Musées

The French Riviera museums show how rich and interesting is our history. The Belle Epoque has left beautiful architectural landmarks, such as the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild’s Villa, which is today one of the most visited museums on the Riviera. Whether it is natural history, antiquity or contemporary art, you will definitely find something to satisfy your curiosity.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

One of the gems of the French Riviera!

Listed historical monument (national heritage site) since 1996
In an Italian Renaissance style, this palace features a range of styles from various eras, with strong Lombard, Venetian and Spanish influences. The estate was built between 1905 and 1912. Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild fell in love with this magical setting, and her fanciful imagination led her to transform these 10 hectares of unspoilt land into a haven that would house her collection of artworks (18th century furniture, china from the Sèvres and Vincennes Royal Manufacturers, and many more). The Baroness was to bequeath the entire villa and all its treasures to the Académie des Beaux-Arts de l’Institut de France, which took ownership after her death in 1934. The villa is surrounded by nine themed gardens and overlooks the bays of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Magical musical water displays take place in the French-style garden every 20 minutes, adding to the enchanting feel.
Audio-guides available in 9 languages.

Practical information
Full price: €17
Reduced price: €12 (children aged 7 to 18, students under 25, Education Pass holders and job seekers)
Family rate: €48 (for 2 adults and 2 children aged 7 to 25)
Free for children under 7 years old, ICOM/ICOMOS card holders, journalists and disability card holders (excluding temporary, nighttime events, etc.)
> upon presentation of proof

Included in the French Riviera Pass
Available to purchase from the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Tourist Information Office.

The Villa is open 365 day a year from 10 a.m to 6 p.m, except:
July and August: from 10 a.m to 7 p.m
From November to January: from Monday to Friday from 2 p.m to 6 p.m. / weekends and holidays from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
The cultural gift shop is open during the Villa’s opening times.

1 avenue Ephrussi de Rothschild
Telephone : +33 (0)4 93 01 45 90 - www.villa-ephrussi.com

Villa Santo Sospir*

The tattooed villa of Santo Sospir
Listed historical monument (national heritage site) since 2007

The multi-talented Jean Cocteau was a loyal visitor to the French Riviera, leaving his mark on many of its towns. In 1950, when the poet had just finished filming “Les Enfants Terribles”, his friend Francine Weisweiller invited him to spend a few days at her villa in Cap Ferrat.

Seduced by its beauty and magic, Jean Cocteau was to stay at the villa for several months and soon became a regular visitor. During his first stay, he began to 'tattoo' the villa's bare white wallsHe once said, "A young woman lives in Santo Sospir. It wasn't a question of decorating the walls, but rather drawing on their skin: I created linear frescoes with the minimum of colour to bring out the tattoos. Santo Sospir is a tattooed villa."

www.santosospir.fr

*Currently closed for restoration works

Musée des coquillages (Seashell Museum)

To discover or rediscover, 7,000 shells including more than 400 world records and the largest Mediterranean collection, as well as an exceptional exotic collection!
The visit begins with a 6-minute film, followed by the discovery of 33 display cases, including the observation of micro-shells using binoculars.
The museum offers a free interactive tour for families to download on the GuidiGO application, also available in paper version, to be collected on site.

Useful information

Quai Lindbergh - Free of charge

Open in summer (opening hours to come).

Out of season, visits by appointment only.

Contact the Tourist Office on 04.93.76.08.90

French Riviera Pass

The French Riviera Pass is the City Card provided by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitain Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is intended to help you discover the main tourist sights and activities in Nice and on the French Riviera free of charge, which means huge savings on holiday budget.
Available to purchase from the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Tourist Information Office.
5 avenue Denis Séméria
Tél. +33 (0)4 93 76 08 90 - www.frenchrivierapass.com