The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the French Riviera is a real hidden gem that deserves to be better known. With a unique location in St Jean Cap Ferrat overlooking the Mediterranean Sea from all sides, it’s worth visiting the rose coloured villa for the view alone. Cap Ferrat is one of the most unspoiled parts of this coast and also one of the most exclusive.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Yet there is much more to discover in Villa Ephrussi, starting with the fantastic gardens. The original owner of the property, Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, commissioned the villa from French architect Aaron Messiah.
Beatrice was the wife of banker Baron Maurice de Ephrussi and a prominent member of the Rothschild banking family.
History of Villa Ephrussi
Built between 1905 and 1912, it includes a series of gardens inspired by her travels abroad. Sadly, Béatrice had an unhappy marriage to Maurice, 15 years her senior and an inveterate gambler.
She contracted an illness from him which prevented her from having any children, and a divorce was finally granted in 1904.
Béatrice was then able to devote her attention to collecting art. Upon the death of her father in 1905, she inherited his considerable fortune and purchased the plot of land where the villa now stands.
Accessed only by a mule track at the time, it was quite a challenge to create gardens on such a rocky promontory. The ground was dynamited and additional earth was brought in, with the gardens being completed in 7 years.
She later bequeathed the villa to the Académie des Beaux Arts so that it could be enjoyed by the public, and amazingly enough it’s open 365 days a year. The Académie entrusted the management of the site to Culturespaces who have overseen the renovation of the gardens and the Villa’s interior, following the original plan designed by Louis Marchand.
They also organise events at the villa, including the Fête des Roses et des Plantes (Rose and Plant Festival).
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Gardens
We’ve always enjoyed visiting gardens, having been to Compton Acres and the Elizabethan garden at Kenilworth Castle, so were keen to see what made this one so distinctive. The French Ministry of Culture classifies these as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
One of the highlights of Villa Ephrussi is the magical water fountains in the French garden. They spring into life every twenty minutes with the dancing jets serenaded by classical music which really add to the ambiance.
The classical temple makes a charming focal point from which to admire the French garden and the villa.
Wandering around the gardens, you feel like you are being taken on a journey through many different countries and horticultural styles.
There’s a shady stone garden, a tranquil Japanese garden and a Florentine garden where wedding photos were being taken on the day we visited. In all there are 9 gardens so we’ll leave some for you to discover yourself.
Villa Ephrussi Interiors
Inside the villa itself there are some fine Gobelins tapestries, porcelain from Sèvres, Old Master paintings and rare furniture. You get an intimate impression of life at the villa.
From the first floor you can admire the stunning view over the Italianate gardens. It’s easy to see why Baroness Rothschild loved this elegant French villa so much.
There’s also an attractive tea room and restaurant in the former conservatory. If you prefer to eat nearby, head to St Jean Cap de Ferrat which has a good selection of seafront restaurants.
Opening Hours of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
365 day a year from 10 a.m to 6 p.m, except July and August: from 10 a.m to 7 p.m and from November to January: from Monday to Friday from 2 p.m to 6 p.m. / weekends and holidays from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Final Thoughts on Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
We hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Are you a fan of gardens? Don’t forget to check out our feature on the best places to visit on the French Riviera too.
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Lovely post and beautiful photos. I went to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for the first time last summer and it was stunning. Unfortunately I never came across Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild but it is most certainly on my radar now for next time!
It’s quite hidden away but that makes it all the more interesting I think, glad you liked the post
I loved that you included the tale of the Baroness herself – I’m an absolute sucker for a good backstory, particularly one like this with a bit of drama and tragedy! I think it brings it to life somewhat when you’re exploring these places as you can try to imagine it back in her time so to speak!
It really is a tragic story, isn’t it! I’m glad that she found some happiness at the villa at least
Such a romantic place! Imagine what it must have been like to live there. Like a dream…
Gazing out from the patio really gave me an impression of what it must have been like to live there
I love that the garden encompassed so many styles!
It was hard to choose which one was best!
The green strikes me Suze. All the trees and shrubs makes the gem 😉 Fab shots, especially the one where you’re admiring the estate with the statue.
Ryan
It’s surprising how green it was, then again I visited in Winter
Wow…awestruck!…what a sumptuous house and gardens…this has to top your most extravagant luxury post yet!
I wish I could move in and never leave, Linzi – it really was so luxurious yet cosy too!
What a stunning place! Hidden places are the best, it must feel like discovering a new place and also not having many people around! Your photos make me want to visit all these places, they are really catchy!
Ela BellaWorld
I can thank Mr Luxe for this one as he suggested we visit it, I hadn’t heard of it before then!
It looks like a hidden palace.
I’m lovin the interior and the views.
Have a great day!
http://www.thebandwagonchic.com/
Those interiors were so fantastic, with quite a feminine touch and I love the rose colour of the villa too
This place looks incredible. Romantic and simply gorgeous. Would love to see it one day!
There is something very romantic about it despite the Baroness being single when she lived there. I hope you get the chance to visit!
The gardens are absolutely stunning! Makes me long for warm weather — we still have some snow left here.
http://www.mintnotion.com
It’s just warming up here in London but in France when we visited in Winter it was short sleeve weather!
How beautiful – I shall also be perusing the ‘Notable Gardens of France list’ shortly…
I must admit that despite living in France for years, I hadn’t heard of that list either!
Stunning!
What a beautiful place with the feeling of a secret hideaway. Stunning, thanks for sharing 🙂
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
It really does have a secret feel to it, as it’s a no-through road on a peninsula – glad you enjoyed reading about it
Wow – such a stunning garden, it almost doesn’t look real! So, so beautiful – another one from you to put on my travel wish list!
Erin xx
islandbell.co.uk
I agree, there’s something a bit unworldly about the place – probably because it was such a challenge to create it on that rock!
This looks like something from ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream.’ What an incredible garden and mansion! I’ve always wanted to visit the French Riviera
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
It’s very dream like isn’t it – and the water and music just add to the effect.
Everytime I stop by your blog, I always know its going to be good and I am right. This post is nothing short but amazing. Just looking at the architecture and the ambiance makes me wish I was there. Thanks for much for sharing this Suze.
Kia / KTS
www.houseofkts.com
Oh that’s so sweet, Kia! I always enjoy reading your posts too, they’re so varied
The villa and gardens look beautiful! It is such a long time ago that I visited Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – loved the restaurants on the seafront. Next time I visit I make sure to include a little culture and visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
We had a great meal on the seafront as the restaurant at the villa was closed. You’ll love the villa, I’m sure
It’s such a beautiful region, in some ways I prefer it to the Amalfi Coast. Going back there in May for Cannes!
Wow looks absolutely stunning, what a beautiful looking spot!
This is just idyllic Suze – looks like the kind of gardens where you could sit for an afternoon to wash away all your stresses and just unwind 🙂
Truly stunning and beautiful! The temple is so sweet and the whole garden is breathtaking. The restaurant looks tempting to try!
Http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Gardens and the interior decorations and those great fountains were amazing. Congs for this well-written post. cheers,