A Riviera Reverie: Indulging in Grandeur at the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Review: The Jewel of Cannes
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
If it’s Tuesday, it must be the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic in Cannes. After a summer that felt like a blur—over ten destinations ticked off, including the usual escapades with adventure car tours—this iconic hotel was a fitting crescendo. The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is not just a stay; it’s an experience. So, once more unto the breach.
Getting there is delightfully simple: a swift hop from London to Nice followed by a leisurely 30-minute chauffeur-driven ride to Cannes. As you arrive, the hotel lives up to its name—majestic and more. Its imposing façade, a testament to Belle Époque grandeur, dominates the iconic La Croisette. From the moment I stepped into the majestic lobby, I was enveloped in an aura of timeless elegance. This is no ordinary hotel; it's a palace, perfectly positioned on the beachfront with its own private enclave and a mere stone's throw from the star-studded Palais des Festivals, the epicenter of cinematic glamour during the annual Cannes Film Festival.
Rooms Fit for Royalty
My abode for the next few days was the exquisite Prestige Sea View Room, a symphony of Art Deco elegance. The king-size bed, draped in the finest linens, beckoned, while the expansive marble bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and an invigorating shower, promised pure indulgence. Each morning, I would awaken to the gentle caress of the Mediterranean sun, savouring breakfast on my private balcony, a front-row seat to the vibrant spectacle of Cannes awakening. A small but noteworthy detail: the in-room phone system is impeccable, with dedicated buttons for everything—guest services, spa, beach, bar—you name it. Luxury is in the details.
Culinary Heaven at Le Fouquet’s
Lunch at Le Fouquet's, the legendary Parisian brasserie, was an unforgettable experience, beginning with a glass of Ruinart Champagne. Nine oysters (Pain de seigle, beurre, sauce échalote au vinaigre de vin rouge) led to their pièce de résistance: the steak tartare (Tartare de bœuf classique), a dish so divine it could convert a vegetarian. Le Fouquet’s reputation for tartare is legendary, and must be tried while you are there.
Joining us was the hotel’s charming director, Charles Ricci, en route to Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf in St Barths (lucky man). Charles regaled us with stories as we sipped liberal quantities of Provençal rosé, making the afternoon a delightful blur. Dessert? Of course. I succumbed to an Île flottante and a Fondant au chocolat, shared under the guise of restraint. Death by chocolate? Worth it.
The food at Le Fouquet’s is nothing short of sublime. Overseen by Pierre Gagnaire, the culinary genius with 12 Michelin stars to his name, it’s a masterclass in Parisian brasserie classics, reinterpreted with flair. The original Le Fouquet’s in Paris opened in 1899, making its Cannes counterpart, at a mere 120 years old, a relative upstart. This is also where the stars gather, whether during the Cannes Film Festival or throughout the year.
La Dolce Vita on La Croisette
The afternoon was spent strolling along La Croisette, watching impeccably dressed locals walk their impossibly tiny dogs or lounging in cafés. The October sun bathed us in a luxurious 25°C. A massage at the hotel spa followed, rejuvenating us just in time for dinner—at Le Fouquet’s again. Champagne, exquisite red wines, and impeccable cuisine flowed freely, accompanied by raucous, laughter-filled conversation. This is indulgence at its finest.
A Historical Excursion
The next day, a 30-minute boat ride whisked us to St Marguerite Island, home to the legendary Fort Royal and the enigmatic Man in the Iron Mask. This mysterious prisoner was held here for 11 years during Louis XIV’s reign. The island, with its gorgeous pine trees, also offers views of St Honorat Monastery, or Lérins Abbey, a serene Cistercian retreat. The monks produce exceptional wine and liqueurs, which, of course, make perfect souvenirs.
I enjoyed a delightful, leisurely swim in the surprisingly warm October waters. Refreshed and invigorated, we strolled back to the quaint port and set sail for Cannes, with the setting sun painting the sky in hues of gold—a radiant finale to a truly marvellous day.
High-End Indulgence
Dinner at Fouquet’s featured Caviar Osciètre Casparian (€95 for a small tin) and oysters paired with Provençal wine. Despite its luxe offerings, the lunch menu starts at a surprisingly reasonable €35.
The morning was spent strolling through Cannes, savouring the café culture and marvelling at the luxury boutiques showcasing every premium brand imaginable.
Lunch was held at the Majestic Private Beach Restaurant, reopened just for us (and a few impeccably dressed guests attending an Italian fashion brand event). The beach, sculpted annually by the hotel, boasts a wooden dock for private yachts, ensuring your grand arrival is as seamless as the rest of your stay.
A Legacy of Excellence
In the afternoon, we chatted with Gilles, the head concierge, whose father served here for 40 years. Gilles shared tales of Cannes during the Film Festival and how his team—17 doormen, 11 concierges, and 10 porters—ensures no guest request is impossible.
For the truly elite, the 7th-floor Majestic Suite spans 650 square metres and costs €45,000 per night off-season. The Christian Dior Suite on the 6th floor (€30,000 per night) offers stunning décor inspired by the designer, while the Riviera Suite, with its nautical charm, is my personal favourite at €20,000–€25,000 per night. Naturally, all Signature Collection Suites come with full-time butlers.
The Place to Be Seen
But perhaps the most coveted spot is The Terrasse Piscine at the front of the hotel—lounging by the bar or the pool, dressed in your finest Gucci budgie smugglers, sipping a fine single malt, and watching the world go by, all while sharing space with every famous name in cinematic history.
Bar À Parfums By Emanuele Balestra
Our final evening found us luxuriating on the soft, plush sofas in the bar before dinner, indulging in a selection of extreme cocktails masterfully concocted by the celebrated Emanuel Balestra—an alchemist of taste and the ultimate ultra-natural barman.
"I see myself as an alchemist of taste. My trademark is a subtle combination of alcohol and the plants I grow at the Majestic itself," Emanuel proudly declared.
Oh yes, they’ve got a herb garden right there on the roof, conveniently near the Signature Suites, supplying the restaurant and bar with fresh ingredients. Quite the elevated farm-to-glass experience.
These cheeky cocktails set the tone perfectly—sparking lively laughter as we put the world to rights, one sip at a time.
Here’s a little teaser of the selection, in its original poetic French because, let’s face it, everything sounds fancier en français:
Cloudy Majestic
Tequila Avion Cristalino, Italicus, La Blanche du Majestic, parfum à la bergamote et pélargonium rosat, rim de sel à la bergamote de nos jardins.
La Grande Dame
Gin 44 Bigarade, Champagne, arôme maison à la verveine et parfum orange amère et verveine de notre jardin aromatique.
Negroni à la Camomille
Campari infusé à la camomille noble de Rome, Gin Beefeater 24, Del Professore Blanc, cocktail vieilli en fût de chêne.
For those steering clear of alcohol (or simply pacing themselves), the mocktails were, dare I say, even more divine:
Saveur du Verger
Jus d’orange, jus d’ananas, pêche blanche (orange juice, pineapple juice, white peach).
Le Bonbon du Jardin
Cordial pelargonium rosat, ginger ale.
All in all, it was an evening of elevated flavours, lively laughter, and just the right dose of mischief—pure Majestic magic.
Fame. I’m Going To Live Forever
Photographs of every conceivable celebrity guest, from the 1920s to today, adorn the Majestic’s walls. Let’s face it, you’re likely sharing a bed that Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Cruise, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, George Clooney, Taylor Swift, and Brad Pitt have all slept in—if that’s the right verb.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic isn’t just a hotel; it’s a lifestyle. It’s where luxury meets history, and indulgence becomes an art form.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic In Cannes
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