As part of the renovation of the iconic Palm Beach complex in Cannes, architecture and design firm Caprini & Pellerin has crafted the Jean-Paul, the first members’ bar on the French Riviera.
Inspired by the building’s cinematic legacy— most notably as the backdrop for the 1963 film “Any Number Can Win (Melodie en Sous-Sol)” starring Alain Delon—the architects Jerry Pellerin and Kevin Caprini envisioned the Jean- Paul Members’ Bar as a hidden gem within Palm Beach.
Named in honor of the french actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, this bar celebrates his storied friendship with Delon. The space evokes the Riviera’s golden age, offering guests a journey back to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Côte d'Azur and surrounded by a community of prestigious brands, fine dining, and luxury establishments, the Jean-Paul Members’ Bar embodies the essence of an exclusive club, reserved for a discerning epicurean clientele.
Much like a hidden speakeasy, it stirs curiosity and allure.
Accessible through a concealed door, only glimpses of its tinted glass and checkered ceiling are visible from the outside. Yet, its full charm unfolds exclusively for privileged guests who step inside. With a nod to the Prohibition era, the bar plays on contrasts, offering an intimate, clandestine ambiance designed for gaming, celebration, and refined escapism.
Inspired by the legendary Hemingway Bar, this intimate, romantic setting features padded leather and sepia-toned lighting. A contemporary take on the speakeasy, the space balances a masculine vintage aesthetic with refined details and carefully chosen materials.
At its heart, a tin bar wrapped in braided, patinated leather radiates warmth and sophistication. Above, a striking inverted-pyramid chandelier, reminiscent of an ice cube or champagne glass in the shifting light, casts endless reflections across the mirrored surfaces, where shadows, lights, and glances gently intermingle to create an enchanting visual experience.
The cosy atmosphere is amplified by the alcoves formed with decorative screens, combining shimmering straw marquetry and inlays of rare woods, a real mise-en-scène of secret notes. Depicting stylised landscapes, populated by palm trees, waves and mountains reminiscent of the Riviera and the club's direct environment, these screens contrast elegantly with the framed jute panels that adorn the walls. The panels add a structured texture to the walls, enhancing the visual depth of the space.
Evoking the charm of a 1920s gaming rooms and the golden age of the automobile, this private club is steeped in rich details and refined ornamentation. Round alabaster wall lights accentuate the cornices beneath a pewter frieze, framing a striking checkered ceiling in marbled glass that subtly recalls a backgammon board. Transporting guests through time, the Jean-Paul Members' Bar pays homage to the era’s legendary figures, conjuring the allure of icons like Gatsby the Magnificent, Greta Garbo, and Al Capone.
Furniture specially designed for the venue
To enhance the exclusivity of the space and recall the ambiance of clandestine bars, the architects developed a dedicated furniture collection, combining elegance, style, and ergonomics. The collection includes cognac leather armchairs with geometric shapes, and bar stools with a tribal aesthetic, upholstered in Loro Piana fabrics. The tables feature raku-style enamelled lava tops, resting on stained oak legs whose inverted grain patterns catch the light.
Bronze and perforated brass table lamps cast a warm glow across the tables, while hanging lamps with metallic-fringed shades and brass wall lights complete the lighting scheme, evoking the skirts of the Années Folles. A deep green carpet envelops the floor, adding both warmth and comfort to the space.
Designed for its members, the Jean-Paul Members’ Bar also serves as an extension of the casino, offering an ultra- private retreat within this iconic gaming venue. It is perfectly poised to host exclusive events tied to the Festival. A hidden gem of Palm Beach, it adapts freely to its guests’ desires, embodying a sense of limitless sophistication.
A unique members’ club on the Rivera
The first of its kind on the Côte d'Azur, the Palm Beach Members’ Club embodies the essence of an exclusive retreat, reserved for a select few. Membership offers a range of privileges, including access to premier Riviera venues, the spa and wellness center with a seafront view, bespoke concierge services, and the Jean-Paul Members' Bar, thoughtfully designed to enhance their experience.
Team:
Architects: Caprini & Pellerin
Photographers: Thomas de Bruyne, Alexis Armanet
