If you’re planning a Côte d’Azur getaway, we urge you to visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Its timeless elegance makes it one of the architectural gems of the French Riviera. The villa bears witness to the exquisite refinement of the Belle Époque. We loved its sumptuous lounges and 9 enchanting gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. A visit here is a unique experience where art, history and nature come together in a captivating harmony of luxury and beauty.
In this article, you’ll find a selection of useful tips to help you prepare for your visit. You’ll have a wonderful time in this magnificent setting, listed as a Historic Monument and awarded the Remarkable Garden label.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap-Ferrat?
Is the Villa Ephrussi worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, absolutely, the Villa Ephrussi in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is well worth a visit. In fact, we’ve included it in our selection of must-see places on the Côte d’Azur. There are several reasons for this:
- Remarkable historical heritage: the villa embodies the elegance and luxury of the Belle Époque. Its enchanting architecture and sumptuous interiors are a true journey through time.
- Its 9 themed gardens: exceptional for their layout and botanical diversity. We loved their breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
- Its visionary owner: Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild was an emblematic and influential figure of the Belle Époque, with a strong character. An aesthete and philanthropist, she was a great patron of the arts and a pioneer in her field.
It’s a great place to visit from Beaulieu-sur-Mer or Nice.
Why is the villa famous?
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is famous for its multi-influenced architectural beauty. Built in the early 20th century, it brilliantly blends different styles: Italian Renaissance, Baroque and French Classicism. With its 9 extraordinary gardens, it attracts visitors from all over the world to an estate of over seven hectares. In our opinion, its gardens are among the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur.
We were impressed by the pink villa’s panoramic location. Perched on a hill in Cap Ferrat, overlooking the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the house and gardens offer splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside. Finally, we were fascinated by the villa’s history. It is the fruit of the taste and imagination of an extraordinary woman, Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy heiress with a passion for art and beauty.
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Our favorite moments
We visited the estate in the early afternoon, after a gourmet break on the terrace of its Restaurant Le Béatrice (tea room).
- We loved the freshness of the gardens stretching southwards in front of the villa. Inspired by gardens around the world, each has its own distinct style and ambience, overlooking the Mediterranean.
- The panoramic view from the first-floor terrace-loggia is simply breathtaking. It allows you to embrace the magnificence of the area from a single vantage point: the gardens, Cap Ferrat and, beyond, the Baie de Beaulieu and the Baie de Villefranche. A marvel!
- Inside, we were delighted by the small salon on the first floor. Its 2 alcoves, ideal for conversation, are decorated with 18th-century tapestries from the Manufacture des Gobelins. Find out more here. Their secretive atmosphere contrasts with the 3 light bays overlooking the garden.
WHERE TO STAY IN Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Option 1: Waterfront
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Hotel La Réserve de Beaulieu – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Royal Riviera – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Downtown
The town is not far from the seaside, but the views won’t be the same. We recommend..:
- Hotel Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Select – see prices, pictures and availability
- Havre Bleu Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Villefranches or Cap-Ferrat
Right next to Beaulieu, around Cap Ferrat, you can also enjoy lively Villefranches, or the peace and quiet on the cape.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Welcome in Villefranches – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel du Cap Ferrat – prices, pictures and availability
History in brief
Perched on the hillside of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a landmark on the French Riviera. It was built between 1905 and 1912 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy heiress with a passion for art. We were very interested in the life story of this exceptional woman.
The refined decoration of the villa and the elegant layout of its 9 gardens bear witness to the exquisite taste of the owner. On her death in 1934, she bequeathed the villa to the Académie des Beaux-arts of the Institut de France.
Today, the estate is open to the public (since 1938). It offered us an immersive experience of the glitz and luxury of Belle Époque high society, not to mention an exceptional panorama of the Mediterranean.
- The villa and its gardens have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1996. Find out more here.
- The gardens were awarded the Remarkable Garden label in 2005. Find out more here.
Access: Villa Ephrussi, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Where is the Villa Rothschild?
Villa Ephrussi is located at 1 Avenue Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (06230).
- The villa is located on the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, between Baie de Villefranche and Baie de Beaulieu.
- It is close to the Plage de Passable, at the entrance to the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- From Beaulieu-sur-Mer: 10min drive
- From Nice: 30min drive
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
How to get there?
