Set sail for the Villa Ephrussi de Rotshchild !
On the occasion of the 41st European Heritage Days, we invite you to come (re)discover the Villa and Gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild in the light of the 2024 theme: Maritime Heritage.
Throughout the weekend, the Villa will play tribute to the sea:
- First, through its location: Cap Ferrat, between isthmus and peninsula, offers the Villa unparalleled panoramas and breathtaking views over the Baie des Fourmis and the harbour of Villefranche.
- Next, through its name: Named “Villa Île-de-France” by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, the residence in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat refers to the namesake boat on which her cousin Théodore Reinach sailed in the early 20th century between Malta, Crete, Greece and Cyprus.
- Finally, through its history: Béatrice envisioned and designed the garden of her future residence like the deck of a ship, with the bow stretching out to the rose garden, crowned by the Temple of Love. Some even say that the baroness staged actors dressed as sailors (including pom-poms!) to stroll around the property…
In addition to this special connection of Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild with the Mediterranean, you will also discover her passion for exoticism – fuelled by her long voyages and an unrelenting curiosity. First, in the garden, where some plants crossed oceans to adorn the Villa’s nine thematic gardens, which are influenced by various cultures: Mexican, Japanese, Spanish, Florentine, or French… So many exotic destinations!
Then, through themed guided tours in the Villa, where animals – sometimes fantastical, like the white elephant, a Buddhist symbol – are hidden in the collections: can you find them? The parakeets from tropical forests, having travelled across the Atlantic? The koi carp, not far from the Sea of Japan? Or the sacred monkeys from the other side of the Indian Ocean, which became fashionable in Europe in the 18th century?
And since our “Year of Béatrice” celebrates two anniversaries, we have two surprises for you: on Saturday evening, a live and illuminated show on the South façade, with a projection mapping inspired by the life of the baroness and the construction of the Villa, in honour of the 160th anniversary of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s birth – and free admission for all Béatrices throughout the weekend (which will be valid until the end of the year).
Across the 5 hectares of gardens and a collection of over 5000 pieces, we invite you on a long journey to discover Béatrice’s wanderings. Come aboard!
