Château de la Croë Travel Guide

Château de la Croë, a jewel of the French Riviera, is located on the exclusive Cap d'Antibes. Built in 1927 in a Victorian style, the château was commissioned by Sir William Pomeroy Burton, general manager of Associated Newspapers. The architect Armand Albert Rateau drew inspiration from the Château de Bagatelle near Paris.The château is famous for being the former residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. After abdicating the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, Edward VIII rented the château in 1938, and the Duchess spent lavishly to recreate the royal palace ambiance, hosting royalty and political elites like Winston Churchill. Churchill and his wife celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at the Château. The Duke and Duchess eventually moved to Paris.Later, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis owned the Château from 1950 to 1957. Since 2001, it has been owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who invested over 33 million euros in renovations, including a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, and cinema. Although the interiors are not open to the public , visitors can admire the exterior, lush gardens, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal path, Chemin des Douaniers, offers stunning views of the Château.