Villa Kérylos: A Slice of Ancient Greece on the French Riviera
- Sean Dean
- 23 oct 2024
- 3 Min. de lectura
Imagine stepping back in time to the grandeur of ancient Greece, except you're not in Greece. You’re on the dazzling French Riviera, surrounded by olive trees, shimmering waters, and the luxurious vibes of the Belle Époque. Welcome to Villa Kérylos, a one-of-a-kind gem in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, created not just as a home but as a love letter to the past.
This isn't your typical vacation house. It’s the brainchild of Théodore Reinach, a French scholar and passionate lover of all things Greek, who decided he wanted to live like a noble from ancient Delos. Teaming up with the brilliant architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, he set out to recreate an ancient Greek villa, but with a twist. While the villa exudes the style and soul of 2nd-century B.C. Greece, it also came equipped with the best comforts 1900s France had to offer. Think: underfloor heating, modern plumbing, and a touch of French elegance to go with all that Greek history.
Walking into Villa Kérylos feels like boarding a time machine. You’re greeted by sweeping columns made of white Carrara marble and rooms adorned with lavish frescoes and mosaics. Every detail has been carefully thought out—from the handcrafted furniture inspired by pieces in Greek museums to the tapestries that whisper stories of the gods.
On the ground floor, the main rooms are as grand as you'd expect from an ancient Greek noble’s villa, with fine tableware and fabrics making each space feel like a set from a mythical epic. Upstairs, the bedrooms continue the luxury, each with its own private bathroom—a modern touch that would’ve made any ancient aristocrat swoon.
At the heart of the villa lies the peristyle, a vast central courtyard framed by twelve stunning marble columns. It’s a breathtaking space, designed for lounging under the Mediterranean sun or simply soaking in the beauty of the architecture. Surrounding you are delicate mosaics that tell tales of gods and heroes, reminding you that this is no ordinary house—it’s a celebration of a rich cultural history.
And then there’s the location. Perched right on the tip of the Baie des Fourmis, the villa has the Mediterranean at its feet and the dramatic cliffs of Èze towering behind. Step outside, and you’re met with lush gardens filled with olive trees, pomegranates, and myrtles. It’s like a slice of the Greek islands transplanted to the Côte d’Azur.
As you wander through the villa and its gardens, you get a sense that Reinach wanted to create more than just a replica of a historical home. Villa Kérylos is an experience—an invitation to lose yourself in the beauty, art, and mythology of ancient Greece, all while enjoying the Riviera’s sun-drenched elegance.
After Reinach passed away in 1928, the villa was gifted to the Institut de France. For years, it remained a family retreat until it eventually opened to the public, now standing as both a museum and a testament to Reinach’s passion for ancient culture. Today, you can walk through its halls, marvel at the incredible craftsmanship, and imagine what life would’ve been like in a world where mythology met reality.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the French Riviera, a stop at Villa Kérylos is a must. Whether you're an architecture lover, history buff, or just someone who wants to bask in something truly unique, this villa will transport you to another era—without having to leave the South of France.
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