L'Abeille - Boutique Apartments

Presentation

You enter here as if stepping into a cocoon you never want to leave. A unique, confidential, and daring place where clean lines, raw materials, and touches of color create a universe that is both sensual, functional, and unexpected. At L’Abeille – Boutique Apartments, every detail seems designed to strike a balance between contemporary elegance and freedom of use, with a resolutely independent spirit.

This is not a classic hotel. Nor is it a simple rental. It is a living space, a playground for design enthusiasts, a refuge for those who love beauty and comfort to coexist without ostentation. Each of the nine apartments offers a unique atmosphere, but all share the same focus on the perfect gesture, well-thought-out spaces, and furniture that tells a story.

The building retains traces of its past, reinterpreted through a decidedly modern lens. The green shutters, bow windows, ancient marbles repurposed into seating, or stone tiles reused in new ways shape a subtle aesthetic, blending memory and invention. Far from static decor, L’Abeille offers an experience of space that invites you to make it your own.

The apartments, ranging in size from 35 to 55 m², are designed for two to five people. Some stretch over two levels, while others feature a balcony or terrace. All are equipped with an integrated Bulthaup kitchen, a Nespresso machine, a teapot, a dining area, and a bathroom designed as a haven of wellness, sometimes with a bathtub, sometimes with a walk-in shower. A washing machine, discreet yet invaluable, completes the amenities.

The sound experience is not forgotten: each apartment is equipped with a Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M3 audio system, allowing you to create a soft or vibrant ambiance depending on your mood. The comfort of the bedding, the quality of the pillows, and the smooth flow of the layout contribute to an immediate sense of lightness. You feel free, at ease, at home—but in an even more desirable version.

The interior design plays with contrasts: raw concrete, old parquet, cement tiles, saturated colors, contemporary art pieces, and vintage finds coexist in perfect harmony. In Suite 6, a rare clerical chair; in Suite 7, 18th-century Chinese vases; in Suite 9, a 19th-century tapestry… These pieces tell a quiet yet present story.

If you arrive earlier than planned or leave late, you don’t have to compromise. Code-secured lockers are available for your luggage, and a ground-floor bathroom allows you to freshen up at any time, even after checking out. The check-in process is digitalized via a connected lock accessible through a downloadable app, making formalities as simple as they are elegant.

The garden at L’Abeille is far from a mere decorative accessory. With its 700 m² of greenery in the heart of the Bonaparte district, it offers a rare urban luxury: space. Under the lime trees, among the aromatic herbs of the vegetable garden and remnants of the past, it becomes a haven where you can take your time. Enjoy your morning coffee, read, lounge in a hammock with a glass in hand.

This garden also interacts with the Michelin-starred restaurant Jan, located next door. Together, they’ve created the Jardin de Jan, an urban vegetable garden where fresh produce is grown for the restaurant's kitchen. The alliance of taste, design, and sustainability takes on full meaning here. A discreet yet refined partnership that underscores the coherence of the project.

The apartments are rated 4 stars, but it’s their aesthetic choices and ambiance that truly stand out. Far from impersonal standards, L’Abeille asserts a strong identity without ever sacrificing functionality. It’s a place designed for those who want to experience their stay differently, with flexibility, style, and autonomy.

On Rue Bonaparte, the address is nestled in a vibrant neighborhood nicknamed the “Little Marais of Nice.” Between Place Garibaldi, Place du Pin, and the port’s quays, the environment is lively, eclectic, and characterized by creative energy. Boutiques, galleries, concept stores, inspired cafés, and intimate bars follow one another without ever resembling each other.

From L’Abeille, everything is within walking distance. Old Nice, Castle Hill, the Promenade des Anglais, the seafront… Nothing is out of reach. And to go further, a tram stop just steps away connects you directly to the train station or the airport in less than thirty minutes. Convenient, yet never ordinary.

If you enjoy strolling, don’t miss the Cours Saleya market, where colors and fragrances captivate all the senses. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring the old town, with its cool alleys, pastel facades, and authentic small shops. Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, Place Rossetti, or the Galerie de la Marine are all possible stops.

For a dose of culture, head to the Matisse Museum, perched on the heights of Cimiez. The building itself is worth the visit, as are the works it houses, luminous and full of vitality. Nearby, the Marc Chagall Museum offers another vision—more mystical and narrative—of art rooted in emotion.

Architecture enthusiasts can venture to Villa Masséna on the Promenade des Anglais or visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, just a few minutes’ walk from L’Abeille. Nice’s cultural offerings are rich, eclectic, and accessible, reflecting the city itself.

Nice also hosts events year-round: the carnival in February, concerts and festivals in summer, temporary exhibitions, and artistic gatherings that bring life to heritage sites as well as alternative spaces. L’Abeille then becomes a chic and discreet base to enjoy these moments in complete freedom.

And if one needed a final reason to settle in, it might be that rare sensation of staying in a place that doesn’t try too hard to charm, yet captivates by simply being what it is. A living, authentic, welcoming place where one easily returns. Because everything here is just right, without apparent effort. Because beauty here isn’t shown off—it’s lived.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

• Explore the alleys of Old Nice and discover the colorful facades, art galleries, and local shops that give this iconic neighborhood its character


• Climb Castle Hill to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bay of Angels and admire the artificial waterfall nestled in a lush setting


• Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to discover a rich collection blending major international names and local Nice artists


• Stroll through the Cours Saleya to enjoy the flower market, taste local specialties, and soak in the most authentic Mediterranean atmosphere


• Attend an exhibition or concert at the Théâtre L’Artistique or the Nice Opera, both easily accessible on foot from the hotel

Summary of some positive reviews found online

• Travelers praise the exceptional quality of the bedding, often compared to that of luxury hotels, ensuring restful nights even after a busy day


• The original decor and harmony of materials are frequently mentioned as a visual delight, with special mention for the subtle blend of contemporary design and vintage elements


• Many appreciate the freedom offered by autonomous entry via smartphone, deemed practical and seamless, especially for late arrivals


• Comments highlight the ideal location for walking everywhere, with the beach, museums, restaurants, and markets all within immediate proximity


• The tranquility of the inner garden is often noted as a rare asset, offering a soothing contrast to the energy of the neighborhood

Services

Other services

General

• Wi-Fi available everywhere

Services

• Internet
• Wi-Fi
• Free Wi-Fi

Dining

• Coffee on site

Shared spaces

• Garden

Miscellaneous

• Non-smoking rooms
• Family rooms
• Elevator
• Soundproof rooms
• Heating
• Entirely non-smoking property
• Air conditioning
• Card access

4 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice

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