Villa E-1027 (Eileen Gray) - Image 1
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Villa E-1027

4.5
·307 reviews·Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

A modernist architectural gem by Eileen Gray, Villa E-1027 offers a unique blend of design, history, and stunning Mediterranean views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Villa E-1027 (Eileen Gray) - Image 1

Villa E-1027

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modernist architectural gem by Eileen Gray, Villa E-1027 offers a unique blend of design, history, and stunning Mediterranean views.

4.5
(307 reviews)

"This villa is a masterpiece of the 20th century architecture. Don’t miss it if you are on the Côte d’Azur."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tours Early! 🗓️

Guided tours are essential and fill up fast. Book weeks or months ahead to secure your spot.

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

A 400m walk to the villa and potential steps require comfortable footwear.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Villa E-1027 Interior

Villa E-1027 Interior

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

A masterpiece of modernist architecture by Eileen Gray, showcasing innovative design and functional details.

Le Corbusier's Cabanon

Le Corbusier's Cabanon

Adjacent to Villa E-1027

Le Corbusier's iconic small cabin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into his minimalist design philosophy.

Buse Beach

Buse Beach

Below Villa E-1027

A charming pebble beach offering stunning sea views and a unique perspective of Villa E-1027 from below.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Villa E-1027 is only accessible via guided tours, which must be booked well in advance. These tours are comprehensive and highly recommended for understanding the villa's history and design. Reddit

Accessibility and Comfort

The site involves a 400m walk to the villa and potentially steps down to Buse Beach. Consider comfortable footwear and be aware of the heat, as access can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups may be smaller
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Qui connaît ce village ? 🍋🍊☀️ #cotedazur #paca #frenchriviera #travelbucketlist #france #roquebrunecapmartin
@revesdumonde
31.1K likes • 642.8K views

Book Tours Early! 🗓️

Guided tours are essential and fill up fast. Book weeks or months ahead to secure your spot. Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

A 400m walk to the villa and potential steps require comfortable footwear. Reddit

#ForSale Roquebrune-Cap-Martin | 4BED | 4BATH | 340M2 | 7 500 000€ 📮 Contact : Paul@waldhof.fr Modern design, high-end finishes, panoramic sea view and private pool. Located in the prestigious Hameau de Roquebrune, this property offers an exceptional lifestyle. * Spacious double living room * Fully equipped independent kitchen * Four en-suite bedrooms with dressing rooms * Double garage * Peace...
@iam.paulmarti
22.9K likes • 400.1K views
Une superbe journée fem’Immo à la découverte de la mythique Villa E-1027 et des unités Le Corbusier. Ce « bateau immobile au bord de la mer » très avant gardiste fut conçu dans les années 20 par Eileen Gray. C’est une œuvre totale où l’architecture et le design sont intimement liés, dans une subtile alliance de modernité, de confort et d’élégance. C’est aussi l’une des premières architectures de...
katell.smaltdesign
33 likes • 684 views

Stay Hydrated & Protected ☀️

It can get very hot. Bring water and sun protection, especially for the walk. Reddit

Explore Buse Beach 🏖️

Walk down to the beach for a different view and a refreshing dip. Reddit

Embarquez pour la villa E-1027 ! ⛵️ Cette maison de vacances bâtie face à la Méditerranée par l’architecte Eileen Gray est une subtile alliance de modernité, de confort et d’élégance. #CapModerne
lecmn
501 likes • 15.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tours Early! 🗓️

Guided tours are essential and fill up fast. Book weeks or months ahead to secure your spot. Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

A 400m walk to the villa and potential steps require comfortable footwear. Reddit

Stay Hydrated & Protected ☀️

It can get very hot. Bring water and sun protection, especially for the walk. Reddit

Explore Buse Beach 🏖️

Walk down to the beach for a different view and a refreshing dip. Reddit

Learn Eileen Gray's Story 📖

Her life and contributions to feminism and queer culture are fascinating. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(307 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Villa E-1027, calling it a gorgeous piece of architecture and a masterpiece of 20th-century design. The guided tours are highly praised for their informative and passionate delivery, bringing the villa's colorful history to life. The site's beauty and significance for modernism are consistently highlighted, though some note that tours can feel crowded and access might be difficult for those with mobility issues.

