3 Insta-Worthy Villas to Visit in the South of France’s Golden Triangle
In the glittering heart of the French Riviera, three villas stand out as icons of architecture, elegance, and Riviera glamour. Better still, you can visit them all in a single day — with a bonus Rock Star villa at the end.
A Perfect Day in the Golden Triangle
The stretch of coastline between Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is often called the Golden Triangle of the South of France. Known for its exclusivity, old-world charm, and breathtaking scenery, it’s also home to some of the Riviera’s most photogenic villas.
On a sunny day, you can walk between three remarkable properties — each offering its own style, story, and views across the Mediterranean. Charge your camera, pack some water, and let’s go.
Villa Kérylos – Greek Elegance on the Riviera
We start with Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Not the most striking from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find a gorgeous Greek-style villa with intricate mosaics, painted murals and a sense of calm.
More spartan than the opulence of Villa Ephrussi, Villa Kérylos is still remarkable. Downstairs the light-filled rooms are arranged around a cloistered central fountain, open to the blue sky above. Marble walls and floors contrast with delicate painted accents and solid sculptures.
From the terrace you can look across the bay towards the Royal Riviera Hotel, or left towards our next destination on Place David Niven.
Fleur du Cap – David Niven’s Riviera Retreat
This beautiful pink villa has had many names — including Lo Scoglietto — and many owners, none more famous than actor David Niven.
Known locally as The Little Rock, Fleur du Cap sits on a rocky outcrop between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu. Its faded pink façade can be seen across the bay, beautifully framed by gardens and the blue Mediterranean below.
Although the house is private, you can still admire it from the seaside path along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier. The walk from Kérylos takes around five minutes, with steps leading down to little swimming spots where locals dive into the water — great for adventurous photo angles if you’re feeling brave.
Niven lived here for many years, entertaining Hollywood friends and embodying the effortless Riviera lifestyle.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – The Jewel of Cap Ferrat
Heading inland and uphill, it’s about a fifteen-minute walk to the most famous of the three: the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Built in the early 1900s by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, the pink-and-white villa was conceived as both a residence and a showcase for her collection of art, furniture and porcelain. Inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces, it became a stage not just for her treasures but also for glittering society gatherings.
Inside, the rooms are rich with tapestries and paintings, but it’s the gardens that leave the strongest impression. Nine themed gardens unfurl around the villa, from formal French symmetry to exotic palms, each framing the sea beyond. At the centre is the spectacular French garden with symmetrical streams and dancing fountains that wouldn’t be out of place in a Slim Aarons photo.
Spending time in and around the villa can be inspirational. The views are beautiful, the interiors are stunning and the main water garden is perfection. Whilst this villa gets busy there still feels plenty of space for everyone.
Make sure to grab a coffee, or even better, lunch at the Béatrice Tea Room where the food is fresh, delicate and delicious. Much better than your average tea room!
Bonus Villa – Villa Nellcôte
If you’ve got the energy for one more, a twenty-minute walk downhill towards Villefranche brings you to the gates of Villa Nellcôte. It was here in 1971–72 that the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main Street.
You can’t go inside — it remains a private home — but for music lovers it’s a pilgrimage site. From here it’s just ten minutes back into Beaulieu-sur-Mer for a well-earned coffee.
Walking the Riviera in a Day
Together, these three villas (with Nellcôte as a bonus) capture the many faces of the South of France: classical elegance, Hollywood glamour, aristocratic indulgence, and rock ’n’ roll history.
Best of all, they’re all within the Golden Triangle, meaning you can walk them in a single day — and still have time for a swim or a long lunch. Few places combine such layers of culture and beauty in such a small stretch of coastline.
Practical Tips for visiting the villas
You can buy tickets online or in person for Villa Kérylos and Villa Ephrussi. A combined ticket is available if you’d like to save money, and you don’t have to visit both on the same day.
There is no charge — and no access — to Fleur du Cap or Villa Nellcôte.
There are toilets at Villa Kérylos, but no café and no refreshment stops on the walk between Kérylos and Ephrussi.
The hill up to Villa Ephrussi is moderately steep but easy enough to walk.
✦ For more South of France inspiration — from luxury hotels like Château de la Chèvre d’Or to rock ’n’ roll villas like Nellcôte — explore Wine, Travel & Song.