VILLA AND GARDENS EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD

SAINT JEAN CAP FERRAT

Animated by audio guides, learn the history of the pink villa and of Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild during your visit. Around the house, travel to Europe and Asia through its 9 gardens. Discover the unmissable events such as the summer nights, the rose festival, or it is also possible to "Bruncher" at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. A musical show, a restaurant to have tea or taste the chef's menu, are proposed to you in order to spend a pleasant day or evening.

The Villa and its history

Surrounded by magnificent gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, it is home to the Baroness's rich art collections.

It took seven years for one of the most original women of the Riviera, Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, to build one of the most beautiful sites on the French Riviera.

View of the entrance to the villa Photo © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

Built at the request and in the image of the Baroness, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild allows you to experience the life of high society in the early 20th century. Named the jewel of the Côte d'Azur, it has become a must-see leisure activity in the region. 150 000 visitors discover each year its pink architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

did you know that

The audio guide is available in 9 languages:
French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese.

The exploration begins with the reception areas, such as the patio, the large and small lounge. Then we continue with the Baroness's apartments, her bedroom, the boudoir, her wardrobe and her bathroom. We end on the floor dedicated to the salons: the one with the tapestries, monkeys, porcelain and the Far Eastern art salon.

The interior of La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Over the years, the woman who became one of the greatest collectors of her century has turned her home into a collector's house where master paintings (Fragonard, Boucher, Carpaccio, Tiepolo...), rare furniture and porcelain from the Royal Manufacture of Sèvres and Vincennes rub shoulders.

During your visit you will contemplate:

• The 6 paintings of Schall "the dancers" paintings are located in the small lounge.
• The painting " Le coucher " by Fragonard, located in the Fragonard living room.
• The collection of French porcelain, one of the richest in the world: with its orchestra of monkey musicians located in the salon des singeries.
• The large 20m2 tapestry "Bacchus's Homage to Ariadne" made by the Royal Gobelins Manufacture.

In total, there are 19 works not to be missed during your visit!

Thanks to an audioguide, you will learn all about the history and construction of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

A remarkable decor and collections that testify to the Baroness's love of art and travel. For example, the covered patio transports the visitor to Renaissance Italy with its pink marble columns from Verona. And the private salons and apartments plunge the tourist into the sumptuous atmosphere of 18th century France.

The 9 dream gardens

The green spaces surrounding the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild are adorned with colonnades, waterfalls, ponds, flowerbeds and trees of rare species.

9 Edens make up the exterior : 

• French style
• Spanish style
• Florentine
• Lapidary
• Japanese
• Exotic
• La Roseraie
• Provençal

Beatrice wanted to recreate the feeling of sailing on her boat while being in her garden. She reconstructed her memories of trips to each of her gardens. A real botanical journey was built.

The garden is labelled : Remarkable garden

did you know that

No herbicides are used to maintain the gardens. The villa and its gardens respect their eco-responsible charter. Essential oils such as cloves or lemon treat weeds.

The French Garden

French garden La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces / Eric Spiller

Designed in the shape of a boat deck, this Eden is the largest of the 9 gardens. Located in front of the Ephrussi de Rothschild villa, you can admire it from the interior or the first floor.

Along this garden, a large canal has been built. This basin offers a musical show with water games. In the middle of this aquatic ballet, this piece of water overflows in summer with water lilies and lotus. A magical show!

Renaissance-style cardinal vases adorn the park. Stroll around cycads, dasylirious graminifolium and century-old trees. As you stroll, listen to the gentle sound of the water cascading into the large pool. At the end of the garden, you will find the Temple of Love overlooking the waterfall, a guaranteed photo opportunity.

The Spanish Garden

Spanish garden La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces / Sophie Lloyd

This green space has been shaped lengthwise with a narrow canal in the center. Its colorful path of flowers opens your olfactory senses.

Your nose is carried away by honeysuckle, brugmansia and jasmine. Surrounded by pomegranate and olive trees, you see the Lady Banks Rose. Yellow in color and a hundred years old, it stands 1 meter high. Walls covered with Inca lilies and bougainvillea offer an explosion of colors.

Behind the pink marble columns, don't miss the hidden cave.

The Florentine Garden

Florentine garden La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

Facing the harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Jardin Florentin will make you discover the sublime plants of the Belle Époque: the acacia farnesiana, the nolina longifolia etc.

Embellished with a horseshoe staircase, you will discover a magnificent statue in the centre. Sculpture named "The Zephyr thwarting the loves of a rose and a butterfly" by the artist Boyet.

did you know that

The belle époque is a historical period after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and before the First World War. During this period, many technological advances were made. Moment of peace, it will be named the Belle Epoque

The Lapidary Garden

La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild lapidary garden © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

Gathering various pieces of art in the middle of a variety of plants, this park amazes. Some of the pieces that could not be exhibited indoors ended up in this garden. You can observe sculptures dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Bas-reliefs, gargoyles, arches, fountains and canopies offer an unexpected picture. Through the floral path with its camellias and hydrangeas, you will be surrounded by camphor trees, centennial trees, rhododendrons. You will bathe in a universe of forest

The Japanese Garden

Japanese garden of La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces - Sophie Lloyd

Designed for meditation and relaxation, let yourself be carried away by the sound of water. The waterfall, the pond and the pond are home to koi carp and several varieties of acer palmatum. All the constructions are made of wood, in accordance with the Japanese tradition. The wood decorates the garden in the form of lanterns, bridges and pavilions.

The exotic garden

Exotic garden of La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

You are in the realm of succulents and huge cacti.

