Villa Kerylos

This stunningly sited villa on a promontory in Beaulieu-sur-Mer was the labor of love of archaeologist Theodore Reinach. Built between 1902 and 1908, the villa is a faithful recreation of an aristocratic Greek villa on the island of Delos from the 2nd century BC but with modern amenities so, for instance, the bathrooms are tiled in Greek style and the tubs are carved of solid marble but the water comes up from below grates as it would in thermal baths. Among the treasures is the furniture, which was commissioned by the villa’s architect Emmanuel Pontremoli; pieces are exact replicas of ancient Greek items but were made by the era’s top French cabinetmaker Bettenfield. The wonderful audio tour offers great explanations about life in ancient Greece. Adults and kids will be fascinated as they learn about domestic servants, children’s schedules and why the dining room is set with long chaise like chairs as the Greeks took their meals lying down. Those interested in design will marvel at the decorative ceilings and inlaid mosaic floors. Beneath the villa is a gallery of Greek statues. Note: Ceramic workshops in mosaics and pottery are offered to children and adults in July and August. Call for a schedule.