This September, CHANEL reopens La Pausa Chanel, the legendary Gabrielle Chanel villa on the French Riviera, as a private residence and cultural retreat. Perched above Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, this historic estate—built in 1929—is the only house entirely designed by Mademoiselle herself, making it a rare embodiment of her vision and values.
The villa’s revival is the result of a meticulous restoration by Peter Marino, who preserved the spirit of the original while subtly elevating its architectural presence. Now, La Pausa Chanel will host creative residencies and curated storytelling projects, echoing its past as a haven for artists such as Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau.
Every detail in the Gabrielle Chanel villa reflects her refined minimalism, influenced by the Aubazine abbey of her youth. From arched windows to oak woodwork and antique chandeliers, the space resonates with Chanel heritage—quiet, sophisticated, and deeply symbolic.
Though not open to the public, the villa returns to life through Chanel Heritage Sites, an initiative to safeguard the brand’s cultural landmarks. With its reawakening, La Pausa Chanel becomes more than architecture; it becomes a living story of style, memory, and meaning.
Photography by CLÉMENT VAYSSIERES