Nice mourns death of one of France’s most famous hoteliers
Hotels on the seafront at Nice are flying their flags at half-mast following the death of one of France’s most flamboyant hoteliers, Jeanne Augier, who ran the Negresco hotel on the Promenade des Anglais for more than 60 years.
Augier had inherited the hotel from her father in 1957 and went on to turn it into a favourite of celebrities, hosting many famous guests including the Beatles, the Sultan of Brunei, Salvador Dali and Elton John. The singer even featured the hotel in the video for his hit "I’m Still Standing".
In a message on its website titled ‘Madame has left us", the hotel wrote: "The board of directors and all of the employees of the Negresco Hotel are extremely sad to announce the passing of Jeanne Augier, Chief Executive Officer, on January 7, 2019, in her 96th year.
"Owner of the Hotel since 1957, Madame Augier worked to revive the hotel and then to extend its influence throughout France and the world. With her husband, Paul Augier, she made the Negresco an incredible Palace, a luxury establishment which reflects her own personality, is recognized worldwide and is the last great independent hotel in France.
"Passionate collector, she collected over 6,000 works of art and pieces of furniture covering 5 centuries of French history, paying a majestic tribute to French talent.
"A relentless advocate of the disabled, people in difficulty and animal rights, she generously worked to ease their suffering. To continue her work, the board of directors and all of the employees intend to perpetuate the creative, free and independent spirit of a great Lady who leaves to the city of Nice an emblem of French ‘art de vivre’."
It said the Negresco Hotel will fly its flag at half-mast for a month-long period of mourning, adding: "The board of directors and the provisional administration appointed in 2013 will continue their mission, insuring the management of the Hotel."
Augier fought off many buyers of the pink-domed hotel, famously refusing an offer from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, telling him he didn’t have enough money to buy the landmark property.
After the Bastille Day terror attack close to the Negresco in 2016, in which 84 people died, the hotel was used as an impromptu hospital for the victims.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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