Ok, so on Monday I showed you what wonderful weather we had in the French Riviera a couple of weeks ago. Today is an entirely different story! On one of the days I was there, it literally poured from morning to night. I’d already scheduled to visit the Villa Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild so didn’t change my plans.
The Villa and the stupendous gardens, a firm favourite of mine, overlooks the Bay of Villefranche and the Bay of Beaulieu. It’s located between Nice and Monaco. I haven’t been for a few years and since I only started blogging 2 years ago I wanted to share it here with you. I decided to concentrate on the incredible gardens.
In view of the weather and it being January, you won’t be able to see everything in its full glory. However, I thought it would be interesting to share images of the magnificent gardens in winter and then hopefully again when I get a chance to return on a summer’s day, capturing the gardens in full bloom and colours!
To be honest, I’ve never visited on a day with such torrential rain. Standing at the highest point, utterly soaked through, camera in hand, there was something so magical and romantic about it that for a moment I felt completely at peace and at one with nature! For a brief second I closed my eyes and imagined what Béatrice Ephrussi must have been feeling 100 years ago standing in the same spot!
The entire garden is conceptually shaped to represent a ship (see below). As it’s situated above and with the Mediterranean sea on either side, this is clearly not a coincidence. The garden is an eclectic mix of international styles. You will find Japanese, Florentine and Spanish garden sections amongst it and Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild conceived the entire design and project.
Oh, and imagine, this here was Béatrice’s winter residence from 1912 onwards. Nice little bolt hole, would you agree?
The entrance to the Villa.
This is taken from a sign at the entrance of the gardens.
The view of a section of the garden from the Villa’s first floor’s terrace.
A turquoise flower pot.
These steps lead to further parts within the gardens and the view up and across is just stunning!
Another bit of intricate design. Everything is layered in the most beautiful fashion.
Reminiscent of Parisian parks.
Looking down from a terrace.
The trees are beautiful.
One of my favourite angles.
How beautiful are these turquoise roof tiles? And of course the view.
The lushes greenery. Everywhere you turn you’ll find a stunning view.
Again, layers and layers lead to the most fantastic depth of field.
Hello boys! Standing tall and proud!
After you’ve done the round of the gardens, this is the view heading back to the Villa.
I think this speaks for itself! Utter loveliness….
By the time I got back to the Villa I was so drenched, there was no point attempting a quick visit inside. To top it, the beautiful tea rooms were closed (only open on the weekend in winter months).
If you’ve never been to the Villa Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild and find yourself on the French Riviera, do make it a destination. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute, even if it’s raining!
So, what do you think of this labour of love of a wealthy, eccentric and well-travelled woman of the early 20th century?
