Gabrielle Chanel’s Idyllic Villa on the French Riviera
Nestled in the sun-drenched hills above Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s beloved villa, La Pausa, remains one of the most evocative symbols of her vision, taste, and solitude. More than just a glamorous getaway, this French Riviera retreat was a deeply personal project—conceived, designed, and decorated to reflect the legendary designer’s most intimate inspirations.
A Villa Born of Grief and Grace
Chanel purchased the land in 1928 and commissioned architect Robert Streitz to build La Pausa (meaning “The Pause”) as a place to withdraw from the public eye. The villa’s name and purpose were deliberate: it was where she would rest, reflect, and reconnect with herself. After the tragic death of her lover, the Duke of Westminster’s friend Captain Arthur “Boy” Capel, Chanel was drawn to the South of France’s restorative beauty. She sought not just a retreat, but a kind of rebirth.
The villa was completed in 1930 and combined simple Provençal elegance with monastic influences—a nod to the orphanage at Aubazine where Chanel spent her youth. The symmetry, arched cloisters, stone staircases, and sparse ornamentation were not just aesthetic choices; they were nostalgic, sacred references to a life shaped by restraint and reinvention.
A Private World of Elegance and Escape
Perched between sea and sky, La Pausa offered sweeping views of the Mediterranean, olive groves, and sun-bleached hills. Inside, the atmosphere was one of effortless luxury. Creamy stucco walls, dark wood furniture, and terracotta tiles created a palette of warmth and calm. Though a far cry from the glitter of Parisian salons, the villa was no less refined. It radiated Chanel’s signature balance between opulence and minimalism.
She entertained here, yes—but rarely. Only a select circle of friends and lovers were invited to experience La Pausa, including Winston Churchill, Salvador Dalí, and Jean Cocteau. These visits were quiet, leisurely, and always on Chanel’s terms.
The Influence of La Pausa on Chanel’s Work
While the villa offered respite, it also served as creative fuel. The stark lines and subtle elegance of La Pausa echoed in Chanel’s collections: clean silhouettes, earthy palettes, and a reverence for both austerity and sensuality. The influence of Aubazine—filtered through the light of the Riviera—was immortalized in her work. Even the famous interlocking C’s are said to be inspired by the stained glass windows of the abbey where she was raised.
A Legacy of Timeless Taste
After Chanel’s death in 1971, La Pausa changed hands several times, including a period of ownership by the Wertheimer family, who now helm the House of Chanel. In recent years, Chanel reacquired the estate and began carefully restoring it to its original vision—recognizing La Pausa not just as a piece of real estate, but as an integral part of Gabrielle Chanel’s story and legacy.
Today, La Pausa stands as more than a house—it’s a manifesto of Chanel’s philosophy. A place where style was born not from extravagance, but from introspection. It is a reminder that behind every bold woman is a quiet place that knows her name.
Inspired by Chanel’s sanctuary?
Create your own version of La Pausa—a space filled with light, purpose, and personality. Whether in a seaside cottage or an urban apartment, channel the spirit of Gabrielle: edit ruthlessly, live elegantly, and never underestimate the power of silence.