Beatrice de Rothschild, a Parisian socialite, was born in 1864 to the wealthy Rothschild banking dynasty and one of Europe’s wealthiest Jewish families. Beatrice was known for her interests in art, literature, music, theater, horticulture, architecture, and of course building the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a luxurious estate on the French Riviera. Beatrice purchased the property on the tip of the Cap Ferrat in 1906 and commissioned French architect Aaron Messiah to bring her vision to life. Construction began in 1907 and was completed in 1912.
With her refined eye and eclectic style, Beatrice amassed an extraordinary collection of 18th-century art, rare porcelains, tapestries, and antique furnishings. The Villa Ephrussi on the French Riviera, stands as a testament to her imaginative spirit. Inspired by the great palaces of the Italian Renaissance, she designed the villa as a pink Venetian-style palace overlooking the sea, surrounded by nine themed gardens — each a poetic tribute to her love of travel and storytelling.
Inside the home, visitors can see her collection of Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet and Renoir; outside, they can stroll through various beautiful themed gardens.
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Taking a step back into history for this luxury destination engagement session at the Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the South of France, Digital.
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View from the Villa: Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a port in the Mediterranean Sea, east of Nice in the South of France. Digital.
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The pink estate through the trees of one of the nine gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothchild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. Digital.
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The Villa Ephrussi was commissioned by the Parisian socialite, Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild in the early 1900’s, every detail of the Villa reflects the eclectic style of the Baroness.
“The villa is designed in the style of a French palace, with lavish gardens, an expansive terrace, and nine distinct gardens. The architecture and art reflect Béatrice’s international tastes.” Explore the Riviera.
Digital.
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The pink exterior standing out against the bright, beaming, afternoon sun.
“[The Baroness] adored pink — her favorite color dominated the villa’s façade, her dresses, and even her umbrellas.” Explore the Riviera.
Digital
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Reflection of a work of art on the Mediterranean Sea through the window. Digital.
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Sailboats in the Rade de Villefranche-sur-Mer, a harbor in the Mediterranean Sea. Digital.
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Ready for an engagement session in designer pointed-toe, kitten heels with a pearl embellished strap and a light ivory midi dress with a subtle jacquard floral pattern and drop waist ruffle hem. Digital.
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All smiles for a soon-to-be-bride in the French Riviera with her soon-to-be-husband. Digital.
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A seashell-pink background: the palatial residence epitomizes the luxurious elegance of the Belle Epoque era. Digital.
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Walking hand in hand along the Villa Ephrussi, designed by French Architect, Aaron Messiah.
“The villa is a glorious mix of architectural styles - primarily inspired by the Italian Renaissance, but with elements borrowed from the Gothic and classical eras.” Royist.
Digital.
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The pink villa.
“You must see Rothschild’s villa. It’s a true gem of the Côte d’Azur.” Built in the early 20th century for Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, this villa embodies the refined yet eccentric taste of its owner.” Medium.
Digital.
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Dancing in the courtyard of the Villa Ephrussi. Digital.
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Sitting together on a stone bench on a white balcony overlooking the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Digital.
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Kisses on the forehead. Digital.
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Under the Rococo influenced arched colonnade, supported by ornate columns topped with Corithian capitals; the walkway acts as a loggia—an open-air gallery or corridor allowing sea breezes and light to move freely, typical of Mediterranean architecture. Digital.
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A glimpse of the couple through the intricate wrought iron details on the windows. Digital.
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Fresh floral cottagecore displays; bright yellow Icelandic poppies, Chamomile, and other wildflowers. Digital.
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Inside the Small Salon; Neoclassical French, Louis XVI-style mantel clock, likely made from gilded bronze and white marble or alabaster, bleu lapis-style porcelain urns, and rococo candelabras. Digital.
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A moment in the Central Atrium.
“The central atrium — a luminous vestibule designed in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The space is framed by elegant arcades on pink Verona marble columns, while decorative elements from ancient churches and monasteries add a sense of timeless beauty.” Medium
Digital.
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Hand in hand, walking the marble and wrought iron staircase. Digital.
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Stolen glances in the “Monkey Fair Room.”
“The monkey room takes its name from the decoration of the room in which the monkey motif is omnipresent. The presence of this animal in the decoration is not insignificant: monkeying was a very fashionable theme in the eighteenth century. Beatrice had two of them as pets. By its decoration, this room testifies to the baroness's taste for impertinence and eighteenth-century license. The woodwork all comes from Parisian mansions and features musical monkeys: trumpeter, violinist, conductor, singer..., the orchestra is complete.” Villa-Ephrussi.
Digital.
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Delicate pastel walls inside the Monkey Room of the Villa Ephrussi.
“The villa’s color palette is a study in refined harmony. Béatrice favored soft pastels in the spirit of the 18th century: cream, pale blue, and delicate rose.” Medium.
Digital.
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All in the details. Digital.
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The couple taking a stop for ice cream in Tea Room Beatrice. Digital.
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Located in the former dining room of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, the tea room-restaurant overlooks the bay of Villefranche from its terrace. Digital.
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One last embrace before entering the gardens, Digital.
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A replica of the Temple of Love at the Petit Trianon palace in Versailles in the garden à la française, or the French garden. Digital.
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A quiet moment in La Roseraie, or The Rose Garden. The Rose Garden, at the tip of the property, has several varieties of old roses and modern hybrids: stems, climbers and bushes. Digital.
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The Villa Ephrussi is surrounded by nine gardens, each on a different theme: French, Spanish, Florentine, Japanese, Exotic, Stone, Rose, Provencal, and Sevres gardens. They were created between 1905 and 1912 under the direction of landscape architect Achille Duchene, each was to represent the Baroness de Rothschild love of travel. Digital.
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Sitting together in the Jardin Florentin, or the Florentine Garden. Digital.
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Love is in the air.
“Composed of an alley lined with hundred-year-old cypresses, it is embellished with a horseshoe-shaped staircase, housing in its center a neoclassical statue by Jean-Baptiste Boyet, representing "Zephyr thwarting the loves of a rose and a butterfly".
This garden also boasts some remarkable specimens planted during the Belle Epoque: acacia farnesiana and karoo, nolina longifolia, and oreopanax nymphaeifolius.” Villa-Ephrussi.
Digital.
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A view of the bride to be’s lace-up, corset style dress entering into the Jardin à la Française, or the French Garden. Digital.
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Together on the lawn of the French Garden.
“On the garden side, the place offers art lovers a unique view of the palazzino. In summer, lotuses and water lilies colonize the large pools. The lawns, adorned with classic fire pots and large Italian Renaissance vases, bask in a perfect arrangement. On the Levant terrace, the Catalan sculptures await, serene, sure of their success with the visitor.” Les Plus Beaux Jardins de France.
Digital.
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Framed by bright pink impatien flower beds. Digital.
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A perfect day for an engagement session. Digital.
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The look of love. Digital.
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Walking through the immense gardens. Digital.
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Enclosed in each other’s arms among the lush greenery and fountain.
“The perspective is essential, magnificent. Its slope has also been specially structured to give the water a white effect, the famous “water shawl” of the Orientals.” Les Plus Beaux Jardins de France.
Digital.
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The Jardin à la Française evolved from the French Renaissance Garden, a style which was inspired by the Italian Renaissance Garden at the beginning of the 16th century. The symmetry of French gardens was a continuation of the Renaissance themes of harmony. French gardens were symmetrical and well manicured to represent order, and this idea of orderliness extended to French society at the time. Digital.
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An engagement session inspired by the curator of experiences, the Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild herself, embodying striking elegance, eclectic taste, and refined luxury. Digital.
