The Museum “Villa Les Camélias” – Cap d’Ail
An immersion in the heart of the « Belle Époque »… at the Villa Les Camélias Museum, Cap d’Ail
We discover another facet of the city of Cap d’Ail when heading to the district of “Mala” and its famous beach. Along the promenade, sumptuous villas, most of which “Belle Epoque” style are unveiled …We have only one desire, to push the door of one of them …
So ready to visit the « Villa les Camélias » !
The museum entrance is via Gramaglia Avenue; once the gate is crossed, a break is improvised in the beautiful garden in the shade of a century-old carob tree. We discover then a cozy and intimate museum, a place as we like them!
Rémy and Hélène, Curators of the Villa welcome us pleasantly and explain the process of the visit of the Museum and the operation of the audioguide.
We begin with the ground floor: through manuscripts, photographs and press clippings, the story of Cap d’Ail is told … What sumptuous villas and all those illustrious people who have stayed in Cap d’Ail!
Remy offers us a demonstration of “pneumatic piano”; with curiosity we accept and discover the particular mechanism of this instrument. In addition to the little story, I could also play this original piano as a real pianist!
By the stairs or the elevator, you reach the floors; the rooms are bright with high ceilings, large windows where the azure blue sea is emerging under my eyes …
The collection of works by the Spanish painter Ramiro Arrue (1892 – 1971) is on permanent display. The painter devoted his life to capturing the soul and landscapes of the Basque country, which he venerated. A beautiful artistic discovery!
Our visit ends with the bookshop-boutique; many books on different themes (cuisine, architecture, nature, children ….) with a link the Riviera are offered, not to mention mug, magnet, puzzle … The perfect place to find a book on our beautiful region.
This museum is accessible to all! I highly recommend it!
My advice
With the French Riviera Pass, the visit of the Villa Les Camélias in Cap d’Ail is free! Available in a choice of 3 durations (24h, 48h and 78h), the French Riviera Pass allows you to optimise your stay at a lower cost. Don’t forget to get it at the beginning of your stay or before your departure (you can buy it online).
The +
- Near the coastal path, the opportunity to spend a beautiful day
- 10 minutes walk from the train station
- Museum on a human scale
- Free admission for children under 12
- Reduced rate (students, +60 years old, 12 to 18 years old)
- Guided tours by reservation for groups with flexible schedules
- Audioguide available in 5 languages
- Small booklet for children
- Access ramp for PMR on request
- Loan of walking-frame
Even more visits and activities to discover with the Pass
