This century-old French family group is writing a new chapter that blends heritage, innovation, and a renewed family commitment.

Alexandre Barrière: Born in 1987, Alexandre Barrière is Chairman of the Société de Participation Deauvillaise, the family holding company that owns 100% of Groupe Lucien Barrière and 70.51% of Société Fermière du Casino Municipal de Cannes. Alexandre Barrière joined the Barrière Group’s development department in 2014. Under his leadership, Barrière expanded internationally, opening the first Fouquet’s Hotel in New-York, and two fine dining and world-renowned Fouquet’s restaurants, at the Louvre Abu-Dhabi and in Dubaï.

Joy Desseigne-Barrière: Born in 1990, Joy Desseigne-Barrière is Chair of the Board of Directors of Société Fermière du Casino Municipal de Cannes and Société Immobilière et d'Exploitation de l'Hôtel Majestic. Joy Desseigne-Barrière joined the family group on October 1st, 2020, where she manages strategic projects around customer knowledge, performance monitoring and optimization, in particular optimization of the gaming offer through the use of Data.

Together, they are part of the fourth generation of entrepreneurs taking over the leadership of Barrière, a century-old French family group. They were entrusted with the mission to ensure the prosperity, the development, and to safeguard the values which made Barrière’s strength since 1912. In due time, they will pass on the legacy to the fifth generation.

HOW WAS GROUPE BARRIÈRE BORN?

Long story short. Barriere traces its origins back to 1912, when François André, a small-town farmer from the hills of Ardèche, partnered with Eugène Cornuché to develop hospitality activities in Deauville, a seaside town not too far from Paris. As a true visionary, François André imagined a new concept of leisure that blended luxury hospitality with gaming, entertainment and sports. He pioneered the French-style resort, creating spaces where casinos, elegant hotels, and sports facilities coexisted harmoniously. This unique vision laid the foundation for what would become the Barrière legacy. Over the years, he contributed to the emergence of remarkable destinations such as Deauville but also La Baule or Cannes for instance. He also played a key role in strengthening the cultural ties between Barrière and the cinema industry, notably through his involvement in the Cannes Festival beginnings.

In 1962, his nephew Lucien Barrière, our grandfather, took over the reins. Under his leadership, the group expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of new casinos and luxury hotels, and he shaped the brand that would carry his name. After Lucien’s unexpected passing in 1990, our mother Diane assumed leadership. She initiated significant renovations and brought a distinctive, modern elegance to the group. She was obsessed with the idea of making her father proud of what she accomplished after him. Despite suffering severe injuries in a tragic plane crash in 1995, she remained deeply involved in the company, inspiring teams with her courage and sense of vision until her passing in 2001.

In 2023, honoring the promise we made to our mother, we chose to take the reins and bring the company back to full family ownership. Today, Barrièreisco-owned and co-chaired by Joy, my sister and me, putting all our efforts into writing a new chapter that blends heritage, innovation, and our renewed family commitment.

HOW HAS THE BRAND EVOLVED SINCE ITS BEGINNINGS?

From a singular vision of resort-based leisure, Groupe Barrière has evolved into a curated lifestyle brand anchored in French art de vivre. A major milestone was the acquisition and international development of Fouquet’s, the emblematic Parisian brasserie that has become a cultural symbol well beyond France and is now a unique Parisian-inspired stay address in Les Champs Elysées and at the heart of Tribeca in New York.

Recent years have seen the integration of exclusive experiences that further enrich the brand universe, such as the arrival of Loulou—a festive, Riviera-inspired dining concept—and partnerships with gourmet icons like L’Éclair de Génie. Barrière exclusive addresses like “Les Neiges” in Courchevel has been honored, this year again, with the “Palace” distinction.

Today, Barrière is a collection of immersive experiences that celebrate French heritage, hospitality, and culture, across destinations worldwide that have all been carefully selected for their emotional and historical resonance.

WHAT ARE THE PILLARS THAT DISTINGUISH THE GROUPE BARRIÈRE BRAND OF HOTELS AND RESORTS?

What makes a Barrière experience so unique is a refined and responsible approach to luxury, a genuine culture of hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to the arts.

Our guests come for the elegance of our hotels and resorts, but they return for the warmth and discretion of a service rooted in authenticity. Culture is woven into the Barrière experience—from the architecture of our properties to the live performances in our casinos, or in the film festivals, and artistic collaborations we play a role. In Cannes for the Film Festival, Deauville for the American Film Festival, etc.

This blend of tradition, creativity, and savoir-faire is what makes each Barrière stay unique, meaningful, and memorable. Staying in one of our hotels and suites is a bit like sharing a piece of French or international History, in the steps of distinguished guests we had the honor to host.

