Palais Irène Élise — a Belle Époque building in the Carré d'Or
At 52 and 52 bis boulevard Victor Hugo, at the corner of rue Hérold, Palais Irène Élise owes its name to a personal touch from its architect: Jean-Baptiste Blanchi gave the building his niece's first name, a habit he is known for across several of his Nice projects. Built in two phases at the very start of the 20th century for himself and his brother Victor, director of the Banque du Sud-Est, this double-entrance Belle Époque building replaced a more modest house, Villa Maria.
The Carré d'Or district
The Carré d'Or is Nice's most prestigious shopping district, known for its luxury boutiques, Belle Époque buildings and immediate proximity to the Promenade des Anglais and the town centre. It is a sought-after area for its well-preserved architectural character, its lively neighbourhood feel and its transport links, within walking distance of the tram and the main shopping streets of central Nice.
The Palais Irène Élise residence
The plot for the East section (no. 52, on boulevard Victor Hugo) was acquired in 1900 by Victor Blanchi; this part was recorded as occupied from 1903. The plot for the West section (no. 52 bis, at the corner of rue Hérold) was acquired in 1903 by Jean-Baptiste Blanchi, the architect himself; this part was recorded as occupied from 1906.
The complex, built as ground floor plus four upper floors on a total plot of 1,315 sqm, combines flats and offices. Its double entrance, on boulevard Victor Hugo and on rue Hérold, corresponds to the two building campaigns carried out one after another by the two brothers.
What is an apartment worth at Palais Irène Élise?
At the 52 bis boulevard Victor Hugo address, the average price recorded is €6,524/m², ranging from €3,987 to €9,409/m² depending on floor, view and condition. That is slightly below the boulevard Victor Hugo average (€7,190/m², i.e. -9.2%), but 13.3% above the area average and 23.1% above the Nice average (MeilleursAgents data, August 2026.
Across this area, apartment prices rose 16.8% over five years and 34.9% over ten years, with a slight consolidation over the past year (-2.1%).
Our agency's view on Palais Irène Élise
This type of Belle Époque building, raised in two separate campaigns, tells a precise story: each half originally belonged to a different owner, with their own choice of finishes. On the ground, this often translates into noticeable quality differences between the two entrances — window frames, stairwell, condition of common areas — which are not always obvious on a first viewing. The building's mixed residential/office status is also worth checking unit by unit before any purchase, as some ground-floor units may be zoned for professional rather than residential use.
Palais Irène Élise — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Palais Irène Élise located?
Palais Irène Élise is at 52 and 52 bis boulevard Victor Hugo, at the corner of rue Hérold, in the Carré d'Or district of Nice.
When was Palais Irène Élise built?
The East section was built from 1900-1903, the West section from 1903-1906.
Who is the architect of Palais Irène Élise?
The building was designed by architect Jean-Baptiste Blanchi, who built it for himself and his brother Victor Blanchi.
Where does the name Palais Irène Élise come from?
The name honours Irène Élise, the niece of architect Jean-Baptiste Blanchi, who had a habit of naming his buildings after family members.
What is the price per m² at Palais Irène Élise?
The average price recorded at 52 bis boulevard Victor Hugo is €6,524/m², ranging from €3,987 to €9,409/m² depending on the property (August 2026 data).
Is Palais Irène Élise well served by transport?
Yes, the Alsace Lorraine tram stop is about 200 metres away.
Looking for an apartment at Palais Irène Élise?
Our advisors follow the Carré d'Or market and know the properties available or coming up at Palais Irène Élise. Let's discuss your search to be informed as a priority of opportunities in this characterful building.
Selling a property at Palais Irène Élise or in the Carré d'Or
If you own a property within Palais Irène Élise or in the Carré d'Or, Riviera Boulevard will support you throughout your sale.
Thanks to our thorough knowledge of the area and its specifics, we offer an accurate, realistic valuation of your property, in line with current market trends.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for tailored support and a confidential valuation.
