The legendary story of the Majestic in Cannes

The Pitch | The Barrière Le Majestic Hotel: The Luxurious Saga of a Hotel Legend

The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is a sprightly 90-year-old set to join the exclusive club of century-old luxury hotels in 2026. Adorned with its stunning Art Deco façade, it is part of the Côte d’Azur’s hotel heritage alongside the Negresco in Nice and the Hermitage in Monte-Carlo. Le Majestic was built on the Croisette between 1923 and 1926 by Théo Petit, the architect responsible for the Normandy in Deauville. These two jewels of French hospitality are part of the Barrière hotel group, which also owns another legendary establishment: Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées, which has a sister location in Cannes under the direction of chef Pierre Gagnaire.

Construction on Le Majestic began in 1923; the Cannes spa hotel took the place of the former Beau Rivage and two villas. In the history of Cannes, its opening preceded that of the Martinez by six years, while the Carlton opened its doors as early as 1911. The Barrière Le Majestic hotel gained two floors during the 1960s and added several rooms in the late 1990s, but the most extensive renovations took place in recent years, ten years of renovation resulting in spectacular new suites, including the Dior Suite and the Mélodie Suite, a tribute to *Mélodie en Sous-Sol*, the film by Henri Verneuil starring Jean Gabin and Alain Delon, some scenes of which were shot at the hotel.

The Barrière Le Majestic | What’s the hotel like?

From the moment you step into the lobby, the hotel’s chic bustle captivates you; the nonstop flow of arrivals and departures is perfectly orchestrated by the front desk staff, who handle every situation with a smile and thoughtfulness. Managing the Cannes Film Festival every year really hones their skills! The hotel boasts one of the best concierge services on the French Riviera; nothing seems impossible for Le Majestic’s Clés d’Or. The common areas are very pleasant, particularly the lobby lounges; guests at Le Majestic enjoy a lovely pool, a spa, and a private beach in front of the hotel. A comprehensive offering for a hotel open year-round. At the bar, you’ll find one of interior designer Jacques Garcia’s earliest hotel projects, the famous Second Empire style immortalized at Costes.

The Barrière Le Majestic | What are the rooms like?

349 rooms and suites. Decorated in shades of gray, beige, and white, the rooms are luxuriously furnished in a neutral and elegant style, with a (perhaps?) understated touch. The amenities are perfectly suited for both leisure and business travelers: plenty of outlets, a desk, and ample storage space. Exceptional suites have been added to the lineup over the years, including the spectacular Majestic suite with a private pool and a 150-square-meter terrace facing the Croisette.

Recently, the hotel undertook a renovation project led by Parisian interior designer Isabelle Stanislas (who is notably responsible for the makeover of the Élysée Palace). The first phase focused on enhancing the sea views, with plans to renovate all guest rooms, followed by the lobby and restaurant in the near future. Gone are the navy blue carpets and heavy furniture, deemed too dark. The new rooms and suites reveal a more airy and luminous look, in line with contemporary tastes. Art Deco lighting, motorized headboards, custom furniture, beaded mirrors, and light-colored curtains further enhance comfort, while infusing a modern elegance into spaces that feel more spacious, fluid, and warm. The whole look is enhanced by touches of blue and orange, a tribute, one imagines, to the fabulous sunsets over the Bay of Cannes.

 

What sets us apart?

For guests attending the various events organized by the city of Cannes (Cannes Film Festival, MIP TV, etc.), Le Majestic is ideally located across from the Palais des Festivals. When it comes to leisure activities—from wellness to fine dining—the hotel offers a comprehensive range of services.

Good to know? 

On the culinary front, Pierre Gagnaire helms Fouquet’s, Mauro Colagreco oversees the beachfront restaurant with its wood-fired cuisine, and the Paradiso concept stands out, where Nicole Rubi (formerly of La Petite Maison in Nice) partners with Pierre Gagnaire to offer the best of Nice and Provençal cuisine, all infused with Italian influences. Guests can also enjoy Mademoiselle Gray, the chic and festive restaurant at the Plage Barrière Le Gray D’Albion, which offers a menu of mezze to share (hummus, beet moutabal, or eggplant caviar), grilled dishes (skewers or wild-caught fish), and Mediterranean dishes, accompanied by DJ sets in a bohemian setting entirely redesigned by the architectural firm Prospect Design.

Where is it? 

The hotel is located at 10 Boulevard de la Croisette, a 3-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals, the shops, and the beaches. It takes less than ten minutes to reach the Suquet hill overlooking Cannes. A perfect location.

Which room should you book? 

The hotel offers a variety of room categories; those classified as Prestige Mer feature a lovely view and a small terrace. For a special treat, the Dior Suite—designed like a luxurious two-bedroom apartment—is one of the hotel’s most unique offerings.

Key Takeaways

A legendary 5-star hotel that keeps up with the times, offering impeccable service from the front desk to the restaurants.

5 things we loved about the hotel

• Personalized, tailored service despite the large number of rooms and suites
• The cocktails at the bar
• The location
• The small cinema for a romantic movie night or a family outing
• The heated outdoor pool, open year-round

How much does it cost?

City View Rooms starting at €183 per night, Deluxe Sea View Rooms starting at €387 per night for two people.