Le Domaine des Aspres: a unique estate near Cap d’Antibes

Nestled between the sea and the hills, in an unspoiled haven just minutes from the legendary Cap d’Antibes, lies an extraordinary property: le Domaine des Aspres. Exclusively listed by the Private Desk of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty, this 182-hectare private estate ranks among the largest and most prestigious on the French Riviera.

A prime location between Biot and Cap d’Antibes

Located in the charming village of Biot, known for its rich tradition and artistic heritage, le Domaine des Aspres offers the perfect blend of privacy, nature, and connectivity. Just 3 km from the sea and under 10 km from Nice international airport, it provides easy access to Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, and the tech hub of Sophia Antipolis and Valbonne — a true crossroads of Mediterranean lifestyle, elegance, and innovation.

Cap d’Antibes, only moments away, has long captivated the imagination. A lush peninsula adored by American elites since the roaring twenties, it played host to the golden age of the French Riviera. Lavish residences, seaside palaces, and hidden coves drew Hollywood legends and high society. Among them, timeless icon Marlene Dietrich was a regular guest — she famously inaugurated the estate’s art deco Olympic pool in the 1930s, a stunning feature that still radiates the charm of a bygone era.

A fascinating legacy and Belle Époque architecture

At the heart of the estate stands a Belle Époque château built in the 1920s by Léon Bailby, a renowned French press magnate. Its architect, Messiah, also designed iconic landmarks such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the Palais Masséna. The château offers approximately 1,700 sqm of living space and sits in a 40-hectare wooded park. With its elegant stone façade, grand towers, and stately entrance courtyard, it evokes the full grandeur of the Riviera's golden days.

Fully renovated in 2010, the château elegantly combines period charm with modern amenities: air conditioning, high-speed internet, marble bathrooms, and restored frescoes. A portion of the property remains to be redesigned — an invitation to personalize this extraordinary setting.

Gardens, Olympic pool, and secondary residences

Le Domaine des Aspres is also a celebration of landscape artistry. A 2,000 sqm formal French garden, a Spanish garden, and splendid Italian gardens weave a poetic tapestry of terraces, stone staircases, and cooling fountains. The entire landscape is maintained by a discreet and durable underground irrigation and lighting system.

The estate also boasts a legendary Olympic-size swimming pool — the first of its kind on the French Riviera. Measuring 25 meters, it once served as a training ground for French athletes ahead of the 1936 Olympic Games. Its 80 sqm pool house and triple diving platform complete this one-of-a-kind setting.

Several secondary residences dot the estate, each with exceptional potential. Some are classified in the protected “N” zone (Les Oliviers, La Cigalière, La Maguelone), while others sit in the developable “UEC” zone (Les Cygnes, Le Paradou). These outbuildings offer unique opportunities for restoration or development, fully in keeping with the estate’s grandeur.

A rare estate, an incomparable way of life

Throughout its storied past, le Domaine des Aspres has welcomed illustrious owners such as Léon Bailby and the Malard family, founders of the famed Monoprix retail chain. Their legacy is etched into every stone, path, and vista overlooking the Mediterranean.

This rare estate is the embodiment of refined Côte d’Azur living — where nature reigns, heritage speaks, and understated luxury prevails. Whether as a discreet retreat, a landmark restoration project, or a distinguished addition to an international portfolio, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Le Domaine des Aspres is exclusively represented by the Private Desk of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty. For further information or to arrange a confidential viewing, contact our team dedicated to ultra-prestigious and off-market properties.