To get to Villa Ephrussi in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, you have several options:
- By car: the site is well signposted and easy to get to, but traffic can be heavy, especially in summer.
- By bus: line 15 stop “Passable – Rothschild” or line 607 stop “Pont Saint Jean” then about 15min walk to the villa.
- By train: from Beaulieu-sur-Mer SNCF station, a 30-minute walk.
Parking
Free parking is available on site, but it fills up quickly, especially during the summer months. This can make it very difficult to find parking in the surrounding streets. However, if the parking lot is full, the town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers valet parking for a fee. Find out more here.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Where to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Best hotels
- Best restaurants
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
- Villa Kerylos
- Villa Eprhussi
- Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
It’s always busy at Villa Ephrussi!
In spring and autumn, the villa’s gardens are particularly beautiful, with lush vegetation and pleasantly mild temperatures. The summer months are the busiest. It’s crowded and very hot. If you’re coming at this time of year, it’s best to visit in the morning.
The months of November and March (out of season on the Côte d’Azur), despite cooler weather, offer a quieter, more authentic experience.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 3 to 3h30 to visit the site. The villa is vast and rich, and the gardens extend over 7 hectares.
While the villa is accessible to people with reduced mobility, some staircases and passages in the gardens are not. Nevertheless, it is possible to enjoy much of the garden’s beauty.
Pets are not allowed.
Advice on how to visit
A site map is handed out to visitors on arrival.
We preferred to start our visit in the coolness of the villa after having lunch on site, at Restaurant le Béatrice (tea room). After exploring the patio, we began our tour with the porcelain salon and private apartments. Following the official route is easy. Numbered signposts show the way.
We walked around the gardens as we left the villa. We started with the French garden in front of the house, then the Provençal garden, and finally the rose garden at the end of the estate. We returned to the west side, crossing the other 6 gardens.
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Visiting with children
Children aged 7 to 12 are given a free game book on entry. Games and puzzles allow them to discover the site in a fun way.
Visitors can also prepare or extend their visit by downloading various activities (games and coloring pages) from the villa’s official website. They are available here.
Strollers are allowed.
Schedules and rates
The villa is open every day of the year:
- February 1 to October 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- July and August: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- November 6 to January 30: weekdays from 2pm to 6pm, weekends and school vacations from 10am to 6pm
Last admission 1/2 hour before closing time.
Full price: €17
Children under 7 free of charge
Check out the latest rates and the complete list of discount beneficiarieshere.
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Guided tours
Free audio guides are available to the public. You can also download theapplication free of charge.
Guided tours are available on reservation only. See contacts here.
A visit to Villa Ephrussi is also part of an 8-hour itinerary from Nice, which also includes the village of Èze and the Principality of Monaco. You’ll be accompanied by a multilingual guide – See prices, photos and availability.
Catering
Restaurant Le Béatrice (tea room) is open daily from 11am to 5:30pm from February 1 to November 1 inclusive. It closes a little later in July/August: 6.30pm.
The restaurant is housed in Béatrice Ephrussi’s former dining room. Its high windows overlook the Bay of Villefranche.
We preferred to enjoy the shade of the orange trees on its magnificent terrace, open in fine weather.
The chef, Aude Romero-Filipowski, trained with some of the world’s top Michelin-starred chefs. She works with fresh, local produce, inspired by the villa’s gardens and their fragrances. This restaurant will be featured in our article on the best restaurants to eat at in Beaulieu-sur-Mer (coming soon).
Start your visit: the elegance of Villa Ephrussi
Arriving at the villa’s entrance, we were struck by its timeless elegance, the subtlety of its colors and the majesty of its architecture.
An Italian Renaissance palace
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild harmoniously blends elements of Italian Renaissance and French Classicism. Its architectural elegance captivated us.
The entrance facade
The north facade is the first to be seen as you enter the site. Its pink decor, inspired by Venetian palaces, is immediately striking. On the left, a stair tower with yellow rendering and whimsical construction, openworked with high windows, provides transparency and contrast.
But it’s the flamboyant Gothic entrance porch that really stands out. We couldn’t see the projecting staircase on its right. Advertised as being in the purest Florentine Renaissance style, it was being restored at the time of our visit.
The splendor of the patio
The patio is a reception area typical of Italian Renaissance villas. It is a blend of many Italian references: Venetian, Florentine, Lombard… All around the patio, the gallery’s vaulted ceilings are decorated with a delicate 15th-century motif chosen by Béatrice Ephrussi from a Milanese church. We were seduced by its delicacy.
