Perched on a scenic promontory at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat along the French Riviera, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (also known as Villa Île-de-France) offers an unforgettable glimpse into golden-age luxury overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built between 1907 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild and designed by architect Aaron Messiah, this rose-tinted mansion is now a classified historical monument open to the public. As you step inside, you will discover a rich treasure trove of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures, objets d'art, and a vast collection of rare porcelain.
Outside, the experience expands into nine magnificent themed gardens designed under landscape architect Achille Duchêne. You can stroll through the expansive French garden, designed to evoke the deck of a ship, complete with a long basin, musical fountains, and a replica of Versailles' Temple of Love. As you explore further, you will encounter the Spanish, Florentine, Japanese, exotic, stone, Provençal, Sèvres porcelain, and rose gardens.
Classified as one of the Remarkable Gardens of France, this coastal estate provides a truly mesmerizing blend of artistic heritage, architectural elegance, and vibrant Mediterranean plant life.
What to see at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Tour a historic rose-tinted seaside villa packed with Old Master paintings and rare porcelain
- Explore nine themed gardens, including French, Japanese, Spanish, and exotic landscapes
- Admire the French garden's long basin, fountain displays, and replica Temple of Love
- Take in sweeping Mediterranean Sea views from a villa designed to resemble a ship's deck
- Experience seasonal events like June's Painters' Day and the summer Les Opera Azuriales festival
Visiting tips
Visit during June's Painters' Day to watch artists create work throughout the nine gardens, or attend the annual Les Opera Azuriales summer opera festival.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: June
How to get there & what’s nearby
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is easy to reach on Nice’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret and Musée Matisse. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Nice travel guide.
See the full Nice travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.