Palm Beach Cannes: A Riviera Icon Reborn

Lucía Torres · 2026-06-01

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, this spot has held a unique place in the history of the French Riviera. It's not just a building; it's a living piece of the city's soul. Originally opened in 1928 as the Palm Beach Casino, the complex was designed by architect Roger Séassal. This was a time when Cannes was fast becoming one of Europe's most glamorous seaside destinations. Its striking Hispano-Moorish architecture, Art Deco touches, and elegant dome made it stand out immediately. You couldn't miss it, and you wouldn't want to. ### A New Chapter for Cannes In many ways, Palm Beach represented a new chapter for Cannes. The city was moving beyond being just a winter spot for aristocrats. It was turning into an international playground where entertainment, leisure, architecture, and that Mediterranean lifestyle all came together. Over the decades, Palm Beach became a synonym for Riviera glamour. Royalty visited. Hollywood stars arrived. Writers, artists, and socialites all gathered under that dome. Names like Grace Kelly, John F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso, and Winston Churchill are all part of its story. By the 1950s and 1960s, it was one of the main symbols of the Côte d'Azur lifestyle. Its casino, terraces, swimming pool, and galas defined an era of elegance and optimism. The complex even made it into the cult film *Mélodie en sous-sol* with Jean Gabin and Alain Delon. That's how deep its roots go in French cinema.  ### The Challenge of Time But like many historic landmarks, Palm Beach faced tough times. As lifestyles and tourism changed, it started to fade. For years, people wondered what would happen to this iconic building. Would it be torn down? Turned into something generic? The future looked uncertain. Then came one of the biggest restoration projects Cannes has seen in decades. Starting in 2019, architects Kevin Caprini and Jerry Pellerin led a major renovation. Their goal wasn't just to modernize Palm Beach. They wanted to bring back its original spirit while making it work for today's Riviera life. After nearly five years of work and an investment of over $240 million, the landmark reopened with a fresh vision. ### Heritage Meets Modern Luxury Today, Palm Beach finds itself in a unique position again. It's not just a destination; it's a symbol of how Cannes can evolve while keeping its identity. Having spent years on the Riviera, I find this fascinating. It's a reflection of the city itself: always reinventing, but always connected to its past. From a real estate angle, this transformation has boosted the whole Palm Beach district. Properties around Pointe Croisette and Palm Beach are some of the most wanted in Cannes. Why? Because they offer: - Exceptional sea views that stretch for miles - Proximity to the Mediterranean - A quieter, more residential feel - A connection to iconic landmarks At Carlton International, we see every day how heritage, architecture, and location shape long-term value. Palm Beach is one of the clearest examples of that. Not simply restored. Reimagined. And once again part of the story of Cannes.