"Such a gorgeous piece of architecture! The tour was also really interesting 😊"

Tania Biland

"Eileen Gray's E-1027 modernist house has recently reopened following a five-year renovation. The work brought it back close to its 1929 original form, after careful research.

The house is a marvel of invention and functional design, building on the design principles of Le Corbusier (who lived there for 12 years and built his “Cabanon” next door) but stamped with Gray’s unique style and personality.

You can only visit as part of a guided tour taking about a dozen people through on a comprehensive 2-hour visit (tours are given in French or English). These must be booked a long time in advance but the effort is well worth it.

Our guide was brilliant and clearly passionate about the site and its colourful history.

The visit starts at a ticket office which features a bookshop and (currently) an exhibition of about the restoration work. There’s also a great food truck. It’s a 400m walk along a flat path to get to the house and back.

Beyond E-2017, visitors can also visit Le Corbusier’s Cabanon, holiday cabins and studio. Those interested in design, architecture and modernism will love this visit, but the site is so stunning and and the guided tour so well put together that anyone should get something out of the experience.

Hot tip: walk down the steps from the car part to Buse Beach for a dip and lunch at Le Cabanon, a beach-side shack serving delicious local sea-food. The beach offers a different view of the house from the water below."

Mathieu Ravier

"It is a must go place for people who love history of art and culture. Eileen Gray was not a very well-known figure but her contribution in the modern art is huge. Anybody interested in feminism and queer culture would find the story of her life truly fascinating. This villa is a masterpiece of the 20 century architecture. Don’t miss it if you are on the Côte d’Azur."

Oleg Dusaev

What People Like

Stunning modernist architecture
Engaging guided tours
Fascinating history of Eileen Gray

What People Dislike

Tours can feel crowded
Accessibility challenges
Limited time for reflection

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Villa E-1027 is located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Access is typically via a 400m walk from the ticket office along a coastal path. Reddit Some visitors arrive by train to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin station and then walk. TikTok

There is a car park near the ticket office, from which you begin the walk to the villa. Reddit

Yes, Villa E-1027 is just minutes from Monaco, making it an easy excursion. TikTok+5

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is well-connected by train, with a station serving the area. TikTok+1 It's also accessible by car, though parking can be limited. TikTok

The walk is approximately 400m and is generally flat, but can be challenging for those with mobility issues or in very hot weather. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking guided tours in advance is mandatory as you can only visit as part of a tour. Reddit

Ticket prices vary, and it's best to check the official Cap Moderne website for the most up-to-date information on tour costs and booking. Instagram

Opening hours are seasonal and tours are scheduled. Always check the official Cap Moderne website for current operating times and tour availability. Instagram

No, access to Villa E-1027 is exclusively through guided tours to preserve the site and enhance the visitor experience. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official booking website. It's recommended to inquire directly.

🎫 🏛️ Architecture & Design

Villa E-1027 was designed by the pioneering Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray. Instagram+4

It's a landmark of modernist architecture, celebrated for its innovative design, integration with the landscape, and functional details. Instagram+3

Le Corbusier lived at Villa E-1027 for a period and later built his own 'Cabanon' next door. InstagramReddit+2

The name is a coded reference to Eileen Gray's initials and her lover Jean Badovici's birth date (10th of June, 1927). Instagram

The villa showcases Eileen Gray's unique style, emphasizing modernity, comfort, elegance, and clever zoning of spaces. Instagram+3

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Photography policies can vary; it's best to check with your tour guide or the official site. Interior shots might be restricted to preserve the artifacts. Instagram+1

The villa offers stunning sea views from its terraces. Instagram+1 Views from Buse Beach below also provide a unique perspective. Reddit

Yes, the coastal setting and the architecture make for excellent photography opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted in protected heritage sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the villa and its coastal setting. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there isn't a restaurant inside the villa, there's a food truck near the ticket office. Reddit Le Cabanon, a beachside shack, offers local seafood. Reddit

Yes, Le Cabanon at Buse Beach serves delicious local seafood and is a popular spot for lunch. Reddit

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and nearby Monaco offer a wide range of dining options, from casual to high-end. TikTok+2

Picnicking might be permitted in designated areas, but it's best to confirm with the site management. TikTok

Le Cabanon is known for serving delicious local seafood. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Villa E-1027 is a significant architectural site, it might be more engaging for older children or teenagers interested in design and history. The 400m walk to the villa and the potential for heat could be challenging for very young children. Reddit Consider packing plenty of snacks and water. The nearby Buse Beach offers a more relaxed environment for younger ones to play, and the sea can be a great distraction. Reddit

Focus on the storytelling aspect of the tour, highlighting Eileen Gray's unique life and her innovative designs. The beautiful coastal setting can also be a draw. If visiting with younger children, prioritize a visit to the beach and perhaps a shorter, more focused tour of the villa itself.

