Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

A few highlights from my visit to The Villa and Gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild. Neither photos nor words do this place justice. I stayed from open until close. Wandered the interiors and gardens, took countless photos for inspiration, sat and painted the façade and had lunch on the terrace. Simply remarkable what Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild created here so many years ago that we all can still enjoy today.

It was designed by the French architect Aaron Messiah and built between 1907 and 1912. The villa itself has been classified as a “monument historique.” The garden (visible below in the photo I took from the upper level loggia) was conceived in the form of a ship, to be viewed from the loggia, which is like the bridge of a vessel with the sea visible on all sides. It was inspired by a voyage Beatrice made on the liner Île de France.

The gardens are classified by the Ministry of Culture as one of the Remarkable Gardens of France. On a few occasions I was overcome with emotion… there is so much beauty and attention to detail (flowers, fountains, vistas) at every turn that seems to go on forever as you wander from garden to garden (nine in total), all framed by views of the sparkling Mediterranean.

Beatrice filled the mansion with antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures, objets d’art and assembled an extensive collection of rare porcelain. The hand-painted paneling and doors from space to space blew my mind; there are so many and each is like a masterpiece! I took countless photos but included a few highlights! Beatrice’s story is fascinating and I recommend reading about her if by chance you’re curious to learn more. I’m trying to get my hands on a biography about her. I want to learn all I can about this incredible woman after seeing what she built.