The most exclusive mega mansion on the French Riviera! This opulent castle is for sale, price on request

13 rooms, dreamy gardens and more than 1,200 m² [12,916 ft²] of luxury and exclusivity: This is the mega mansion ‘La Croix des Gardes’, an incredible gem for sale located on the French Riviera.

The huge mansion belongs to a large collection of exclusive and legendary properties on the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera). In fact, it is nothing less than the largest estate in the area and the one that stands out the most in luxury, exclusivity and beauty.

‘La Croix des Gardes’ is located a few minutes from the port of Cannes and the Palais des Festivals. From there you can see spectacular views of the historic region and the majestic 19th century heritage of the Côte d’Azur.

The history of this magnificent mansion is undoubtedly as spectacular as each of its 13 rooms. In 1835 Lord Henry Brougham built the first home in the area: ‘Villa Eléanore-Louise’, named after the daughter of the famous British writer and politician. Two years later, the British General John Taylor, began the construction of the “Castle of Saint-Georges” a few steps away.

This is how thanks to the construction of a multitude of exceptional villas such as “Villa Rothschild”, “Castillo Vallombrosa” and “Villa Romée”, the “Quartier des Anglais” was born.

In 1919, a Swiss gentleman named Paul Girod bought the top of the hill and forged a magnificent Florentine-style property in the heart of 10.2 hectares of authentic gardens, which later became known as the ‘Château de la Croix des Gardes’.

Six years later, Mr. Goldman, owner of Burma jewelry, bought the property, which he was unable to sell until 1960 to none other than the man who can turn water into gold: the owner of Perrier.

Redesigned by English architect Alan Gore, in a style echoing Wrotham Castle, this sumptuous property (now approximately 1200 m² in size) offers a guest house, staff accommodation and other outbuildings.

In 1927, the gardener in charge William Crot, replaced the tennis court with an oriental-style garden. Later, in 1970, the garden was restored and a greenhouse was placed in the eastern pavilion, along with a winter garden and a Turkish loggia.

All this complemented by a 33 meter long swimming pool, designed by Alan Gore under the direction of renowned architect André Svetchine.

Built at 213 meters above sea level, the castle offers unsurpassed panoramic views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the snow-capped mountains.

The mansion is simply stunning! And it has become a true fantasy that embodies the legend of Cannes itself. The castle has served as a setting in different films, such as the Alfred Hitchcock film ‘To Catch a Thief’.

In 1995, the production of the film received Grace Kelly, who claimed that she was enchanted by the charms of the mythical castle.

Similarly, in 1961, Alain Resnais also fell in love with the “Château de La Croix des Gardes” and used it as the setting for his film “Last Year in Marienbad”.

Today, the castle is the only building standing overlooking the bay of Cannes from sunrise to sunset, so it will undoubtedly transport its future and lucky owners to the most glorious time of the French Riviera.

Information from the JamesEdition site. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.