THE FIVE MOST SUMPTUOUS VILLAS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

FASTUOUS - Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Erected in 1912 on the peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, on the initiative of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, this palace - where Gobelins tapestries, Sèvres porcelain, and works by Fragonard are piled up, is surrounded by nine lush ornamental gardens. These will be revealed, by candlelight, every Monday and Tuesday evening, from July 14 to August 26 (Duo offer €70).

ENIVRANTE - Villa Eilenroc, in Antibes
Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera, designed the plans for this residence open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays (2 euros). Since 2003, its park has been home to a vast collection of rose bushes in homage to the horticultural history of Antibes.

ICONIC - Villa E-1027, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
A jewel of the modern movement, with its clean lines and industrial materials, this house designed by Eileen Gray and Jean Badovici can be visited by reservation (€19, capmoderne.monuments-nationaux.fr).

ANTIQUE - Villa Kérylos, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Marble columns, frescoes and mosaics: the architecture and decoration of this imposing residence, built in 1908, testifies to the love of its patron, the archaeologist Théodore Reinach (1860-1928), for Ancient Greece. Classified as a historical monument in 1966, it welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (€13).

DREAMLIKE - Villa Cameline, in Nice
Deserted, then squatted for many years, this typical Nice building of the Belle Epoque became a private contemporary art center in 2003, called La Maison abandonnée. His new exhibition dedicated to Aurélien Mauplot's work on islands and oceans opens on May 24 (villacameline.fr).
G.D - LE PARISIEN WE