WINTER PALACE

Built in 1901, listed as a historic monument in 1975

We are pleased to present, in the heart of the magnificent city of Menton, an architectural gem known as the Winter Palace. The history of this historic monument—officially listed since 1975 and recognized in 2001 as 20th-century heritage by the French Ministry of Culture—is as rich and captivating as its majestic appearance.

Located at 20 bis Avenue Riviera, the Winter Palace is nestled in a beautifully landscaped park spanning 1.87 hectares. Its construction began in 1901, designed by architect Joseph-Albert Tournaire on behalf of the “Société Hôtelière des Îles Britanniques.” The palace officially opened its doors on January 1, 1903, revealing a world of unprecedented luxury and refinement.

From Luxury Hotel to Private Residence – Over a Century of History

In the early 20th century, the Winter Palace was considered one of the most luxurious hotels of its time, boasting 220 rooms and suites. It offered remarkably modern amenities: a garage, a restaurant, a smoking lounge, and rooms for billiards, reading, and bridge. A royal tranquillity pervaded the space, ensured by discreet staff attending to guests without intruding on their peace.

Its earliest guests were wealthy European aristocrats—primarily British and Russian—seeking a serene winter haven. Menton’s mild climate made it a seasonal destination of choice, and the hotel enjoyed a golden era up until World War I.

During the war, the Winter Palace was requisitioned to house military officers, sparing it from the fate of many other Menton hotels that were converted into field hospitals. After the war, the palace flourished once again during the Roaring Twenties, but World War II marked the beginning of its decline.

Occupied first by Italian and later German forces, it became the headquarters of the First Special Service Force in September 1944. The 2nd Canadian Battalion stationed there played a key role in the liberation of villages north of Menton.

Post-war, the palace never regained its former glory. It was converted into a private residence in 1958 and today comprises about one hundred apartments owned by an international clientele.

An Architectural Gem, Testimony to Menton’s Glorious Past

The Winter Palace is considered one of the finest examples of seaside resort architecture on the Côte d’Azur. It was documented and celebrated as part of the General Inventory of Cultural Heritage launched by André Malraux in 1964. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region has emphasized the building’s exceptional qualities and its historical role in the area’s development.

More than just a building, the Winter Palace is a symbol of timeless elegance and preserved heritage. Its inclusion on the official list of Historic Monuments and its "20th-Century Heritage" label underline its cultural and architectural significance.

Despite the passage of time, the Winter Palace retains its stunning façade—a harmonious blend of Louis XVI style and Italian influence. Its grand entrance hall, ornate columns, and former smoking room with semi-circular glass rotunda remain silent witnesses to a bygone era. Today, as a private residence, it continues to attract admiring looks from passers-by and visitors alike.

Its impressive façade, peaceful gardens, and majestic interiors offer a unique glimpse into Menton’s golden age. The property’s grounds are maintained with the same care as the building itself. Every stone tells a story, every room echoes with the whispers of the past, and every stair bears witness to an era when grandeur was the standard. Still standing and still proud, the Winter Palace continues to write its history—captivating all those fortunate enough to cross its path.