On Saturday 4th, 2024... while driving along the french riviera coastline in direction to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, I see a giant poster announcing the Rose Festival at the Villa Ephrussi.
You can picture how captivated I felt to be there at precisely the right time and moment—to seize the chance to explore one of the most exquisite villas in the South of France.
So I immediately changed my plan to spend the whole day there.
A little history:
The Villa Ephrussi is a palais in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Côte d'Azur surrounded by 9 magical gardens, it was built between 1907 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild (1864–1934). Make sure to visit the official website to learn more at https://www.villa-ephrussi.com
Every year the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild puts on The Painters' Day in June. The villa opens its doors to the artists who want to find their inspiration and practise their art in one of the nine gardens of the site.
I was thrilled to have packed my watercolor set and sketchbook with me to paint plein air! The villa is simply stunning; it's like stepping into a museum. In fact it is, it is part of the Beaux Arts Academy! Spending an hour inside, listening to the audio guide, feels like embarking on a journey through history right in your mind.
Attending the Rose Festival for both days is definitely worthwhile, especially if you appreciate immersing yourself in every intricate detail and relishing the exceptional surroundings. And if you happen to have a passion for roses like myself, it's even more delightful. Watch me paint!
The serene view of the Mediterranean sea adds to the experience, creating a truly soothing ambiance.
The Villa Ephrussi (and it gardens) is designed for enjoyment, so there's no need to hurry through your visit. Each garden beckons you to take a moment, to pause, and to reflect on the sheer beauty of nature and the captivating energy it exudes.
I will certainly return when the opportunity arises. Returning home, I felt inspired, rejuvenated, and incredibly serene. Painting plein air is also a very calming experience that makes you feel and see everything that surround you.
The Villa Ephrussi is an endless wellspring of inspiration, enriched by its captivating history, scenic location, and above all, the enchanting beauty of its gardens that transport you to another world.
Today, as I reminisced about my time there, I delved into my latest painting featuring wildflowers and roses. Immersing myself in the memories captured in my rose photos from the visit, I meticulously added more intricate details to my artwork.
The surge of inspiration and joy led me to decide on creating an entire series inspired by the Villa, particularly its Rose garden.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram.com/naimanamaste to witness the evolution of my art.
I trust you found this article enjoyable. If you've visited the place, feel free to share your experience in the comments section!
Naïma
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