Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Palace · Nice, Provença-Alpes-Costa Azul
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Renaissance-style palace on the top of cabo Ferrat, with art collections and nine themed gardens between two seas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was built between 1905 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild at the highest point of the isthmus of cabo Ferrat, in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, from where the sea is visible on both sides. The pink façade imitates Italian Renaissance palaces.
Inside, the salons hold 18th-century furniture, Sèvres and Meissen porcelains, tapestries and paintings gathered by the baroness. Upon her death in 1934, the house was left to the Académie des Beaux-Arts of the Institut de France and became a museum.
The gardens are the best-known part: nine spaces with different themes, such as the French garden with a reflecting pool, the Spanish, the Florentine, the Japanese, the rock garden and the rose garden. In the French garden, the fountains perform shows with music at regular intervals.
The visit pairs well with a walk along the coast of cabo Ferrat or through Beaulieu-sur-Mer, its seaside neighbor.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the house and gardens.
Best time
In spring, from April to June, when the gardens are usually more in bloom, or early in the morning in summer. Opening hours change with the season; check before going.
How to get there
From Nice, Lignes d'Azur buses follow the coastal road to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Another option is the TER train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and a walk of about 20 to 30 minutes, with an uphill section.
Tip
Take time for the tearoom with a view over the bay. Comfortable footwear helps on the gravel paths in the gardens.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Where is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild?
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, on cabo Ferrat, between Nice and Mônaco, about 10 km from Nice.
What should you see first, the house or the gardens?
The gardens are the highlight; many people start with them and visit the house afterward. The fountains in the French-style garden put on musical displays at intervals.
What's the best time for the gardens?
Flowering is usually strongest from April to June, but there's plenty to see year-round.