Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, as well as the surrounding places on the Riviera, is home to many stunning buildings. Many millionaires from all over the world are eager to build their summer homes here. However, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is certainly not just one of these buildings. The Villa, which is also known as Villa Île-de-France (because of its main garden, which is shaped like the famous steamer of the same name) is one of the most beautiful Renaissance-style palaces on the French Riviera. This building represents a variety of styles from different periods with strong Lombard, Venetian and Spanish influences.

The Villa is located at the beginning of the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula and is surrounded by nine gardens. (French, Spanish, Florentine, Japanese, Exotic, Stone, Provençal and Rose.) In the gardens you can discover centuries-old olive trees, aleppo pines, jasmine, camellias, aloes, prickly pears, old roses and lavender from Provence.

If you visit the villa you will have a wonderful view not only of the bay of Villefranche sur Mer, but also of the bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the other side.

The entire complex of 10 hectares was built by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild between 1905 and 1912, while she had her art collection moved into the villa. After her death, the Baroness bequeathed the villa to a foundation named after her and the villa became a public museum. However, shortly after the opening, the museum had to close due to World War II and did not fully open to the public until 1960.

The Villa, along with its gardens, is really the perfect place to take a trip with or without children. Every 20 minutes there are breathtaking musical water shows in the French-style garden. If you come with children, you can also enjoy the fun of a treasure hunt. If you come alone, you can visit the inside of the villa or just let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of the gardens.