The Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa and Gardens – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

With its mild climate and brilliant colours, the Côte d’Azur has for centuries seduced at first sight many writers and poets as well as a cohort of artists and rich aristocrats from all over Europe. The same is true for Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, to whom we owe one of the most beautiful villas on the Côte d’Azur, which we will now discover: The Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa.

In the heart of the green peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat stands a sumptuous building with pink facades from the early 19th century, surrounded by eight magnificent gardens where it is pleasant to stroll, whatever the season. Discover with me the Ephrussi de Rothschild villa and gardens!

The Belle Époque Villa

Much more than a residence, The Ephrussi Villa is the symbol of an era-La Belle Époque-where luxury, art and leisure intertwine to give life to creations where no expense was spared.

Born from the dream of the rich and eccentric Beatrice de Rothschild, the building was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Inside, one can appreciate the profusion of the eclectic and refined decor that testifies to the taste for luxury and the overflowing vitality of this extraordinary woman.

Amongst other things, you will discover Louis XVI style furniture, a Renaissance-inspired patio, a collection of porcelain from the Manufacture Royale de Sèvre and tapestries from the Gobelins.

The eight gardens

7 hectares of land surround the Villa Ephrussi. Béatrice had eight wonderful gardens created, all different, which, in my opinion, rather than competing with each other, are a real invitation to travel, to get away from it all and to reflect.

The Andalusian garden

Let’s start our stroll in the Andalusian garden, with its covered patio and central pond where water lilies bloom. Under its arcades, depending on the season, we can admire the shimmering birds of paradise, the intoxicatingly fragrant trumpets of the angels and the exotic Gruyère plant.

Florentine garden

A few steps away, we are transported to Tuscany, to the Italian garden, inspired by the classical ideals of order and symmetry, with a large horseshoe-shaped staircase.

Lapidary garden

We continue in the direction of the mysterious and strange lapidary garden, teeming with works of art from different periods: medieval bas-reliefs, capitals, columns and a wrought iron well. The whole complex is guarded by disquieting grotesques who seem to want to ensure the peace and quiet of the place. The best time to visit is in the spring, when the azaleas are in bloom, although autumn is best if you want to soak up its slightly murky atmosphere.

Japanese garden

When we enter the Japanese garden, otherwise known as Cho-Seki-Tei, we are catapulted to the end of the world. Here the plant and mineral kingdoms merge in perfect harmony. If we look around us, we find several symbolic elements: water, rocks, bridges, lanterns as well as a pond with beautiful Koi carp, symbol of love and virility in the land of the rising sun.

Exotic garden

We continue our journey to the exotic garden, with its arid and dry landscape, dotted with a huge variety of cacti, prickly pears and yuccas.

Provençal garden and rose garden

We then return to our latitudes with the Provençal garden. Then, all of a sudden, the eye escapes into the incredible rose garden overlooking the blue sea of the Baie des Fourmis. A triumph of beauty, colour and fragrance that does not lack superlatives.

French garden

The final touch is the French garden, designed in the shape of an ocean liner, with the Temple of Love, inspired by the one at the Trianon, at the bow. This garden is embellished with a large parterre crossed by a canal with its basins and its water games that gush out to the notes of Strauss’ waltzes. A real treat for the eye!

Our good deal

This major tourist site is included in the French Riviera Pass! Another good reason to visit the Ephrussi de Rothschild villa and gardens!

Photo de couverture : @Pierre Behar

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