The Mandarin Oriental group takes over the sublime Château de la Croix des Gardes

Château de la Croix des Gardes, an exceptional estate in the heart of the Côte d’Azur that has been embraced by the artistic community, is opening a new chapter in its history. This hotel property has just become part of Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes, enabling the luxury residence brand to boost its presence on the French Riviera.

 

The Mandarin Oriental hotel chain has just added a residence to its Exclusive Homes catalogue, comprising 23 exceptional properties ranging from chalets and villas to manor houses, from Ibiza to Puglia and Bali. In partnership with luxury home rental platform StayOne, the company can now offer its lucky customers a new private residence. This is the Château de la Croix des Gardes, a sumptuous property in Cannes, considered to be the most confidential spot on the Côte d’Azur.

 

 

“The acquisition of this new residence reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional service and experience to our guests. Château de la Croix des Gardes offers an idyllic setting, where every detail has been carefully thought out to ensure a unique level of luxury,” says Ersev Demiroz, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes.

 

The exceptional style of the Château de la Croix des Gardes

 

Also known as Villa Perrier, Château de la Croix des Gardes sits majestically overlooking Cannes. As soon as you step through the property’s large black gates, you are immediately swept away by its magnetic aura. Set in 25 hectares of parkland, the residence boasts breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, which can be enjoyed from its long swimming pool, which almost merges with the sea. Strolling through the 10,000 m2 of Italian-style gardens, you can also see the Estérel massif and the Alps in the distance. A setting worthy of the region’s most beautiful postcards.

 

Built in 1919 by Swiss industrialist Paul Girod, Château de la Croix des Gardes stands out for its Florentine-inspired architecture. Its pinkish-beige façade is highlighted by white elements such as its stone balustrades. In the evening, illuminated by numerous spotlights, its walls take on a completely different colour, magnifying the setting even further.

 

 

A total of 16 bedrooms with Impressionist-inspired bathrooms are spread across the main house, the cottages and the penthouse. A cinema, sauna, steam room, tennis court, bowling alley and massage parlour are just some of the facilities on offer. The private chef caters for all guests’ culinary requirements.

 

While the ballroom and gardens can accommodate large-scale receptions and life’s most beautiful events, the mansion’s watchword is discretion. A confidentiality and security that have won over celebrities and the most emblematic figures of their time for decades.

 

A place driven by art

 

If the property is an ode to dream travel, it has also been enriched by the talent of the protagonists who have come here to develop artistic projects that have become iconic. In 1955, director Alfred Hitchcock shot his film “To Catch a Thief” here. The castle’s appearance in the film, starring the legendary Grace Kelly and Cary Grant, brought it international renown and a special place in the history of cinema. Since then, some of the world’s biggest stars, including Brigitte Bardot, have flocked to the chateau for their holidays or to attend major events such as the Cannes Film Festival.

 

 

In 2023, designer Donatella Versace chose the estate to present the Versace ‘La Vacanza’ fashion show, in collaboration with singer Dua Lipa. On a platform in the centre of the pool, the models paraded in front of hand-picked guests seated in the gardens surrounding the pool. It was a major spotlight for the Château de la Croix des Gardes, proving to the world that it has not lost any of its superb character.

 

From cinema to fashion, this residence is as magical as it is symbolic of France’s heritage. For those who love prestigious places, the Château de la Croix des Gardes continues to represent the Dolce Vita atmosphere that is so much appreciated over the years.

 

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Featured photo: © Le Château de la Croix des Gardes