Other elements from churches and convents can be found in the patio. The openwork masonry railings on the second floor are faithful copies of the grille in the heart of the Church of the Miracles in Venice. We loved imagining the trompe-l’oeil sky that originally appeared on the ceiling.
A French-style layout
From the patio, we reached Baroness Ephrussi’s private apartments via the porcelain salon and bathroom. We were able to instantly grasp the degree of refinement she has brought to the space, which is fully reflected in her apartments.
Béatrice Ephrussi’s private apartments
Facing sunset, the room’s rotunda overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. Every item of furniture and every object is carefully selected. Like most of the great collectors of the 1910s, Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild loved the 18th century. But she has added her own personal touch.
Don’t miss the finesse of the large oval carpet. Manufactured at Aubusson, it dates from the end of the reign of Louis XVI. Find out more here.
The carpet mirrors the shape of the ceiling. We loved the 18th-centuryVenetian painting it’s decorated with. It represents the Triumph of a patrician family.
We loved the Baroness’s splendid bed. A Venetian bed, delicately crafted, covered in subtly embroidered Chinese silk. It symbolizes the Rothschilds’ commercial ties with China.
The ceremonial salons
These are the villa’s reception rooms. They are architectural and decorative gems that bear witness to the elegance and refinement of both the lady of the house and the Riviera at the beginning of the 20th century.
We particularly liked the small lounge. We loved the intimacy of this room, bathed in light thanks to its high windows overlooking the garden. It was reserved for after-dinner conversations, as evidenced by its 2 alcoves, decorated with 18th-century tapestries by Manufacture des Gobelins.
There are also 3 paintings from François Boucher ‘s studio, including Le sommeil de Vénus (visible in the photo). Find out more here.
The grand salon impressed us with its generous proportions and luxurious decorative details. It’s easy to imagine the receptions and games tables of the time, reminiscent of the Versailles lifestyle in Marie-Antoinette‘s day.
One of the carpets comes from the Chateau de Versailles. It bears 2 large golden Ls and was made for Louis XV by the Manufacture Royale de la Savonnerie. Find out more here.
In the second part of the salon, the ceiling features a work by the Venetian painter Giandomenico Tiepolo. It depicts the chariot of Love pulled by doves.
Finally, the painted woodwork in the salon comes from the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. It was completely renovated in 1907, and Béatrice Ephrussi succeeded in obtaining the old office panels from the architect.
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The tour continues: refinement up to the second floor
On the second floor, the patio passageway leads to more intimate spaces, dedicated to reading, writing and private meetings. Here again, we appreciated the elegant decor. It confirms the Baroness’s constant concern to surround herself with the finest objects.
From the Directoire bedroom to the monkey salon
The Directoire bedroom
This was the first room on the floor we visited. A simple bed and a more discreet elegance, typical of the aftermath of the French Revolution. The ” grotesque” motifs on the woodwork caught our eye in particular.
Successive trade shows
The second floor also features several salons, including the salon des putti, where the film Béatrice et l’âge d’or de la Riviera is shown, and the salon des porcelaines de Meissen. But it was the Tapestry Room and the Monkey Room that really caught our interest.
The tapestry room, as its name suggests, houses 3 large tapestries, one of which measures almost 20m2. It comes from the Manufacture Royale des Gobelins and was not visible during our visit. The others feature pastoral and gallant scenes by François Boucher.
The monkey show was a lot of fun. The woodwork is decorated with monkey images. They tell us a little more about the Baroness, who kept 2 of them as pets.
She was very fond of them and, it is said, appreciated their impertinence. Singing was also a very fashionable theme in the 18th century.
From the panoramic terrace to the blue room
This was the last part of the tour of the second floor, and it had some very nice surprises in store for us.
The panoramic view from the Florentine-inspired terrace-loggia is breathtaking. It opens onto the gardens and beyond, onto the entire Cap-Ferrat peninsula and the Baie de Beaulieu and Baie de Villefranche.
The loggia is embellished with beautiful wrought-iron fittings.
The blue room completes our tour of the second floor. It was one of those intended for guests. We loved its 3 large windows and peaceful, refined atmosphere. The 18th-century chandelier is made from a cage set with porcelain flowers. Béatrice Ephrussi had a porcelain bird placed there.
