There are homes that whisper history—and then there are those that sing it. Perched elegantly on the rocky edge of the Mediterranean in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, just a stone’s throw from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Kérylos is a captivating blend of fantasy, archaeology, and Riviera glamour. It isn’t merely a villa—it’s a dream meticulously carved into stone, a reimagining of ancient Greece at the height of its civilization, reborn on the Côte d’Azur.

The vision belonged to Théodore Reinach, a French archaeologist, historian, and politician with a passion—some might say an obsession—for Hellenic culture. At the turn of the 20th century, Reinach found himself enchanted not only by the warm, luminous coastline of Beaulieu but by the idea of bringing the ancient world back to life. He imagined not just a home, but a living monument to classical Greece. And for that, he needed the right mind to help execute his vision.

Enter Emmanuel Pontremoli, a gifted architect and fellow Hellenophile. Reinach discovered him through academic circles, impressed by Pontremoli’s scholarly precision and creative sensibility. The brief was nothing short of extraordinary: build a Greek noble house in the style of the 2nd century B.C., but discreetly imbue it with the comforts of early 20th-century technology. In other words, make it authentic, but liveable.

What followed was a masterclass in architectural devotion. Completed in 1908, Villa Kérylos (meaning “Halcyon villa,” a reference to the mythical bird symbolizing serenity) is inspired by the noble houses of the island of Delos. From the marble columns and mosaic floors to the intricate frescoes and classical furniture, everything was made to measure, custom-designed, and historically precise. Yet beneath the opulent antiquity lies a thoroughly modern skeleton: central heating, electric lighting, and even a telephone system—features far ahead of their time, all hidden within the villa’s ancient guise.

Walking through Kérylos today feels like stepping into a scholarly reverie. The light pours in from the sea-facing loggias, dancing across alabaster and bronze. Each room tells a story, not just of mythology and history, but of Reinach’s deep love for culture and his belief in the power of beauty to transcend time.

After Reinach’s death in 1928, the villa was inherited by his children, who maintained it until they eventually donated it to the Institut de France. In 1967, it officially opened as a museum, allowing the public to step into this rare and magnificent recreation.

Today, Villa Kérylos stands not only as a tribute to a lost civilization but as a monument to one man’s dream and another man’s craftsmanship. It is a place where history lives not in textbooks, but in stone and sunlight, where the Riviera’s glamour meets the timeless soul of Greece.

Practical Information
We highly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore this architectural gem—whether you’re a history buff, design lover, or simply in search of something extraordinary.

Opening Hours:
Open every day except Mondays
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:15 PM)
Closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th

Admission:
Adults: €12
Free for visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26
Guided tours and group rates available

Trust us—it’s worth every cent.