Updated on May 15, 2026
The villa of a scholar
Perched on a rocky promontory above the sea, very close to the small port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the villa Kérylos seems to defy time. Upon entering, the visitor leaves the present while on the ground, the mosaic inscription "XAIPE" ("Rejoice" in ancient Greek) sets the tone. How can we not rejoice indeed in the face of so much refinement? From the light-drenched peristyle – with its marble columns and delicate frescoes – to the thermal baths, the library’s rooms with their ornate furniture, painted ceilings and mosaics covering the floor of each room: everything evokes the art of living in ancient Greece.
Built between 1902 and 1908, during the Belle Époque, it was the work of Théodore Reinach, scientist and statesman, and the architect from Nice Emmanuel Pontremoli. Both passionate about Antiquity, they were inspired to design this holiday home, "not a copy of an ancient villa, but an evocation of this Antiquity, in which would be concentrated all the recently acquired knowledge," says Antide Viand. A Hellenist and a great specialist in Greek archaeology, Theodore Reinach participated in numerous archaeological excavations, notably on the island of Delos.
"A total work"
What is surprising within its walls is the sum of details present on each element: scenes from mythology on mosaics or pottery, geometric patterns, precious marquetry, richly decorated ceilings... From the plans of the house to each piece of furniture, through the slightest fork or door handle, everything has been designed and realized for the villa.
In just six years, Reinach and Pontremoli managed to create a unique work, for which they called on the best artists and craftsmen of the time, such as the Parisian cabinetmaker Louis-François Bettenfeld for the furniture, or the painters Jaulmes and Karbowsky, students of Puvis de Chavannes, for the wall murals. Chests, chairs, tables, armchairs... their lines of great finesse, inspired by Greek furniture and the ancient Mediterranean worlds, respond in total harmony.
Exemplary preservation
If the villa Kérylos and all its original furniture are in perfect condition, it is thanks to the owner of the villa, Théodore Reinach, who donated it to the Institut de France, of which he was a member. At his death in 1928, his heirs were able to continue occupying it before giving it back entirely in 1967. This transmission to a learned institution has made it possible to avoid the alterations or dispersions that have been experienced in many other historic homes. Thus protected and classified as a historical monument since 1966, its brilliance endures. It is accessible to visitors all year round. More information on the dedicated website of the Centre des monuments nationaux.
Under the marble, modernity
If it gives the illusion of a journey into antiquity, the villa is nevertheless totally inscribed in its time. Built for the family of Théodore Reinach, from the upper middle class, it then features all modern comforts and technology of the time, cleverly hidden. "There is running water, electricity, central heating inspired by ancient hypocaust systems, with a completely modern boiler that sends hot air through the floor. Large chandeliers evoke oil lamps, but inside they are bulbs that imitate the shapes and colors of the flame.”
The storage furniture takes the appearance of chests, the piano cleverly hides in a casement decorated with antique motifs, and the bathroom of Madame even has a multijet shower. Some ornaments also refer to their time: "If you look closely at the walls, you will see floral and plant motifs that draw from the ancient repertoire – palmettes, acanthus leaves, lotus flowers... but also a direct reference to Art Nouveau.”
A villa still inhabited by the arts
This dialogue between the centuries and the arts continues today within the walls of the villa, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions every year from May to September. Artists selected for their particular vision of Greece and Antiquity, whose works blend harmoniously with the permanent collections, as was the case with sculptors Hubert Le Gall in 2021 or Arman in 2024, to name just a few.
Architectural and technical prowess, scholarly tribute to Greek culture and its heritage, the Villa Kerylos continues to make past and present dialogue, without ever freezing time.
Other stories of villas...
To discover other beautiful houses and emblematic heritage of the Riviera, read our article on the most beautiful villas in Monaco, follow our architectural walk on the site Cap Moderne, Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier at Cap Martin and discover the secrets of the legendary Villa La Vigie.
Discover other emblematic places on the Côte d'Azur:
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