Cap d'Antibes, the peninsula south of the city, is a bastion of wealth and exclusivity, made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel Tender is the Night; the Hôtel des Étrangers of the novel is modeled on the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, one of the most expensive hotels in the world.
The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, located at the tip of Cap d'Antibes, is a true legend on the Côte d'Azur, steeped in a rich and fascinating history.
Origins (1863-1870): Villa Soleil
The history of the hotel dates back to 1863, when Count Paul de Fersen, colonel and aide-de-camp to the Russian Tsar, acquired a property on the Cap. The idea of creating a refuge for writers and artists was born in 1865, under the leadership of Auguste De Villemessant, founder of the newspaper Le Figaro. It was his brother-in-law, the Russian Alexis de Plestcheyeff, who formalized the project. Five years later, in 1870, the "Villa Soleil" was built, with the aim of welcoming artists in search of inspiration. Hippolyte de Villemessant was responsible for the construction of the main building. The Transformation into the Grand Hôtel du Cap (1877-1889)
In 1877, a visionary young Italian hotelier, Antoine Sella, purchased the property. He renovated it and reopened it in January 1889 under the name "Grand Hôtel du Cap." Antoine Sella was the one who truly transformed the villa into a luxury hotel, laying the foundations for its future renown.
The Golden Age and the Arrival of the Eden-Roc (Early 20th Century)
Over the years, the hotel gained in prestige. The iconic saltwater pool carved into the rock was added in 1914, becoming a distinctive feature and attracting an international clientele. Antoine Sella is also considered the pioneer of the summer season on the Côte d'Azur, promoting the joys of swimming in the Mediterranean. The "Eden-Roc" pavilion, overlooking the sea, was expanded, and the yacht club was created. A haven for celebrities and artists
The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc quickly became a popular vacation spot for the aristocracy, celebrities, royalty, and artists from around the world. Famous guests include:
* F. Scott Fitzgerald, who immortalized it as the "Hôtel des Étrangers" in his novel "Tender Is the Night."
* Ernest Hemingway
* Pablo Picasso, who even designed the restaurant's new menu in 1955.
* Marlene Dietrich and Erich Maria Remarque
* The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
* Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Rita Hayworth, Marc Chagall, Errol Flynn, Sacha Guitry, and many others.
Key Events and Developments
* 1930s: The hotel enjoyed a boom period, attracting America's "Lost Generation." * World War II: The hotel was converted into a military hospital for Allied troops in 1944. After the war, American soldiers helped with its restoration.
* 1960s: The shaded seaside cabins were built, and Marc Chagall sketched them.
* 1964: Rudolf August and Maja Oetker, founders of the Oetker Collection, fell in love with the hotel and acquired it, ensuring its longevity and status as a palace.
* 2008-2015: Major renovations (€45 million) were carried out.
* 2009: The hotel was awarded its fifth star.
* 2016: The hotel was awarded the "Palace" label, a recognition of the highest level for luxury hotels in France.
* Since 2020: The restaurant menu is under the direction of Chef Éric Frechon. * The hotel regularly hosts prestigious events, including some evenings during the Cannes Film Festival.
The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc continues to cultivate its legendary status, offering an exceptional setting and excellent service to its guests, while preserving its historical heritage and legendary appeal on the Côte d'Azur.