Continuing the tour: to the east, the Mediterranean gardens
In front of the villa, on the south side, the perspective of the formal garden is the first to emerge. You then enter the Provencal garden, before reaching the rose garden, as if suspended above the Mediterranean.
The French garden
A garden like the deck of a ship. This is how Béatrice Ephrussi wanted it, on the Cap Ferrat hillside, facing the sea. From the terrace-loggia, we could verify its perfect symmetry: straight paths, carefully arranged flowerbeds, precisely trimmed hedges.
Cleverly arranged ornaments complete the garden’s composition. They are typical of the classic French garden style of the 17th and 18th centuries. We admired the fire pots and large vases, the canal and ponds, the temples and water fountains…
Huge trees, some over a hundred years old, surround the garden’s parterre. We have selected Aleppo pines, olive trees, cypress hedges… But it was the gigantic fig tree in Moreton Bay, on the right-hand side of the basin, that most captivated us. A hundred years old, it was planted in the time of the Baroness de Rothschild.
The Provençal garden and rose garden
The Mediterranean essences of the Provençal garden enchanted us: lavender, rosemary, cistus santoline, viperina, helichrysum… in the shade of pines and olive trees stirred by the sea breeze. A real treat.
The old-world charm of the rose garden offers a romantic, peaceful setting overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. However, our late summer visit was not the right time to enjoy the wonders of this garden of many varieties. Flowering is best admired in May, June and July.
End of visit: to the west, gardens of the world
Back at the villa, we walked along the west side of the estate through a succession of gardens inspired by the world, each more enchanting than the last.
From Mexican garden to lapidary garden
The exoticism of the Mexican garden won us over. It is also known as an exotic garden, although it was originally inspired by Mexican landscapes. We loved the trails winding through spectacular cactus and prickly pear trees, towering agaves and fascinatingly shaped succulents.
We were intrigued by the strangeness of the lapidary garden. Access is via the Japanese garden. It’s a small enclosed garden displaying ancient architectural elements (bas-reliefs, gargoyles, columns, capitals, etc.) from various eras and regions. The atmosphere is one of romantic ruins, perfect for daydreaming.
Gardens of Europe
The intimacy of the Florentine garden can be felt from the first steps along its cypress-lined paths. Everywhere, little nooks and crannies, secret staircases, cascading terraces and elegant fountains. We loved getting lost in this enchanting Tuscan-style refuge.
The coolness of the Spanish garden is due to its narrow canal hidden in the vegetation and the gentle murmur of its fountain, which has just been restored.
Inspired by Andalusian patios and Moorish gardens, the profusion of colors and fragrances in this garden delighted us.
Before skirting the Jardin de Sèvres and reaching the estate exit, we fell in love with a small horseshoe-shaped staircase. Hidden in the vegetation, it climbs up under the windows of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rotschild’s bedroom. Like a final farewell to this great lady.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild?
Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild was an emblematic figure of early 20th-century high society. Born in 1864 into a banking family, she married Maurice Ephrussi, a wealthy businessman, in 1883. They separated in 1904.
Passionate about art, culture and gardening, Béatrice is known for her exquisite taste, philanthropy and patronage. She devoted a large part of her life to the construction of the villa, which lasted 7 years (1905-1912) and in which she spent very little time.
Suffering from tuberculosis, she retired to Switzerland, where she died in 1934. She bequeaths the villa and its gardens to the Académie des Beaux-Arts of the Institut de France. Find out more here.
Upstairs in the villa’s salon des putti, the film Béatrice et l’âge d’or de la Riviera (Beatrice and the Golden Age of the Riviera) is shown. He’ll tell you more about his extraordinary personality.
Does the Villa Ephrussi organize special events or temporary exhibitions?
The villa organizes Les jeudis de la villa, evening lectures on major social issues relating to culture, medicine, taste, sport and the arts. They are followed by a candlelit dinner. Find out more about the conference program here.
The villa also organizes the Rose and Plant Festival in May. To make sure you don’t miss out, find out more here.
When is the best time to enjoy the gardens?
Each of the villa’s gardens is different, with its own vegetation and special features. The best time to visit them therefore varies according to their theme and the species chosen. Fortunately, the villa publishes a seasonal calendar showing the most favorable months for each garden.
Want to enjoy these magical gardens? Book your admission ticket with audioguide today. .
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
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