The 12 Most Beautiful Casinos in France

Even if France has a total of 202 casinos, it doesn’t mean that James Bond would set his foot on each and every one of them. Find below our ranking of the fanciest casinos where proper attire is required to match the venues’ standards.

The Annecy Imperial Palace Casino

The Annecy Imperial Palace Casino opened its doors in 1913. It was designed by architect Louis Ruphy. Located on an island-like splendid surrounding between the lake and the mountain, it is an emblem of Belle Epoque, a period during which Annecy was in the process of tourist development.

The Grand Cercle Casino of Aix-les-Bains

The elegance of the Grand Cercle Casino Aix-les-Bains, which mixes up both Rococo and Baroque styles for a muted atmosphere, makes us fall under its spell. This establishment, inaugurated by King Emmanuel II of Savoy in 1850 is one of the oldest in France. It is housed in the Palace of Savoy and a majestic architectural ensemble.

The Arcachon Casino

Since 1903, it’s in the sumptuous Castle of Deganne where the Arcachon Casino is implanted, in the heart of the town centre and near the seafront in Gironde. It was once a girls’ boarding school, then it was bought out by Eugène Dubousset who transformed it into a casino.

The Bagnères-de-Bigorre Casino

It’s mission impossible to pass by the building without noticing its architectural beauty. Built in 1882, the casino Bagnères-de-Bigorre is located in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées’s first spa resort, right by Lourdes and Tarbes.

The Batelière Plaza de Schoelcher Casino, in Martinique

The Batelière Plaza Casino is the biggest casino of the Martinique island. It is located in the urban area of Schoelcher, near Fort-de-France.

The Biarritz Casino

Opened in 1901 and refurbished in an Art Deco style by architect from Biarritz, Alfred Laulhé, in the 20s, this Biarritz Casino is located on the exceptional site of la Grande Plage, facing the ocean.

The Deauville Casino

The Deauville casino facing the Channel is the work of George Wybo, who also designed the prestigious hotels Georges V and Printemps Haussmann in Paris. It was inaugurated in 1912 by the Duke from Morny, founder of Deauville’s seaside resort.

The Contrexéville Casino

The Contrexéville Casino is a sumptuous construction by the architect Glasquin, he largely drew his inspiration from Garnier’s works, father of the Opéra de Paris. Located in the heart of the spa park, it witnesses the city’s history.

The Monte-Carlo Casino of Monaco

The legendary casino Monte-Carlo based in Monaco opened its doors in 1863. It is located in the heart of the Monaco Principality, in a Belle Epoque-styled setting. For the record, the first roulette was reportedly installed there.

The Casino of Divonne-les-Bains

Both mythical and historic, the casino Divonne-les-Bains was launched in 1954. It is located near the French banks of Lake Léman. This superb establishment was built by the ex Vice President of the National Assembly and Mayor of Divonne, Marcel Anthonioz.

The Palais de la Méditerranée Casino, in Nice

From its inauguration date in 1929, the Palais de la Méditerranée, in which the casino is housed, has stood for luxury and festivities during interwar years. It was neatly designed by the architects and brothers Charles and Marcel Dalmas, at the request of American billionaires Florence and Frank Gould. Its place is exceptional, in the heart of the so called Promenade des Anglais.

The Trouville Casino

Built in 1847 by architect Alphonse Durville, the Trouville Casino with its colonial style reminds us of Louisiana. It will then be renovated and embellished by Jacques Garcia.