Architecture

Maison Bernard, the architectural treasure of the French Riviera.

Unforgettable summer visions have shaped the story of the South of France. Over the years, it has become an iconic place for its charm and its slightly retrò nature, making us nostalgic for a bygone époque.

The extraordinary beauty of the Mediterranean Sea bathing the coast , its lush nature, the food, the stripes, the blue and the uncomfortable stones of Nice all contribute to its allure.

The Place: Théoule-sur-Mer

Located in Théoule-sur-Mer, a few kilometers from Cannes, Maison Bernard is nestled among green vegetation and the unmistakable red rocks that characterize the French town, overlooking the Bay of Cannes.

The first time I visited Théoule, I was struck by the color of the rocks and the unique light reflections, which differ from all other spots on the French Riviera. As you navigate the curves of the road from Cannes, the first beauty you see is the Chateau de Théoule. Originally a soap factory, the mansion is now a 44-room boutique hotel with a private beach, bars, a pool, and restaurants.

Having the opportunity to visit Maison Bernard was a unique coincidence.

Thanks to Genius Loci,, a Parisian association that enhances architectural heritage and opens the doors to many artists' houses, the mansion was available for a guided tour by appointment. This tour offers not only Lovag's architectural masterpiece but also an exhibition of contemporary art located in various rooms of the house.

The story of the house at glance

Maison Bernard has a truly unique history. In addition to being very recognizable and iconic in its shapes and color, its uniqueness is enhanced by the fact that it was entirely handmade. Every single piece was conceived by Antti Lovag specifically for that house and cannot be matched or incorporated into any other house.

Pierre Bernard, the house’s owner, was impressed by Antti Lovag’s talent and innovative ideas. Consequently, he gave Lovag the freedom to begin the construction of Maison Bernard in the early 1970s. Conceived in harmony with nature, the house was completed after almost ten years of construction using artisanal techniques.

Lovag was not interested in architecture as such, but rather focused on man and his living space, creating an envelope that encompassed man's needs. This is why the house gives the feeling of blending perfectly with nature and human beings. The house is the sister of Palais Bulles, Pierre Cardin’s house, which was built later.

The house and the interiors

The house is accessed via a wrought iron gate. After a few stairs, you are in front of the main access door to the house. As soon as you enter, you are surrounded by the curves and geometries of the house, which are truly evocative. The furnishings of the living room are simple but on point, featuring recognizable design elements and contrasts that come from the fabrics of the sofa.

The most striking feature is the view from the panoramic window, where the swimming pool seamlessly merges with the sea, creating a harmonious connection between the two aquatic surfaces. As you explore the various rooms, you notice that each one has a unique color scheme and offers an additional surprise or feature. What impressed me was not only the colors, stimulating the sense of sight, but also the textures experienced without shoes.

The visit also included the exterior, featuring a spacious garden with continuous sea views and contemporary art pieces by various artists.

I highly recommend exploring other Genius Loci activities, as they provide the opportunity to visit incredible places, highlighting the history of architecture while fostering new productions and dialogue between contemporary artistic disciplines.

Wandering around

If you are in that area and have time to wander around, you can relax at L’Anguille, where you can enjoy the beautiful red rocks and a panoramic restaurant overlooking the sea.

If you want to spend a night in Nice, pit stop at Barrique Nice for nice natural wines and tapas.

If you are in Cannes, mandatory oyster dinner at Astoux e Burn, the most famous place for an oyster plateau. Don't be scared by the queue, it's worth the wait and it's quick.