Château de la Croë, Victorian château in Cap d'Antibes, France

Château de la Croë is a Victorian-style château situated on a coastal property near Antibes that spans roughly eight hectares with direct Mediterranean access. The main building contains a rooftop pool, fitness facilities, and a basement cinema following major renovation work completed in 2008.

The château was constructed in 1927 for Sir Pomeroy Burton and gained significant history when the Duke of Windsor took residence in 1938 following his abdication from the British throne. Its circumstances shifted again in April 2022 when French authorities seized the property.

The château is a private residence and cannot be visited; its cultural interest lies in its residents. The Windsors leased it from 1938 to 1949 and held receptions there, and in 1948 Winston and Clementine Churchill celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary at the house. Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire recalled the Duke of Windsor dining in full Highland dress with a piper.

The estate is private and not open to visitors; the château stands at 350 chemin des Douaniers on Cap d'Antibes, and its grounds, walls and gates can only be seen from the public coastal path outside. Do not expect access to the gardens or the building.

The Windsors' housekeeper told Deborah Devonshire that every member of staff at the château was blonde, yet 2015 documentary footage filmed there shows servants with dark hair and dark skin. The Duchess of Windsor had taken over a house used as a billet for Italian and German troops.