Villa Rothschild
Villa Rothschild is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Cannes audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type garden
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Cannes Cannes guide
About Villa Rothschild
A neo-classical villa built in 1881 for Baroness Betty de Rothschild, set in a large Mediterranean park on the La Croix-des-Gardes hill, now the city's public library and garden.
The Villa Rothschild stands in the La Croix-des-Gardes quarter of Cannes, a neo-classical villa in a large Mediterranean park, a fine example of the grand holiday houses that the aristocracy built on the Côte d'Azur. It was built in 1881 to 1882 by the Marseille-born architect Charles Baron for Baroness Betty de Rothschild, widow of James de Rothschild, who had wintered in Cannes and wanted a villa grand enough for her receptions. She bought more than three hectares of grounds running toward the sea.
The villa passed down through the Rothschild barons, and during the Second World War it was requisitioned by German forces as a headquarters. In 1947 the city of Cannes bought it to house the municipal library and médiathèque, which it still contains. Around it the park climbs the La Croix-des-Gardes hill, planted with palms and pines and open to the public as one of the green lungs of the city.
Did you know? The villa was built in 1881 to 1882 by the architect Charles Baron for Baroness Betty de Rothschild, widow of the banker James de Rothschild, who wanted a grand house for her Cannes receptions.
How long should you spend at Villa Rothschild?
Plan about ~45 min at Villa Rothschild. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Villa Rothschild worth visiting?
Villa Rothschild is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Cannes, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Cannes
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Villa Rothschild and read more:
Day 1 of the Cannes in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Villa Rothschild
Preview the Cannes tour free in the Gingerguide app.