How To Get To Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild From Nice
Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Cote d'Azur, is a dreamy seaside villa that you cannot miss when visiting the French Riviera. The Villa itself is a stunning Italian-palazzo-inspired building, but add to that nine beautiful gardens and jaw-dropping views, and you got yourself the perfect place to spend your morning. Villa Ephrussi is located not too far from Nice, which makes it an ideal place to visit on a day trip.
If you don't plan to rent a car and wondering how to get to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild from Nice without a car? Don't worry. There are plenty of options which I will explain in detail.
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How to get to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild from Nice
By bus
Line 15 - Port de Saint Jean Cap Ferrat - Promenade des Arts
Operated by: Lignes d’Azur
The most economical and easiest way to get from Nice to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is by bus. The bus ride is about 35 - 45 minutes, you don't have to switch line, and it leaves you near the Villa's entrance.
The best part is, the bus line goes through Villefranche-Sur-Mer - a picturesque fishing village - where you can stop by afterward for the perfect day trip from Nice. Hop off on La Barmassa or Léopold II bus stop.
To get to Villa Ephrussi from Nice, take the bus Line 15 from Promenade des Arts - or the closest bus stop on line 15- in Nice to Passable / Rothschild.
Note: In 2019, Nice overhauled its transportation system, and many bus lines were removed, changed, or renamed. The old line 81 - which you may find many blogs and forums suggest taking to get to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - is now line 15.
Tip: The bus schedules always change so make sure to check the time table here.
By train
Another way to get to Villa Ephrussi from Nice is by train (TER). There are two ways, but I recommend neither. Option one - and the most direct route - will leave you at the nearest train station, but you will have to walk semi-uphill 1.3 miles to the Villa. Option two, you have to switch to bus line 15 in Villefranche-Sur-Mer. Although you get a discount at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild when presenting your train ticket, it is still pricier than traveling by bus and not get a discount.
Option 1
Take the train from Nice Ville towards Monaco Monte Carlo and get off on Beaulieu Sur Mer station - one-way tickets vary from $3 - $14. The train ride is only 11 minutes, but add a 1.3-mile walk to the Villa.
Option 2
Take the train from Nice Ville towards Monaco Monte Carlo and get off on Villefranche Sur Mer station. One-way tickets vary from $3 - $14, and the train ride is about 8 minutes. Transfer to bus line 15 bus stop Léopold II - towards Port de Saint Jean Cap Ferrat - and get off on Passable / Rothschild.
By car
If you opt to drive from Nice to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, it is the fastest option, and it will give you the flexibility to visit different villas and towns in the area. There's a tiny parking lot at the Villa's entrance, but make sure to arrive early so you can secure a spot. I arrived a few minutes before opening and was able to find parking, but spaces were running out. There's also street parking, but I can't emphasize enough that you arrive early.
By Uber
If you can't be bothered with public transportation or driving, you can also get an Uber. It's about 20€ - 30€ from Nice, and you can go and leave without worrying about schedules.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Ticket Price
Adult: €15
Senior: €14 € (+65 years old)
Student: €12
Youth 7-25 years old: €10
Family rate: €44 (for 2 adults and 2 children aged 7-25 years old)
Free for children under the age of 7
You can purchase the ticket online or at the ticket counter. If you buy it online, make sure to print it or have it on your phone. If you also plan to visit Greek Villa Kérylos or Eze Village, you can buy a combo ticket at a discounted price - ask the ticket seller. You don’t have to visit on the same day.
Note: The admission ticket includes an audio guide, which I highly recommend.
Learn more about Eze Village on my post to see if it’s worth visiting - spoiler alert - WORTH IT!
Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild Opening Hours
The Villa is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, except:
Jul - Aug: 10 am to 7 pm
Nov - Jan: Mon - Fri from 2 pm to 6 pm | Sat - Sun and Holidays from 10 am to 6 pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Note: The Tea Room is only accessible to ticket holders. You won't be able to visit it without purchasing an entrance ticket to the Villa.