Villa Kerylos, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Located at Beaulieu-sur-Mer, at the tip of the Baie des Fourmis, this residence is the work of Théodore Reinach, an archaeologist passionate about Greek civilization and culture. Assisted by the renowned architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, he created this masterpiece. Open to all year round.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This magnificent Renaissance-style residence, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, was built by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, who was passionate about the 18th century. The villa and its sublime gardens can be visited, but the venue can also be rented for receptions.
Villa Eilenroc, Cap d’Antibes
This magnificent residence, built by a Dutchman, is located on the Cap d’Antibes within an 11-hectare park, with magnificent gardens and lush, typically Mediterranean vegetation. It was later sold to a Scotsman, then to an American couple, the Beaumonts. In 1982, Madame Hélène Beaumont bequeathed her residence to the city of Antibes on the condition that the Beaumont Foundation be created to manage and operate the property, and also on the condition that the villa, the Rose Garden and the Olive Grove be opened to the public. Simply sublime.
Villa Santo Sospir, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This magnificent villa, built just after the war, was purchased by Francine Weisweiller and her husband. Once introduced to Cocteau, a genuine friendly attraction arose between them immediately, and Cocteau, who did not like to remain idle, asked Francine one day for permission to paint an head of Apollo above the fireplace. She agreed and, little by little, Cocteau decorated all the walls of the house. Today the property belongs to a Russian owner, and the villa may still be visited except during renovation periods.
Villa E-1027 by Eileen Gray, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
This small modern villa, not far from Monaco, with geometric forms and the look of an ocean liner, was designed and built by Eileen Gray, a decorator who became an architect, and Jean Badovici, a Romanian-born architect 15 years her junior who was the driving force behind this whole adventure. Unfortunately, they parted ways just after the work was completed, leaving us this masterpiece.
Le Château de La Colle Noire, Montauroux
This magnificent 19th-century bastide, entirely restored by Christian Dior in the 1950s, is located in Montauroux, at the edge of the Alpes-Maritimes. It has been owned by Christian Dior Parfums since 2013. Open during set periods, this magnificent, fully renovated residence will immerse you in the world of the famous couturier if you have the opportunity to visit when it opens its doors to visitors.
Villa Domergue, Cannes
It was the painter Jean Gabriel Domergue who designed and had this villa built, which was originally called Villa Fiesole (he was inspired by a villa he had seen in Fiesole, near Florence, hence the name). Italian in style, with Mediterranean gardens, pools and waterfalls created by his wife, a sculptor.
Villa Le Rêve, Vence
It was in this villa that Matisse lived from 1943 to 1949. He found all the inspiration he needed there to create some of his most beautiful works, such as “Nature Morte aux grenades” for example. This inspiration came from the magnificent view from his terrace over a landscape fragrant with Mediterranean plants, as well as from the particular light of the Côte d’Azur. The villa welcomes you for a visit or to paint in the garden or in one of the studios, but you can also stay here.
Cabanon Le Corbusier, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
This remarkable cabanon, where Le Corbusier liked to come in summer with his wife, is one of the most minimalist dwellings in existence. Measuring 3.66 square meters with a height of 2.66 meters, this cabin, reminiscent of a trapper’s hut, contains everything necessary for living in a small space: toilet, table, storage, a work corner, a rest corner, and nature all around. Le Corbusier’s goal was to live in harmony with nature.
Sources: Official websites of the sites. Websites of the Tourist Offices of the Côte d’Azur
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