The luxury apartment building Le Provençal on the Côte d’Azur could be just days away from opening, according to its British developer John Caudwell.
The billionaire businessman (and philanthropist) said in a post on Facebook on 23 May that his company is “days away from officially unveiling this stunningly restored development of 41 luxury residences“.
Antibes Juan-les-Pins mayor Jean Leonetti had put pressure on for the project to be finished by Summer 2025.
The rebirth of the legendary property, which was first built in 1927, has most of the Riviera abuzz with anticipation. But behind the scenes, it’s more than just another spectacular project for Caudwell. It’s a personal dream come true.
The developer has managed to do what nobody else could. For decades (almost 50 years) the iconic hotel lay abandoned since closing its doors in 1977. A handful of developers started and gave up… until Caudwell. He has miraculously and meticulously breathed new life – and a lot of money (£300-million according to Bloomberg) – into the Provençal. He has created – in his own words – “a reborn jewel in the French Riviera crown”.
Caudwell’s Penthouse Dream
Caudwell would gaze upon it during his holidays to the French Riviera, and dream of having a penthouse on top. He even designed it, long before he thought of actually buying the whole building! Today his dream is coming true, and the design of the penthouse has influenced the luxurious design throughout the property.
On a recent tour of the almost-completed building with Leonetti, Caudwell said “it felt a bit like a homecoming” wandering through the penthouse, as his dream comes to fruition 15 years after he first imagined it.
Posting to Facebook on 23 May 2025, Caudwell said:
“For years, I would cycle past the derelict Hotel Provençal on Cap d’Antibes, always thinking how sad it was that such a magnificent and historic French Riviera landmark had been left in such a state.
“Then one day I saw a number on a board outside the shuttered building, rang it and made an offer. That was 2014.”
It’s now 11 years later, and 25% of the luxury apartments have already been sold “with growing interest from an influx of Americans to the area”.
An exciting link with its hotel ‘heritage’ remains
Although the Provençal has been transformed from a hotel into residential apartments, Caudwell confirmed that it will be retaining a hotel connection! The Provençal has partnered with Belles Rives (the hotel which was previously a private villa rented by F. Scott Fitzgerald).
“This gives residents access to a range of additional super-prime services and perks including the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant and private beach club,” wrote Caudwell.
Show Apartment Available to View
Serious buyers are invited to contact the Provençal to view its first show apartment. The marketing material describes the apartment as “a 4-bedroom residence with terraces offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Alps. Interior design inspired by the charm of the French Riviera in the 50s and 60s, the residence offers a blend of modernist aesthetics and understated luxury. Located within an art-deco icon transformed into 41 residences. Prices from €7-million.”
Apart from the spectacular view, residents will be able to enjoy “beautifully landscaped gardens, health spa, and a 30-metre outdoor swimming pool”. There’s also a cinema, a restaurant, the beautiful Côte d’Azur to explore, and the rich history that comes with the iconic landmark that once hosted French aristocrats and Hollywood legends.
The Provençal on 21 May 2025, as it nears completion. © Riviera Edition:
Philanthropy
Like the original owner, American financier Frank Jay Gould (son of railroad magnate Jay Gould), philanthropy is important to Caudwell.
In his post about the Provençal, he notes that “these, and all of my assets, contribute to my Giving Pledge commitment to donate 70% of my wealth to good causes, including (charities) @caudwellchildren and @caudwellyouth, during or after my lifetime.”
Caudwell says he doesn’t want to only be remembered for making it as a mobile phone entrepreneur (most famously with Phones 4U). “I’m intent on leaving a lasting legacy, mainly through philanthropy but also by creating some of the world’s most beautiful residences.” One of those is 1 Mayfair in London. Another is Le Provençal.
The Provençal will help boost Juan-les-Pins
After Caudwell and Leonetti walked through the renovated Provençal, the Antibes Juan-les-Pins mayor said he was pleased to “discover the rebirth of the mythical Provençal in #JuanlesPins. After nearly 50 years of abandonment, this 1920s gem becomes a luxury residence between Art Deco heritage and modernity.”
The mayor said there are 11 floors, nine swimming pools, and that there will be six boutiques (open to the public) on the ground floor facing the Belles Rives. He said this “spectacular revival” for Le Provençal, also heralds a well-deserved boost for Juan-les-Pins which is getting a facelift along with the remodelled beaches (currently underway).
Leonetti said the Provençal’s completion will push the resort of Juan-les-Pins towards excellence and quality, and that after all the rumours that it would never reopen, or that it would be turned into a homeless shelter, “the reality returns… and the reality is more beautiful than a dream”.
WATCH The Provençal Opens Soon
Since we filmed this a month ago, most of the scaffolding has been removed.
Find out more about The Provençal here: https://leprovencal.com/
