Atelier POD Reinvents a Historic Croisette Landmark for Contemporary Luxury Living
Le Relais de la Reine: The completed transformation of a historic Cannes address into an exclusive residential destination through contemporary design, refined materials and a new vision of Mediterranean living.
Cannes, France — On the legendary Boulevard de la Croisette, Le Relais de la Reine begins a new chapter in its history. Originally known as Hôtel Gonnet, established in 1858 as the first hotel on Cannes’ celebrated promenade, the building has now been transformed into an exclusive residential address.
Atelier POD has recently completed and delivered the comprehensive renovation of the building’s interiors, marking the culmination of an ambitious transformation that goes far beyond aesthetic refurbishment.
The project reimagines the residential configuration, spatial proportions and overall experience of the property, introducing a contemporary expression of luxury living while preserving the significance of its historic address.
A Dialogue Between Heritage and Contemporary Design
Behind the building’s distinctive Art Deco façade, Atelier POD deliberately chose not to reproduce its historic architectural language.
Instead, the studio has introduced a contrasting interior world defined by contemporary lines, tactile materials and warm, understated sophistication.
Rather than extending the decorative vocabulary of the exterior, the design establishes its own identity through simplicity of form, carefully composed volumes and the richness of natural materials.
This deliberate contrast allows two architectural expressions to coexist, creating a dialogue between the building’s heritage and contemporary ways of living.
Reimagining the Residential Experience
A central component of the completed transformation was the comprehensive reconfiguration of the building’s residential layouts.
The new spatial organisation introduces a variety of residential typologies, including more generous apartments created through the consolidation of existing units on the upper floors.
The transformation culminates in a spacious duplex occupying the seventh and eighth floors, complemented by a rooftop terrace.
Beyond increasing spatial generosity, this new residential composition responds to evolving expectations of luxury living, placing greater emphasis on comfort, privacy and the quality of the everyday experience.
The Quiet Luxury of Materials
Materiality lies at the heart of Atelier POD’s design approach.
Wood and leather wall finishes introduce warmth, texture and depth, while a restrained palette of beige, sand and taupe creates a calm and cohesive atmosphere.
Integrated joinery, carefully considered proportions and indirect lighting contribute to interiors that feel both sophisticated and welcoming.
Furniture, decorative elements and subtle accents of colour enrich the spaces without compromising their serenity.
Throughout the residences, generous openings frame views towards the Mediterranean, allowing natural light and the surrounding landscape to become integral elements of the interior experience.
Rather than relying on ostentation, the design expresses luxury through the precision of its details, the quality of its materials and the comfort of its spaces.
A Complete Residential Experience
Atelier POD’s design extends beyond the private residences to the building’s shared amenities, ensuring a coherent architectural identity throughout the property.
The entrance lobby, spa, indoor swimming pool and rooftop have been designed as complementary elements of the residential experience.
Wellness facilities, including an indoor pool, fitness area and sauna, reinforce the property’s positioning as an exclusive residential address.
From the moment residents enter the building, the transition from the energy of the Croisette to the privacy of the interiors becomes part of a carefully considered spatial experience.
Where Context Meets Wonder
The recently delivered Le Relais de la Reine illustrates Atelier POD’s expertise in transforming existing properties through a contemporary interpretation of their architectural and cultural context.
From concept development and interior design through to construction supervision and final delivery, the studio has accompanied the transformation with particular attention to architectural coherence, craftsmanship and the quality of the residential experience.
The completed project introduces a new expression of luxury living on the Croisette, where architectural heritage and contemporary design coexist, and where the intimacy of residential living meets the timeless appeal of the French Riviera.
About Atelier POD
Founded in Paris in 1999 by architect and designer Lotfi Sidi Rahal as POD Lab, Atelier POD began as a platform for architectural experimentation, with early works exhibited at international cultural institutions including the Vitra Design Museum, Kunsthaus Graz and ICA Boston.
In 2005, the laboratory evolved into Atelier POD, extending its experimental approach to architecture, interior design and destination-making.
Today, with studios in Paris, Casablanca and Dubai, Atelier POD develops projects internationally across luxury hospitality, high-end residential and retail environments, collaborating with leading hospitality brands including Anantara, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and others.
Guided by its philosophy Where Context Meets Wonder, the studio creates distinctive places and identities rooted in their surroundings, shaped by human experience and conceived to endure.
Website: www.atelierpod.com
Press enquiries: Laurine Hugel — laurine.hugel@atelierpod.com
Photography: © JBregua Photography
