Villa Les Lucioles in Nice: Belle Époque elegance and Art Deco refinement in the heart of Parc Impérial

Exclusivity in Nice, Parc Impérial

Nestled in one of Nice’s most iconic residential neighborhoods, Villa Les Lucioles perfectly embodies the blend of Niçois architectural heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle. This historic property combines Belle Époque elegance, Art Deco touches, and breathtaking views over the city and the sea.

A distinguished origin: Jean Cuggia and Nice’s high society

Built in 1912, Villa Les Lucioles was designed by Jean Cuggia, a leading architect of early 20th-century Nice. Born in Nice in 1868 and deceased in 1946, Cuggia fils, as he is often referred to in historical records, established his architectural practice in 1898, moving through several prestigious locations in the city including Rue Vernier, Rue de l’Hôtel des Postes, Rue d’Angleterre, Rue Gioffredo, and Boulevard Dubouchage.

Initially a draftsman, he gained recognition as an architect and court expert, developing a style at the crossroads of Belle Époque and Art Deco influences, during a time when Nice was rapidly evolving.

The building permit was filed in 1911 by M. Pancho on behalf of Édouard Soulas, a visionary entrepreneur who made his fortune in Argentina’s meat trade before acquiring several grand estates in Nice. His taste for elegant, structured architecture found a perfect match in Jean Cuggia’s refined aesthetic.

The Dalmas legacy: architects of the Riviera’s grand hotels and residences

In 1924, ownership passed to Jules Vanderpol (or Vanderpool according to some sources), who commissioned renowned Niçois architects Charles Dalmas and his son Marcel Dalmas to modify the façades and build a garage on Rue du Rocher.

Charles Dalmas distinguished himself from the late 19th century onward through his involvement in designing the Riviera’s luxury palaces, during a period when the arrival of the railway in Nice opened the city to a wealthy international clientele. After 1880, as France reopened to Europe, the Louis XVI style experienced a resurgence, inspiring elegant façades based on the works of architect Gabriel.

Dalmas developed a more strict and refined classical vocabulary that catered to the Riviera’s social elite. His designs often featured large south-facing openings on the ground floor, maximizing views of the sea and sunlight, perfectly marrying the international neoclassical style of the era with the social life of Nice.

Notable works include:

- Palais Winter (1900)

- Hôtel Hermitage, Avenue Bieckert (1906)

- Villa Argentine, Boulevard de Cimiez (1907)

- Grand-Palais, Boulevard de Cimiez (1911)

From the 1920s, Charles worked closely with his son Marcel Dalmas (1892–1950), enriching Nice’s architectural heritage with a distinctive signature. Their intervention at Villa Les Lucioles, through façade updates and the addition of a garage, firmly situates the property within the refined language of interwar bourgeois residences.

Refined living within a historic setting

Beyond its elegant façade dated 1912 (marked by a commemorative medallion), the villa offers 366 sqm of living space spread over four levels, set on a landscaped 740 sqm plot. Carefully restored, it combines high-end amenities with deep respect for its heritage.

Reception rooms evoke a rare Haussmannian atmosphere in Nice: original moldings, a restored fireplace, period mosaics, generous volumes, and abundant natural light.

The bespoke kitchen reflects a contemporary Riviera spirit, blending artisan ceramics with noble materials for a warm yet sophisticated ambiance.

Intimacy, light, and panoramic views

The approximately 50 sqm master suite invites calm and serenity, featuring a double-sided fireplace, a custom louvered dressing room, and a luxurious bathroom finished with natural Kerakoll materials and handcrafted sinks.

Two additional bedrooms, one with a private terrace, share an elegant high-end bathroom.

The top floor offers a bright multi-purpose room with sea views and access to a rooftop terrace, a rare and coveted feature in central Nice.

The garden level houses a TV lounge, a glass-enclosed office, a climate-controlled wine cellar, a fully equipped laundry room, and a self-contained studio with kitchenette and bathroom, ideal for guests or staff.

Outside, a hand-tiled swimming pool borders a sun-drenched terrace, complemented by a secure garage with space for four vehicles.

An exceptional address in Nice

Villa Les Lucioles strikes the perfect balance between historic elegance and modern comfort, located in one of Nice’s most desirable neighborhoods, just minutes from the city center, international schools, beaches, and the airport.

Are you looking for a property steeped in history, rare and prestigious, in the heart of the French Riviera?

Contact Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty for a private tour of Villa Les Lucioles and discover an extraordinary residence, where the sea, culture, and light come together.