Cover Kerylos Istock Paul Vowles 1920x1080 1
©IStock – Paul Vowles

Ancient Greece: visit Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu sur mer

If you enjoy travelling and the history of ancient Greece and architecture, don’t miss a visit to Villa Kérylos: one of the emblematic villas on the Côte d’Azur. Listed as a Historic Monument, this unique villa will undoubtedly take you back in time… to ancient Greece! Walk in the footsteps of its creator Théodore Reinach.

VILLA KÉRYLOS: GREEK FANTASY AND SEA BREEZES IN BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

Discover one of the most incredible monuments on the Côte d’Azur…

Théodore Reinach chose the rocky headland of the Baie des Fourmis in Beaulieu-sur-Mer to build his luxurious holiday home: Villa Kérylos. The villa was built between 1902 and 1908 by the talented architect Emmanuel Pontremoli – it is none other than the reconstruction of a luxurious palace on the island of Delos in Greece. During your visit, the mood is set at the entrance where you read « XAIPE » which in Greek means « Rejoice ». An invitation to travel and a tribute to the Greek civilization, you’ll love the Villa’s extraordinary decoration: murals, mosaics, refined salons, marble, bronze and even ivory furniture. Wonderment guaranteed!

A GARDEN, WITNESS TO ANCIENT HISTORY!

You’ll love the astonishing collection of Mediterranean trees in the Villa Kérylos gardens.

At the water’s edge and offering a bird’s eye view of the Baie des Fourmis and the Golfe de Saint-Hospice, a visit to the gardens surrounding Villa Kérylos is a must. Wander among olive trees, vines, pomegranates, in the shade of pines and cypresses – along with some palm trees and papyrus. The oleander, iris and myrtle add colour in the same way that they did in ancient times on the shores of the Aegean Sea. Make the most of your visit by going into the Galerie des Antiques with its rich collection of famous Greco-Roman statues.

AN INVITATION TO TRAVEL IN ANCIENT GREECE!

Villa Kérylos transports you into the wonderful world of Greek mythology…/h3>

Discover the incredibly beautiful mosaics that decorate the floors and walls, the giant frescoes, the Carrera marble columns, the thermal baths and the peristyle surrounded by 12 columns – the central point of the Villa. From this beautiful courtyard bathed in light you can see the sundial on the facade. Want to visit the Villa? You can either follow the marked route or opt for a guided tour which will give you access to the panoramic terrace. There is over 800 m² of space to explore. Go at your own pace and take your time.

WANDER AROUND THE VILLA AND CHOOSE YOUR UNIVERSE!

Villa Kérylos was born from the collaboration of two scholars fascinated by ancient Greece: Théodore Reinach and Emmanuel Pontremoli. Each room has been carefully thought out. On the ground floor, visit the shared spaces (kitchen, library, baths, dining room…) – the upper floor was reserved for Reinach and his wife. Madame Reinach’s room is a favourite. Named « L’Ornitès » (the birds) which is dedicated to Hera, wife of Zeus, goddess of marriage and femininity. It is decorated with frescoes and exotic birds in midnight blue and gold tones.

Discover the Villa Kerylos

PRACTICAL INFO & DISCOVART’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Prices, opening times… here is all the practical information you need to visit Villa Kérylos!

From 2 January to 30 April and from 1 September to 31 December: open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. From 2 May to 31 August: open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Closed on 1 January, 1 May, 1 and 11 November and 25 December. Times may be changed. Admission: adults €11.50. Reduced rate: €9. Free for children under 18 and on the first Sunday of the month between November and March inclusive.
Discovart tip: if you go to Beaulieu-sur-Mer by train and you present your TER ticket at the entrance to Villa Kérylos, you will benefit from the reduced rate: €9 instead of €11.50. Note: you have to visit on the day the TER ticket is used.

discovar.jpg
     ANCIENT GREECE:

 

VISIT VILLA KÉRYLOS!

By Julie DISCOVAR

A tourism and gastronomy blogger living on the Côte d’Azur, I have been sharing my tourism discoveries and gourmet recipes on my Discovart blog since 2011. I think the Côte d’Azur is one of the most beautiful regions in France with extraordinary potential and unlimited diversity. I love its landscapes, culture and traditions and I love sharing my favourite treasures.

virtual tour of villa kerylos

Close