🏛️ Architecture & Design Enthusiasts

This is a must-visit destination. Villa E-1027 is a seminal work of modernist architecture, showcasing Eileen Gray's genius in design, functionality, and integration with nature. Instagram+2 The guided tour is essential for a deep understanding of the villa's innovative features and its historical context. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to explore Le Corbusier's Cabanon next door, offering a comparative study of two architectural giants. InstagramReddit The site's meticulous restoration ensures an authentic experience of Gray's original vision. Reddit Be sure to book your tour well in advance, as it is the only way to access the villa.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

Villa E-1027 offers a deeply enriching experience for solo travelers and couples. The guided tours provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about Eileen Gray's fascinating life and groundbreaking work, making for engaging conversations. Reddit The intimate setting of the villa and its stunning coastal location create a romantic and inspiring atmosphere. Instagram+1

Combine your visit with a relaxing afternoon at Buse Beach or enjoy a meal at Le Cabanon for a perfect day trip. Reddit The walk along the coast is also a beautiful experience, offering moments of reflection and stunning Mediterranean vistas. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Eileen Gray: The Visionary Designer

Villa E-1027 is a testament to Eileen Gray's groundbreaking work as an architect and designer. Completed in 1929, it was her first major architectural project, designed for her and her partner, Jean Badovici. Gray, an Irish artist and designer, challenged the male-dominated architectural world of the early 20th century with her unique vision. She meticulously designed not only the structure but also the furniture and interior details, creating a cohesive and functional living space. Instagram+4

Her approach emphasized comfort, elegance, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. The villa's name, E-1027, is a coded reference to her initials and Badovici's birth date, highlighting the personal significance of the project. Gray's work is characterized by its clean lines, nautical influences, and a sophisticated palette of blues and whites, all designed to complement the Mediterranean setting. Instagram+1

Gray's contributions extend beyond aesthetics; she was a pioneer in exploring zoning and activity-specific design, ensuring each area of the house served a distinct purpose. Her legacy is celebrated for its modernity and its significant impact on 20th-century design. Instagram

The Cap Moderne Complex: A UNESCO Gem

Villa E-1027 is part of the Cap Moderne complex, a significant site for modernist architecture located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. This area is renowned for its concentration of influential architectural works from the early to mid-20th century. InstagramReddit

Adjacent to Villa E-1027 is Le Corbusier's Cabanon, his personal holiday cabin, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Le Corbusier, a titan of modern architecture, lived and worked at the Cabanon for many years, and his presence significantly influenced the site. The complex also includes Le Corbusier's holiday cabins and studio, offering a broader perspective on his architectural philosophy. InstagramReddit+1

Visiting Cap Moderne provides a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the distinct yet complementary styles of Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier. The site is a pilgrimage for architecture enthusiasts, showcasing innovative design principles and a profound integration with the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Instagram+1

Experiencing Villa E-1027: Beyond the Architecture

A visit to Villa E-1027 offers more than just an architectural tour; it's an immersion into a rich history and a vibrant cultural context. The guided tours are highly praised for their engaging narratives, bringing to life the colorful history of the villa and its inhabitants. Reddit Guides are often passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insights into Eileen Gray's life, her contributions to feminism and queer culture, and her complex relationship with Le Corbusier. Reddit

Beyond the villa itself, the site offers a chance to connect with nature. The walk to the villa along the coast provides breathtaking sea views, and the nearby Buse Beach offers a refreshing escape. Visitors can enjoy a dip in the sea or have lunch at Le Cabanon, a charming beachside eatery. TikTokReddit

For those interested in design, the site is a treasure trove. The restoration efforts have meticulously brought the villa back to its 1929 form, allowing visitors to appreciate Gray's original vision and meticulous attention to detail. Reddit The experience is a journey through modernist design, art history, and the captivating beauty of the French Riviera. TikTok+1

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