IMPERATOR

An emblematic building

Located in the very heart of Nice, at the corner of Boulevard Gambetta and Rue de France, L’Impérator stands out with its imposing presence and confident style.
Built in 1928 under the direction of architect René-Lazare Gastaldi, it is one of the city’s major witnesses to Art Decoarchitecture.

Originally conceived as a high-end hotel — a construction application was filed in 1926 for 200 rooms by developer Émile Samett — the building was later converted into a residential property in the 1950s.

L’Impérator is part of a large architectural block that also includes the buildings “Imper’Azur,” “Imperazurea,” and “Imperia,” together forming a characteristic urban frontage along Rue de France.

Style and architectural features

L’Impérator’s architecture embodies the modernist momentum of the 1920s:

• Reinforced-concrete structure enabling bold forms.
• Rounded corner façades, continuous balconies, wide horizontal bays — a typical streamline Art Decovocabulary.
• The corner composition (boulevard / street) gives the building a strong urban presence, marking the transition between two major city axes.

Altogether, L’Impérator is both functional and decorative, designed for the modern urban life of its era.

The Gambetta / Rue de France neighborhood: lifestyle & assets

Set within a sought-after residential area of Nice, the building enjoys a particularly favorable location. You’ll find:

• Immediate proximity to the sea and the Promenade des Anglais: the building is only a few hundred meters from the beach.
• Rue de France and Boulevard Gambetta offer a wealth of shops, cafés, and services, making daily life simple and pleasant.
• Good public transport (tram, bus) efficiently connects the area to the rest of Nice.

A wide range of residents appreciate this neighborhood: families, young professionals, investors seeking a central yet calm address, and anyone wanting both the sea and urban conveniences.

Current use & real-estate opportunities

Today, L’Impérator is devoted to residential use, with service businesses on the ground floor.
Studios and small apartments regularly come up for rent — suited to students or working professionals — thanks to both location and potential. For example, a studio 100 m from the Promenade des Anglais is available in this building.

For investors or buyers, L’Impérator offers:

• A prime location (city center + sea),
• Heritage value linked to its architecture and history,
• A recognizable style and an identifiable landmark, boosting appeal for rentals or resale.

In summary

Built in 1928 and converted after the war, L’Impérator stands as a flagship of Nice’s Art Deco. Its strong architecture and exceptional location make it a strategic choice for any real-estate project in the city center. The Gambetta / Rue de France district combines urban life with seaside proximity, offering a highly sought-after living environment.

If you’d like to explore specific aspects (floor plans, available units, co-ownership details, comparable former hotel-buildings in Nice), I can help you go further.