Ancient Greece: a visit to the Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

If you love travel, ancient Greek history and architecture, don’t miss a visit to Villa Kérylos: one of the Côte d’Azur’s most emblematic villas. Listed as a Monument Historique, this unique villa will undoubtedly take you back in time to ancient Greece! Let’s follow in the footsteps of its creator: Théodore Reinach.

THE VILLA KÉRYLOS: A GREEK DREAM
AND THE SCENT OF THE SEA AT BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

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

Théodore Reinach chose the rocky headland of the Baie des Fourmis in Beaulieu-sur-Mer to build his luxurious vacation home: the Villa Kérylos. Built between 1902 and 1908 by the talented architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, this villa is nothing less than a reconstruction of a luxurious palace on the Greek island of Delos. During your visit, the tone will be set as soon as you enter the building, where you’ll read “XAIPE”, which means “Rejoice” in Greek. A true invitation to travel and a tribute to Greek civilization, you’ll be seduced by the Villa’s extraordinary decor: murals, mosaics, refined salons, furniture in marble, bronze and ivory. Awe-inspiring!

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A GARDEN THAT BEARS WITNESS TO ANCIENT HISTORY!

Let yourself be seduced by the astonishing collection of Mediterranean species in the gardens of Villa Kérylos.

Situated right on the water’s edge, with a plungingview over the Baie des Fourmis and the Golfe de Saint-Hospice, don’t miss a visit to the gardens surrounding Villa Kérylos.

They offer a journey through olive groves, vines and pomegranate trees, in the shade of pines and cypresses, with the addition of a few palms and papyrus. Oleanders, irises and myrtles, as found on the shores of the Aegean Sea in ancient times, add color to the landscape.

Take the opportunity to visit the Galerie des Antiques, with its rich collection of sculptures of famous Greco-Roman statues.

AN INVITATION TO TRAVEL TO ANCIENT GREECE!

Villa Kerylos transports you to the wonderful world of Greek mythology…

Discover the sublime mosaics lining the floors and walls, the giant frescoes, the Carrara marble columns, the thermal baths, and also the peristyle surrounded by its 12 columns, the focal point of the Villa.

The sundial on the façade can be seen from this superb, light-filled inner courtyard.

Feel like a free tour of the Villa? You can follow the signposted route or opt for a guided tour, which will give you access to the panoramic terrace. In all, over 800 m² of space awaits you.

It’s up to you to explore them at your own pace.

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STROLL THROUGH THE VILLA AND CHOOSE YOUR UNIVERSE!

Villa Kérylos was born of the collaboration of two scholars with a passion for ancient Greece: Théodore Reinach and Emmanuel Pontremoli.

Each room has been meticulously designed. On the first floor, you’ll visit the common rooms (kitchen, library, baths, dining room…), while the first floor was reserved for the Reinach couple.

Madame Reinach’s room, called ” L’Ornitès” (The Birds), is dedicated to Hera, wife of Zeus and goddess of marriage and femininity. It is decorated with frescoes and exotic birds in shades of midnight blue and gold.

PRACTICAL INFO &
DISCOVART TIPS

Rates, opening hours… find all the practical information you need to visit the Villa Kérylos here!

Opening hours :

September 1 to April 30: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
May 2 to August 31: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Closing dates :

January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25.
Opening times subject to change.

Prices :

Individual: €13.
Groups (more than 20 adults): €11.50.
Free for children under 18.

Discovart tip:

If you travel to Beaulieu-sur-Mer by train and present your TER ticket at the Villa Kérylos ticket office, you can benefit from a reduced rate of 11.50€. Please note that the visit must take place on the same day as the TER ticket. Similarly, on presentation of your Grand Voyageur membership card, the rate is €10.

Ville Kérylos website

Ancient Greece:

visit to Villa Kérylos

By Julie DISCOVAR

A tourism and gastronomy blogger living on the Côte d’Azur, I’ve been sharing my tourist discoveries and gourmet recipes on my Discovart blog since 2011. In my opinion, the Côte d’Azur is one of the most beautiful regions of France, with extraordinary potential and limitless diversity. I love its landscapes, culture and traditions, and enjoy sharing my favorites.