Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, has been home to many prestigious venues that have shaped its social identity. Among them, three iconic casinos – the Casino de la Jetée-Promenade, the Casino Municipal and the Palais de la Méditerranée – have left their mark on the city’s history. This article explores their history, their locations and the reasons for their demise.
The Casino de la Jetée-Promenade: A lost maritime icon
Address and location: Located at sea, off what is now the Jardin Albert 1er, it was accessible from the Promenade des Anglais, in the Baumettes district.
Inaugurated in 1891, the Casino de la Jetée-Promenade embodied the splendour of the Belle Époque. Inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, it was distinguished by its sumptuous architecture, with glass and wrought-iron domes. Accessible via an elegant footbridge, it offered breathtaking views over the Bay of Angels.
Its iron and glass structure, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, welcomed an aristocratic clientele for games, concerts and social events.
Nearby attractions included the Jardin Albert 1er, one of Nice’s oldest public gardens, and the Théâtre de Verdure, an open-air performance space still in use today.
This prestigious venue hosted games rooms, concerts and sumptuous receptions, attracting the international elite. However, its strategic location on the sea was its undoing. During the Second World War, it was dismantled in 1944 by German forces, who feared that it could be used as a base for a possible Allied landing. Today, only a commemorative panel and postcards recall its existence.
The Casino Municipal: The beating heart of Place Masséna
Address and location: Place Masséna, in the Carré d’Or district, a stone’s throw from Avenue Jean Médecin and the Promenade des Anglais.
Inaugurated in 1884, the Casino Municipal was a landmark in Nice’s cultural and social life. This monumental building housed gaming rooms, a prestigious theatre, a ballroom and elegant lounges. Its strategic position in the city centre made it an essential meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Nearby landmarks included :
– Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice’s main shopping street.
– The Fontaine du Soleil, with its statue of Apollo, on the Place Masséna.
– The Promenade du Paillon, a contemporary green space linking the city centre to the sea.
Despite its importance, the Casino Municipal closed its doors in 1978. In 1979, it was demolished to make way for modern infrastructures, including the Albert 1er park and pedestrian areas.
After decades of success, the rise of new entertainment venues and economic constraints sealed its fate. In 1979, the building was demolished to make way for today’s Parc Albert 1er and modern facilities. Its demise left a gaping hole in Nice’s cultural landscape.
The Palais de la Méditerranée : The icon of the Promenade des Anglais
Address and location: 15 Promenade des Anglais, in the Musiciens district, close to the Negresco and the sea.
Inaugurated in 1929, the Palais de la Méditerranée is one of the jewels of the Promenade des Anglais. Designed in a remarkable Art Deco style, it housed a casino, a theatre and luxurious lounges. It was the centre of social life in the Roaring Twenties, hosting shows, gala evenings and gambling in sumptuous surroundings.
Nearby points of interest include
– The Hôtel Negresco, another symbol of luxury in Nice, just a few minutes’ walk away.
– The Promenade des Anglais, ideal for a stroll along the seafront.
– The Musée Masséna, dedicated to the history of Nice and the Riviera.
However, after several decades of success, the Palais closed its doors in 1978, a victim of financial difficulties and a growing lack of interest in traditional casinos. Part of the building was demolished in 1990, but thanks to local efforts, its historic façade was preserved. In 2004, it was reborn as a luxury hotel combined with a modern casino, integrating history and innovation.
A bygone era, but a living legacy
These three casinos have left their mark on Nice’s iconic districts and contributed to its reputation as a capital of luxury and entertainment. The Casino de la Jetée-Promenade, which disappeared at sea, remains a nostalgic reminder of the Belle Époque. The Casino Municipal, the beating heart of Place Masséna, symbolizes a bygone era. Finally, the restored Palais de la Méditerranée embodies the balance between heritage and modernity.
Nice Casinos: History, Locations and the End of Three Symbols of Luxury
Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, has been home to many prestigious venues that have shaped its social identity. Among them, three iconic casinos – the Casino de la Jetée-Promenade, the Casino Municipal and the Palais de la Méditerranée – have left their mark on the city’s history. This article explores their history, their locations and the reasons for their demise.