Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Antibes and the American-French Jazz Alliance
/
Manipulated wedding image by Norman & Blake via Vogue.com
When Sofie Ritchie, the 24-year-old youngest daughter of R&B icon Lionel Ritchie, married music executive Elliot Grainge in the south of France in April, 2023 the Internet blazed for days. Vogue pumped out all the delicious details about the lavish wedding hosting celebrities including Paris Hilton, Cameron Diaz, and—of course—her sister Nicole Richie. The beautiful people gathered at the world-famous, celebrity-favorite destination Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. See all Vogue’s wedding photos.
Just in time for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, May 16-May 27, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has reopened with a downsized number of 43 larger, more lavish suites. The renovation involved pre-construction details to the world’s most famous people.
In an example of seamless synergy between a brand and its clients, director Sophie Volant explained the process:
"Before we make any changes or renovations, we always ask our loyal guests their opinion about it in advance, to receive their approval before doing anything," she said. "We showed them drawings of our plans and asked their approval. So our guests are part of the process and give us some tips on what they like or don't like, as if it was their own summer home being renovated."
Volant continued in her press comments, stressing that the suites are not overloaded with furniture because “our guests' feedback has always been that the most important focus in these rooms is the magnificent view of the sea."
As one of the world's iconic hotels, it should come as no surprise that Eden-Roc made its way into F Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel Tender Is the Night, described as a "large, proud, rose-colored hotel" situated on the coastline of the French Riviera between Marseilles and the Italian border, about five miles north of Cannes and south of Monaco. Situated on 22 acres of gardens, the venue offers prime views of the sparkling Côte d’Azur.
In late May, 2022, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, an Oetker Collection Masterpiece Hotel, opened the summer season with the unveiling of its brand new creation, Eden-Roc Gin.
Developed in celebration of the Palace hotel’s legendary joie de vivre, this elegant gin is inspired by the magic of the location and the natural beauty of the maritime pine forest. The essences and botanicals that give this spirit its distinctive character are sourced primarily from the gardens at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and their private pine-clad peninsula jutting into the sea.
The Eden-Roc Gin label itself is priceless, and acquisition of a bottle is on my radar.
The historic reputation of hard-working, talented writers is one of having a stiff drink nearby. In some cases 24/7. Against this Eden-Rock DNA, the new gin resonates as a perfectly splendid idea. Hemingway would approve.
Swimming in memories of many days spent in the French Riveria, I remember one night when my senses came fully alive with jazz. To be continued . . . Anne
LVMH’s Respect for Black Culture
Anne of Carversville is inspired by LVMH corporate culture and their countless brands, but especially Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior in their frequent synergies between French and America’s African American or Black culture. This synergy quickly taps worldwide connections, especially in several African nations — often former French colonies.
We are only now discovering the very deep connections between America as an independent nation with France. Our histories are far more intertwined than I understood, as a reasonably informed person. Once the history lesson arrives in the 20th century, AOC is well-versed about the strong preference of many Black creatives to live in France, especially after the end of WWII.
I’ve tried to document whether or not father of the bride Lionel Richie has ever performed in Antibes or at Eden-Roc. We know Richie is R&B, but his cross-over appeal is strong. The question is relevant because one can’t speak of Antibes without speaking of its connection to jazz. Note, there are many images of Lionel Richie and family members in the Vogue wedding pictures.
Jazz Melodies Defining the International Soul of Antibes
Nestled along the picturesque French Riviera, Antibes Juan-les-Pins has long been renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic scene. While the town's history dates back centuries, it was during the mid-20th century that Antibes witnessed a remarkable cultural shift with the emergence of jazz music. This genre, born in America but quickly embraced across continents, found a particularly fertile ground in Antibes, captivating both locals and visitors alike.
Jazz became an integral part of Antibes' identity, transforming this quaint Mediterranean town into a hub of musical innovation. From intimate underground clubs to grand open-air festivals, jazz permeated every corner of Antibes, mesmerizing audiences with its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies. The fusion of African rhythms, European harmonies, and American improvisation created an exciting new genre that captivated open-minded, curious audiences from around the globe.
Influential Jazz Musicians Found Sanctuary at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
While its breathtaking beauty and luxurious amenities have attracted discerning travelers for over a century, Eden-Roc is also renowned as a historic haven for renowned jazz musicians.
From the swinging sounds of the 1930s to the cool and complex harmonies of later decades, Eden-Roc has played host to some of the most iconic figures in jazz history.
This exclusive enclave has witnessed impromptu jam sessions reverberating through its opulent halls and seen jazz luminaries gather under starlit skies on its iconic terrace.
From Duke Ellington's captivating performances to Miles Davis' innovative improvisations, the hotel's storied walls hold echoes of music that shaped generations.
Davis drew inspiration from the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, allowing its serene beauty to shape his innovative compositions. One particular stay in 1964 seemed to offer the jazz maestro true sanctuary and an opportunity to contemplate his artistry and experiment with new musical ideas.
Another jazz virtuoso who sought refuge at Eden-Roc was Ella Fitzgerald. Her enchanting voice resonated in harmony with the crashing waves as she rehearsed for her performances on Antibes' illustrious stage.
Countless others preceeded and followed these greats, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Aretha Franklin, who like Miles Davis found Eden-Roc to be a sanctuary. Very little public fuss was made around Aretha’s visits, which she is said to have made with great discretion.
One legendary jazz musician whose presence at the iconic Eden-Roc in Antibes left an indelible mark is none other than Billie Holiday.
Known for her soulful voice and emotive storytelling, Holiday graced the stage of this luxurious haven, captivating audiences with her hauntingly beautiful renditions.
Holiday’s unique ability to infuse pain and vulnerability into every note she sang created a profound connection with listeners. Holiday’s performances were filled with raw emotion and a sense of intimacy that made each song a deeply personal experience for both herself and her audience.
The Antibes Jazz Festival
The Antibes Jazz Festival holds a significant place in the history of jazz in France. Established on July 7, 1960, it quickly gained recognition as one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in Europe, as well as the oldest and original jazz festival in Europe.
The 1st edition of the Festival was held simultaneously at the Fort Carré stadium in Antibes and at the Pinède Gould, next door in Juan-les-Pins.
Beyond showcasing world-class musicianship, the Antibes Jazz Festival — now known as Jazz à Juan — has always served to promote cultural exchanges, insuring that diversity defined the events by featuring artists from diverse backgrounds.
Fast Forward to 2023
Against the backdrop of musical of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, I’m once again transported to the recent Louis Vuitton Men’s show on May 20, 2023 in Paris. LV Men’s new creative director Pharrell Williams was the main feature, but Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce sat next to Bernard Arnault and his wife Hélène Mercier.
The choir members are my neighbors in Virginia, and I am here because of Charlottesville, 2017, Virginia tipping blue from purple and Pharrell’s work here in Virginia.
I see this entire story as one long continuum between progressive minds in France and also in America. The more I read and study, the more solid the glue that holds us tightly together. It’s a beautiful love story, and I miss Paris so very much.
The night of June 20, 2023 has fortified my spirit in ways I cannot even describe — to press on against these dreadful and ominous winds blowing in America. ~ Anne
