France is the land of ingenious personalities who had taken the world by storm. This European country is also replete with landmark buildings and monuments that mirror the nation’s rich history and heritage. An edifice that is a destination in itself in France is the mesmerizing Bubble Palace, which is also known as ‘Palais Bulles’. The unique palace is a cluster of structures moulded as bubbles without any specific corners, and this compulsive and intriguing complex is a favourite spot of hundreds of tourists.
This fascinating palace is situated at Theoule-sur-Mer, which is a few miles away from Cannes in south of France. The highlight of the building with cosy circular windows is that the plush bubble homes have a striking similarity in shape and form with the prehistoric cave dwellings of humans.
The complex, which is spread across 13,000 sq ft, boasts of 10 bedrooms, 29 rooms, 11 bathrooms , a 3,700 sq ft-reception area, three swimming pools, tropical gardens and waterfalls. Moreover, the structure houses an amphitheatre that can accommodate 500 people.
The palace was designed by Hungarian architect Antii Lovag for French industrialist Pierre Bernard and constructed between 1975 and 1989. Pierre always believed that straight lines and corners stood against the laws of nature and this thought paved the way to give homes the design of caves. After the death of Pierre Bernard, the fabulous house was bought by world-renowned fashion designer Pierre Cardin.
The whimsical interiors have furniture in line with the building’s design. The well-crafted artistic creations that are on display in the rooms are the invaluable contributions of French artists Francois Chauvin, Patrice Breteau and Gerard Cloarec.
The Bubble Palace was touted as one of the shining symbols of futuristic architecture in the 1970s, and the edifice also found place on French Ministry of Culture’s list of historical monuments in 1999 and 2016.
After the five-year renovation work carried out by French architect Odile Decq, the property was put up for sale for 400 million Euros but there were no takers.
British pop singer Emma Bunton’s album ‘Free Me’ and Hollywood movie ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ were canned at this remarkable palace.
