Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, has acquired the legendary Cap Estel hotel on the French Riviera for approximately €200 million. The transaction was completed through Arnault’s family holding company, Financière Agache, and was finalized on July 17, 2025, according to reports.
A Hotel of Discretion and Splendour
Cap Estel is a five-star hotel perched on a two-hectare private peninsula in Èze, located between Nice and Monaco. With just 20 rooms and suites, the property offers an intimate scale that ensures the utmost privacy. It features a spa, gourmet restaurant, Mediterranean-facing gardens, and even a giant chessboard overlooking the sea. Combining Belle Époque elegance with complete discretion, Cap Estel has long been cherished by wealthy clientele and celebrities from around the world.
The property’s history dates back to 1899, when it was built by Franck Harris, an Irish publisher and confidant of Oscar Wilde. Over the decades, it passed through the hands of aristocrats, artists, and industrialists. By the mid-20th century, it had become a glamorous retreat for global icons such as Greta Garbo, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, and even The Beatles. In the early 2000s, the hotel underwent extensive renovations, preserving its Belle Époque charm while transforming into one of the most private luxury hotels in the world.
A Record-Setting Benchmark in European Hospitality
This acquisition is considered to have set a historic benchmark in Europe’s luxury hotel market. According to CFNEWS IMMO, the valuation exceeds €10 million per key, far surpassing previous records. By comparison, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (Four Seasons), sold in 2015, was valued at approximately €3.5 million per key, while the famed Hotel du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes is estimated at €5–6 million per key.
Stéphane Cherki, the mayor of Èze, confirmed the sale, officially recognizing that one of the Riviera’s most iconic properties has passed into the hands of one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Expanding Arnault’s Riviera Strategy
Arnault has already established a strong presence on the Riviera. In 2016, he acquired La Résidence de la Pinède in Saint-Tropez, now known as Cheval Blanc St-Tropez. His 101-meter yacht, Symphony, is a frequent sight between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, further underscoring his long-standing affinity for the region. The addition of Cap Estel strengthens his influence and footprint along the coast.
However, this deal differs from LVMH’s hotel ventures under Cheval Blanc and Belmond. Conducted through Financière Agache, the acquisition reflects more of a “family asset investment,” aimed at securing an irreplaceable and rare property. The objective lies in safeguarding intangible values such as prestige, discretion, and international allure for the long term.
In recent years, industrial magnates, institutional investors, and sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East and Asia have accelerated the acquisition of iconic hotels, treating them as “cultural assets” rather than traditional hospitality businesses. In this context, Bernard Arnault’s purchase of Cap Estel marks not only a record-setting acquisition but also establishes a new benchmark for Europe’s luxury hospitality market.
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