Palm Beach Cannes — A Riviera Icon Reinvented
🌊 At the far end of the Croisette, facing the Mediterranean and surrounded by sea on almost every side, stands one of Cannes’ most legendary landmarks:
Palm Beach Cannes.
For nearly a century, Palm Beach has occupied a unique place in the history of the French Riviera.
Originally inaugurated in 1928 as the Palm Beach Casino, the complex was designed by architect Roger Séassal during a period when Cannes was rapidly establishing itself as one of Europe’s most glamorous seaside destinations.
Its striking Hispano-Moorish architecture, Art Deco influences, elegant dome, and exceptional location at the tip of the Croisette immediately distinguished it from anything else on the Riviera.
In many ways, Palm Beach represented a new chapter in Cannes.
The city was evolving beyond a winter destination for aristocrats and becoming an international playground where entertainment, leisure, architecture, and Mediterranean lifestyle merged together.
Over the decades, Palm Beach became synonymous with Riviera glamour.
Royalty visited.
Hollywood stars arrived.
Writers, artists, socialites, and international elites gathered beneath its dome overlooking the sea. ✨
Names such as Grace Kelly, John F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso, and Winston Churchill were all associated with its legendary history.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Palm Beach had become one of the symbols of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle.
Its casino, terraces, swimming pool, galas, and seaside celebrations helped define an era of Riviera elegance and optimism. The complex was even immortalized in the cult film Mélodie en sous-sol starring Jean Gabin and Alain Delon, further cementing its place in French cinematic history.
Yet like many historic Riviera landmarks, Palm Beach experienced periods of decline as lifestyles, tourism, and entertainment habits evolved.
For years, many wondered what the future of this iconic building would be.
Then came one of the most significant restoration projects Cannes has seen in decades.
Beginning in 2019, a major renovation led by architects Kevin Caprini and Jerry Pellerin sought not simply to modernize Palm Beach, but to restore its original spirit while adapting it to contemporary Riviera life. After nearly five years of work and an investment estimated at over €200 million, the landmark reopened with a new vision that carefully balances heritage and modern luxury.
Today, Palm Beach once again occupies a unique position within Cannes.
Not merely as a destination, but as a symbol of the city’s ability to evolve while preserving its identity.
Having lived on the Riviera for many years, I find Palm Beach fascinating because it reflects the broader story of Cannes itself.
A city that continually reinvents itself while remaining deeply connected to its history.
From a real estate perspective, this transformation has also reinforced the desirability of the entire Palm Beach district.
Properties surrounding Pointe Croisette and Palm Beach remain among the most sought-after in Cannes thanks to their exceptional sea views, proximity to the Mediterranean, quieter residential atmosphere, and connection to some of the Riviera’s most iconic landmarks.
At Carlton International, we see every day how heritage, architecture, lifestyle, and location continue to shape long-term value on the French Riviera.
Palm Beach is perhaps one of the clearest examples of that.
Not simply restored.
Reimagined.
And once again part of the story of Cannes. ✨
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