Chanel's forgotten villa returns to glory on the Côte d'Azur

In a serene bay at the edge of Monaco, a villa rose in the 1930s where simplicity and elegance met. La Pausa, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel's Mediterranean retreat, has been restored after decades of silence, while retaining its soul and unmistakable style. The French Riviera in the 1920s was […]

In a serene bay on the outskirts of Monaco, a villa was rebuilt in the 1930s where simplicity and elegance came together. La Pausa, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel's Mediterranean retreat, has been restored after decades of silence, while retaining its soul and unmistakable style.

The French Riviera in the 1920s was the scene of artistic minds and world-famous writers. In the midst of this colorful enclave, Coco Chanel found refuge in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. She bought a pink bungalow on a five-hectare estate full of lavender and olive trees. Her villa, La Pausa, became a subtle ode to her youth in the austere monastery of Aubazine.

Minimalism with a golden edge

No lavish ballrooms, then: Chanel opted for bare walls, symmetrical lines and a muted palette that breathed her minimalist vision. The grand hall with chandelier and Venetian mirror was just one of the quiet statement pieces. 

Chanel received Salvador Dalí, Pierre Reverdy and Luchino Visconti there. Dance evenings only ended when the sun rose over Menton. But after the war she left La Pausa behind. In 1953 she sold the house, including its contents, to publisher Emery Reves. It was only ten years ago that it returned to the fashion house of Chanel.

Architect Peter Marino, who had been responsible for Chanel's boutiques for decades, breathed new life into the villa without losing sight of the spirit of 1935. Furniture was found at auctions or reproduced. The bathrooms were given floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and the library regained its oak paneling.