Straight lines were anathema to architect Antti Lovag, and you will not find a single one in this complex of domes overlooking the Med being sold by the fashion designer
Main image: For sale: Pierre Cardin’s Palais Bulles on the French Riviera at Théoule-sur-Mer near Cannes.
Fri 17 Mar 2017 03.00 EDT Last modified on Wed 23 Sep 2020 10.56 EDT
Fashion designer Pierre Cardin’s Palais Bulles (Bubble Palace), a complex of interconnected, terracotta-coloured domes on the French Riviera at Théoule-sur-Mer near Cannes, is up for sale. On the market with agent Tranio Overseas Property, it is priced at €350m (£305m), one of the highest asking prices ever for a European property.Pictures: Tranio Overseas Property, unless otherwise credited. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
The Bubble Palace was built between 1975 and 1989 by the Hungarian architect Antti Lovag, who wanted to design a home that mimicked prehistoric human dwellings in caves. Its undulating lines, circular spaces and lack of corners were the trademarks of Lovag, who said he considered the straight line to be ‘an aggression against nature’. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
With 10 bedroom suites to choose from, at least no one has to share bathrooms. A big headache for guests must be deciding which way round to sleep on the circular beds. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
The 1,200 sq m complex includes an enormous banquet hall/reception area, a panoramic lounge with windows facing the sea, and 10 space-age bedroom suites decorated and furnished by contemporary artists. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Waterfalls spill over the building’s ochre surfaces and outside there are more than 8,500 sq m of tropical gardens and terraces with private swimming pools. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Cardin bought the Bubble Palace as a holiday home at auction in the early 90s after the death of its original French industrialist owner. For the following two decades, the Italian-born designer hosted a string of celeb parties and fashion events at the wacky mansion. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Built over six levels on an undulating rocky outcrop of the Massif de L’Esterel, a volcanic mountain range known for its red hues, Palais Bulles overlooks the bays of Cannes and Nice. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Now for hire for movie premieres, weddings and photo shoots, the entire estate can be rented via its own website until it is sold. No fees are divulged online but it is reported to cost roughly £24,000 a day.
