Visiting Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Hours and Tips
Villa Kérylos is open every day except a few public holidays, from 10am, on rue Gustave Eiffel in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Tickets are sold on site only; allow about an hour for your visit, and come by train: Beaulieu station is a few minutes' walk away.
On the headland that closes off the Baie des Fourmis, a white house with ancient-style columns looks as if it has been lifted straight from a Greek island. Villa Kérylos isn't a ruin but a re-creation, dreamed up in the early 20th century by a passionate scholar. Here's how to plan your visit.
A Greek house built in the 20th century
The villa was born of a meeting between Théodore Reinach, an archaeologist, Hellenist and politician, and the architect Emmanuel Pontremoli. Together they designed a home inspired by the houses of the island of Delos, but conceived to be lived in with all the comforts of the Belle Époque. Work was completed around 1908 .
The name Kérylos refers to a seabird in ancient Greek, often translated as "sea swallow" . When he died in 1928, Reinach bequeathed the villa to the Institut de France, which still owns it. The building is a listed historic monument.
Since 1 January 2026, the Institut de France has entrusted the management of the site to Edeis Culture, which has announced restoration work and new lighting for the interiors, along with a broader cultural programme (exhibitions, concerts, workshops). Some visiting conditions may therefore change: always check the official website before you come.
What you'll see on your visit
The visit follows the rhythm of the house: you walk around a columned peristyle, the heart of domestic life in antiquity, then move from room to room. What strikes you is the attention to detail: mosaics, frescoes, marble and furniture designed after ancient models, right down to everyday objects. Large windows open directly onto the sea, towards Cap Ferrat on one side and the Baie des Fourmis on the other.
The gardens slope down to the shore; picnics are not allowed.
Opening hours and prices
According to the official website at the time we checked:
- Opening hours: 10am–5pm from 1 October to 31 March, 10am–6pm from 1 April to 30 September, with occasional late openings in summer. Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December; closes at 4pm on 24 and 31 December. One-off closures are announced throughout the year .
- Prices: €15 full price, €10 reduced (ages 7–17 and students aged 18 to 25), free for under-7s .
- Guided tours: at 11am, 2:30pm and 3:30pm (ages 7 and up), for an extra €5 (€3 reduced) .
- Joint ticket with Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: valid for 8 days, €24 full price, €20 reduced .
Important: tickets are sold on site only, except for certain events. There's no need to book, but avoid arriving just before closing time.
Getting there: on foot, by train or by bus
The villa is on rue Gustave Eiffel, at the end of the Baie des Fourmis. Because of roadworks, the street is currently pedestrian-only .
- By train: get off at Beaulieu-sur-Mer station (TER Nice – Ventimiglia line), then walk to the villa following signs for the Baie des Fourmis .
- By bus: Lignes d'Azur lines 15, 84 and 600 serve a stop called "Kerylos".
- By car: via the Basse Corniche (RD 6098) between Nice and Monaco. Park at the Batterie car park, near the town hall, which is paid on weekdays during office hours .
Please note: dogs (except guide dogs), pushchairs and scooters are not allowed inside the villa. Bring a baby carrier if you're visiting with a small child.
Our tips for a great visit
- Arrive at opening time in summer: the morning light on the sea is superb and the rooms are quieter.
- Take the guided tour if you love history: the villa is packed with references to ancient Greece that you won't spot on your own.
- Head to the sea afterwards: Baie des Fourmis beach is right next door, and the Promenade Maurice Rouvier starts close by if you want to walk to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- Combine it with Ephrussi: with the joint ticket, you can visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild within 8 days. Our tips are in the article visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
To plan the rest of your day, see our itinerary for what to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in one day.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Villa Kérylos take?
Allow about an hour for a self-guided visit, a little longer with the guided tour and a stroll through the gardens.
Do you need to book tickets for Villa Kérylos?
No: tickets are sold on site only, except for certain events. Just check for one-off closures on the official website.
Can you visit Villa Kérylos with a pushchair?
No, pushchairs aren't allowed inside the villa. A baby carrier is the best solution.
Who built Villa Kérylos?
The Hellenist Théodore Reinach and the architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, in the early 20th century. The villa has belonged to the Institut de France since 1928.
Kayaking with Azurkay
Villa Kérylos is even more striking seen from the sea, its columns reflected in the water. Our local Beaulieu-sur-Mer tour follows the coast towards Cap Ferrat for 4 hours, in groups of 16 people maximum, with state-qualified instructors. Departure point and price : find all the details on the Beaulieu-sur-Mer tour page.