Discover exotic plants like aloe, prickly pear, erythrine. Flowers like the white silver candle, purple epiphytes, red bromeliads add touches of color. Varieties of plants such as the caudex, crassulaceae close the botanical change of scenery.

The rose garden

The Rose Garden of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces

Completely dedicated to roses, the Rose Garden is located at the end of the property.

Several varieties of ancient and modern roses will amaze your eyes and tickle your nostrils. The roses bear the names of famous people such as the princess of Monaco, Pierre de Ronsard the poet and the baroness Beatrice.

During a cold spell, the Baroness' rose did not survive. Since 2019, the project to recreate the Beatrice rose has been launched.

In this perfumed atmosphere, you will discover a hexagonal temple sheltering a statue of a deity.

Visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula

The Anglo-Provençal Garden

Photo of the Provencal garden © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

Immerse yourself in the scents and flora of Provence, the path is lined with tall trees such as olive trees and bent pine trees. Scents of rosemary, lavender, viperine and helichrysum fill this garden. Located on the side of the park, you can see beehives. It is with this colorful and olfactory note that the visit ends.

The events 

The nocturnes of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Les Nocturnes Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Discover the nocturnes program , experience a dream evening at the French Riviera from July 03 to August 22, 2023!
It's an unusual way to discover the residence and experience a dream evening.

Facades illuminated by 1,500 candles reveal the villa's architecture, creating a magical atmosphere. A musical water show takes place every 20 minutes throughout the evening. The program and entertainment vary from year to year. Depending on the season, you'll discover concerts, live shows, ballets, etc.
Discover more about the nocturnes of 2023 >

The restaurant is exceptionally open and a wine and champagne bar is present.

The festival of roses and plants

Every year, during a weekend in May, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild celebrates the arrival of spring and the rose. This event was originally created as a tribute to the late Beatrice Ephrussi. This year, the Rose and Plant Festival took place on May 1st.

The Rose Festival at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

For this occasion, the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild are all decorated in pink. An atmosphere worthy of fairy tales is recreated. Different species of roses are honored by passionate rose growers. Workshops and guided tours are organized to better understand roses and plants.

Every year new educational and playful activities are organized for young and old. Thus you discover pottery, gardening, you taste edible flowers. Throughout the day, you can enjoy live shows, musical water games, etc.

Brunch at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

On certain Sundays in March, April and May, brunches are organized in the Baroness' dining room. From 11am to 3pm, enjoy a variety of sweet and savory dishes accompanied by tea or coffee...

Count a little more than 46€ to enjoy this meal.

Do not hesitate to book your seats in advance to guarantee a place.

The After-Works

This is the new meeting place at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, to be enjoyed with friends or your office colleagues. On certain Tuesdays in March, April and May, enjoy the last rays of sunshine after a day's work in an electro or jazzy musical atmosphere.

The Musical Evenings

The musical evenings at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces - S. Spitéri - Photographer

During the fall, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild opens its doors to you to enjoy a romantic evening.

The gardens are illuminated just for you, the time of a dinner for two or family, accompanied by the most beautiful classical music.

The restaurant 

Restaurant of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

Enjoy refined dishes in the Baronne's dining room, preserved as it was in the past. With its large bay windows, the restaurant offers a magnificent view of the Villefranche harbor. In spring and summer, you can enjoy its shaded terrace, located next to the French garden. Live a unique experience in the time of Beatrice Ephrussi.

 Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild outdoor restaurant © Culturespaces - Eric Spiller

To access the restaurant, an entrance ticket to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is required.
Reserve your place at the restaurant by combining a lunch or tea break with your visit.

Good to know 

Duration of the visit : 2h30

Animals are not allowed

Ask for the free game booklet for your children. Thanks to games and riddles, it allows your children to discover the Villa and its gardens in a playful way.

Feel free to download the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild application on your smartphones. You have access to audio commentaries, location maps, and writings. You can download it on the AppStore and Google Play.

Where is the Rothschild villa?

Nestled on the magnificent Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this sumptuous residence is a veritable showcase of art and beauty, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
The villa is located halfway between Nice and Monaco, giving it an exceptional position. It is easily accessible by road, allowing you to admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of this privileged region.

By train: Access with the TER. Beaulieu-sur-Mer station. 30-minute walk from station. Don't forget good walking shoes, as there are plenty of climbs.

By car: Access via the Corniche base Free parking at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

By bus: Take line 15 to the "Passable-Rothschild" stop
Take line 10 to the "Pont Saint Jean" stop

Prices

• Adult rate: 16€.
• Reduced rate, student : 13€.
• Family rate: 45€.
• Youth rate, from 7 to 25 years old : 11€.

The visit is free for children under 7 years old.

Opening hours

The villa is open every day of the year.

February 1 to October 31:
- from 10am to 6pm
- from 10am to 7pm in July and August
November 1 to January 30:
- from 2pm to 6pm on weekdays
- from 10am to 6pm on weekends and during school vacations

The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

Restaurant and Tearoom Opening Hours 

February 1 to November 1:
- 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily
- 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., daily in July and August
November 2 through January 31:
- weekends, holidays and school vacations
- 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The access to the tea room - restaurant is authorized for the holders of the entrance ticket of the Villa.

When should you visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild?

We recommend these 2 seasons, although all 4 are pleasant, and the gardens change with the seasons.
Spring (March to May): This period offers pleasant weather and the villa gardens are in full bloom, offering an explosion of color and fragrance.
Autumn (September to November): Fewer tourists and a milder climate make for a more pleasant visit. The gardens remain beautiful, with autumnal hues.