Beyond luxury and culture, our strength lies in offering a complete ecosystem of pleasure. From world-class spas to gastronomic tables and elegant gaming, each one of our addresses is a sanctuary designed for memorable, joyful moments.

WHICH ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN FORWARD PROPERTIES OF THE GROUP?

Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy, in Deauville, holds a special place in our hearts, because this is where it all began; it really embodies our highest standards of comfort and style.

Le Carl Gustaf in Saint-Barthélemy represents the epitome of discreet luxury—a quiet retreat nestled in lush surroundings, where everything is calm elegance and pleasure.

Maison Barrière Vendôme in Paris is a project particularly close to our hearts. Conceived as a tribute to exceptional women, it is the first in our new collection of boutique-inspired addresses, which just opened in January. Ideally located steps from Place Vendôme, it combines intimacy and Parisian chic in a resolutely contemporary spirit.

Finally, the Majestic in Cannes remains an icon of the French Riviera with its Art Deco façade and cinematic aura. Wherever you go, there's a Barrière hotel, restaurant, spa, or bar where your tastes, moods, and moments find a perfect match—each one offering its own take on timeless French elegance.

WHICH OF YOUR HOTEL RESTAURANTS AND BARS WOULD YOU TELL OUR MEMBERS NOT TO MISS AND WHY?

The Ciro’s is emblematic of the French culinary identity. This legendary restaurant, with a new modern atmosphere, now welcomes guests in Deauville, Cannes, and La Baule.

In terms of bar experience the Fouquet’s—a timeless Parisian institution, transcends generations and borders. Behind its iconic doors on the Champs-Élysées, our guests can enjoy a true one-of-a-kind experience in our hidden speakeasy, Le Marta, or enjoy our rooftop view for a true Parisian night.

This unique spirit now travels the world, with destinations like Fouquet’s New York and the Titsou Bar (named after the nickname of our Grandfather) or at Abu Dhabi, by the Louvre, offering scenic views at sunset.

WHICH ARE THE STANDOUT PROPERTIES FOR THE SPA AFICIONADO?

La Baule is a destination of choice for spa lovers, featuring exclusive treatments by Augustinus Bader. For those who favor cutting-edge skincare, our properties in Courchevel, New York City, and Cannes offer treatments by Biologique Recherche.

Dinard is also a stunning coastal city in Brittany with a beautiful spa in our Grand Hotel, in which you can enjoy a unique experience brought to you by the expert of Japanese skincare, Shiseido.

ARE YOUR PROPERTIES FAMILY-FRIENDLY?

Our addresses as well as our offer are designed for families, friends, and guests of all ages. We are proud to be family-friendly, pet-friendly, and sport-friendly. Our kids clubs are beloved by our youngest guests, and our wellness offers include experiences for the entire family.

Through our partnership with Maison Bonpoint, we have introduced a unique spa experience for children, featuring signature rituals that nurture parent-child connections while encouraging healthy skincare habits from an early age

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF DURING YOUR LEADERSHIP OF GROUPE BARRIÈRE?

Let’s be humble, our leadership only started a few years ago now, and we have a long way to go to adapt and make sure our offer and properties match the new expectations of our clients.

Welcoming Loulou into the Barrière family was a clear first milestone opening an exciting chapter for our dining offer. We have also renewed the palace distinction for Courchevel and launched major renovation projects across our properties to bring them to the highest international standards.

Most of all, and this is something inherited from the visionaries that preceded us, we are proud of the loyalty and dedication of our teams. Some colleagues have been with us for more than 30 years. Many of our guests feel at home because they are greeted by familiar faces—some of whom knew our grandparents. Their heritage lives through them, and it’s a source of both pride and inspiration for us.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2025 AND BEYOND?

We are particularly excited about the opening of Maison Barrière Vendôme in Paris. This project embodies the evolution of our brand and our vision for the future: refined, intimate, and deeply personal hospitality experiences that honor our legacy while speaking to the modern traveler also looking for city breaks in more intimate addresses.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE FOUR HUNDRED MEMBER TO KNOW ABOUT GROUPE BARRIÈRE?

Barrière is a family group fueled by the passion of 7,000 deeply committed and talented colleagues. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming families, loyal guests, dignitaries, and icons from the worlds of arts and cinema. Our shared mission is to craft lasting, meaningful experiences for every guest. At Barrière, you’re not just a client—you’re part of a living family tradition defined by excellence, emotion, and our most genuine care.

Contributor — Four Hundred by Design

RETURN TO ISSUE // JUNE 2025

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IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEXANDRE BARRIÈRE AND JOY DESSEIGNE-BARRIÈRE, THE FOURTH GENERATION TO LEAD THE BARRIERE HOTEL GROUP