to the historic Château de Lacroix-Laval in Lyon.
Editor's review: The InfosTourisme perspective
Vatel has established itself as the undisputed leader in hospitality higher education in France. Its main strength lies in making a top-quality curriculum accessible through work-study programs. By financing its students' education through apprenticeship contracts, Vatel combines elite standards with economic pragmatism. Graduates acquire remarkable adaptability, trained from day one in the demanding requirements of high-end customer service. For any recruiter in the tourism industry, having the Vatel name on a CV remains a powerful signal of adaptability and operational excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Vatel
Contact Information & Points of Contact - Vatel
Paris – La Défense
Tour Aurore, Place des Reflets
92400 Courbevoie - Paris La Défense
France
Email: paris@vatel.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)1 42 26 26 26
Lyon (Headquarters)
8 Rue Duhamel
69002 Lyon
France
Email: lyon@vatel.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)4 78 38 21 92
Nîmes
140 Rue de l'Amandier
30900 Nîmes
France
Email: nimes@vatel.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)4 66 62 57 02