Le Palais de la Mediterranee, Nice

Designed by architects Charles and Marcel Dalmas its prestigious inauguration included an impressive line up of celebrities and politicians from France and abroad, all invited as guests of American billionaires Franck and Florence Gould.

From the unveiling of the Art Deco façade, the early 20th century visitors marvelled at the sculpting of Satori, the white marbled, lobby, the massive staircase, the stained glass windows, precious woods and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

Hailed as a gaming palace, the Casino rooms enjoyed some of the most stunning views over the Mediterranean through enormous picture windows.

A 1,000-seat theatre attracted the greatest names in the world of Arts and Entertainment, among them Maurice Chevaliers, Jules Romain, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. After the glitz of the roaring 20s and subsequent glamour of the 30s, the grandeur of the Palais declined little by little until it eventually closed its doors in April of 1978.

The building was demolished with the exception of the façade which was a listed monument.

It was renovated and converted into a luxury five star hotel in 2004.