L'Impérial à Menton: The most modern of all Palaces

The L'Impérial residence in Menton, a name that instantly evokes elegance and refinement, is much more than just a real estate complex. Nestled in Menton, on the Côte d'Azur, this exceptional residence offers a luxurious living experience steeped in history, and all within an idyllic geographical setting.

The elegant history of L'Impérial in Menton

Known as one of the last buildings of its type to be built in Menton, and on the Côte d'Azur, it stands out from its neighbors for its decidedly modern amenities for the time, such as elevators and telephones, as well as baths on every floor. The remains of the boiler, innovative for its time, can also be seen today.

It was built in 1913, three years after the arrival of the railroads on the French Riviera. The Imperial was one of the witnesses to the economic revival that the railroad brought to Menton, helping the coastal town to become one of the top destinations for the world's aristocracy, including Queen Victoria.

The hotel was affiliated with London's Ritz Carlton, offering top-of-the-range services in its 300 rooms, as well as an exceptional outdoor area with tennis court, golf course, exotic park and music hall. Classical music concerts were held here, making it a resolutely worldly venue.

During the First World War, the prestigious residence was transformed into a war hospital, and soon afterwards welcomed the first winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, Marie Curie, who set up her first bone radiology practice here.

Today, L'Impérial is the only former hotel in France to be classified as a Historic Monument for its entire surface area: the park, facades, roof, annexes and common areas.

The majestic architecture of the Palace L'Impérial

The architecture of the L'Impérial residence is a perfect blend of Belle Époque elegance, Mediterranean and neo-classical styles. Exquisite architectural details, wrought-iron balconies, La Turbie stone facades, lush gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea make it a living work of art.

The façade features numerous balconies, columns and moldings inspired by the Hôtel Crillon in Paris.

For the staircases, the architect drew inspiration from Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the architect of the Trianon in Versailles.

Attention to architectural detail makes this residence stand out as a rare example of Côte d'Azur architecture. Designed by Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling, it is perfectly in keeping with his work.

Hans-Georg Tersling, a Dane on the Côte d'Azur

Trained in architecture in Copenhagen, he settled in Menton in 1880. He worked on the Monte-Carlo casino site alongside Charles Garnier, and later, in 1888, built his first grand hotel, the Métropole, in Monte-Carlo.

A prolific urban planner, he also worked on the development of Cap-Martin, where he built the Grand Hôtel. Roquebrune Cap Martin's success as a new vacation destination for the European gotha was crowned by a commission from Empress Eugenie to build the Villa Cyrnos.

Between 1897 and 1899, he built the Hôtel Bristol de Beaulieu, followed by a villa on the Promenade des Anglais, now the Musée Masséna. The construction of the Kursaal, now the Palais de l'Europe, in Menton in 1909, was one of his major achievements.

It was 7 years before his death, in 1913, that the architect built Menton's last great palace, the Hôtel Impérial.

An Enviable Location in Menton

Menton is ideally located between Italy and Monaco. This privileged position offers residents of L'Impérial easy access to the cultural and gastronomic treasures of neighboring Italy, as well as to the opulence of the Principality of Monaco.

What's more, the town is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, creating a picturesque setting for everyday life. One of Menton's major assets is its charming waterfront. L'Impérial enjoys privileged access to this stretch of golden sand and azure sea that has inspired so many renowned artists.

Whether for peaceful morning strolls or relaxing to the sound of the waves in the evening, this breathtaking view of the Mediterranean is an inexhaustible source of serenity.

Living in L'Impérial, a luxury residence in Menton

The hotel has been converted into a luxury condominium residence since 1948, Today discover a charming two-room, 63 m² apartment, ideal as a main residence for a couple or as a second home. Its exposure and high ceilings make it exceptionally bright.

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Enjoy the generous volumes, luminosity and sumptuous atmosphere of this building. The apartment boasts a magnificent 29-square-meter terrace with breathtaking sea views, south-facing exposure and recent renovation using quality materials. The L'Impérial residence in Menton is much more than just a place to live.

It's a living legacy of historic Côte d'Azur elegance, an architectural marvel and an ideal location for those seeking a life of luxury, history and Mediterranean beauty.

To decide to call L'Impérial home is to make an exceptional choice. If you're looking to invest in property in Menton, L'Impérial should be at the top of your list.

To find out more, contact the residence's experts, Luca Lanzani and Hanane Lauraire, or visit them at the Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty real estate agency in Beaulieu sur Mer.