villa-massena-nice-monuments-historiques

This iconic villa in Nice has just been classified as a historical monument

undefined undefined 30 mai 2025 undefined 19h00

The Editor

It’s official, one of the architectural gems of the Promenade des Anglais has just entered the pantheon of French heritage. The Masséna Villa, a neoclassical pearl overlooking the Bay of Angels, is now listed as a historical monument. This recognition has been eagerly awaited, requested since last November by the city of Nice, and it celebrates the cultural and historical significance of this emblematic building.

A distinction that makes a difference

Built between 1898 and 1901 for Prince Victor d’Essling—grandson of Marshal Masséna—the villa is a true ode to the Belle Époque. At that time, aristocrats from all over Europe flocked to the Riviera, and the Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling, a star of the moment, created a total work of art here. With its elegant façade, salons inspired by Italy, and a sumptuous 8,000 m² garden: the Masséna Villa ticked all the boxes for Niçoise glamour. Since 1919, it has belonged to the city, a wonderful gift.

graciously by the prince's family, and today it houses a local history museum where you can discover the treasures of 19th-century Nice, blending art, politics, and the sweetness of life.

With this new status, the villa joins the exclusive circle of 14,808 designated monuments in France — a distinction that ensures its preservation and highlights its cultural significance. A lovely double honor, as its gardens have also just been labeled as a “ remarkable garden ” by the DRAC. So, it's safe to say that the Masséna villa is more than ever a place to (re)discover, whether you're a true Niçois or just a wandering lover of the Mediterranean.


Source : Le Figaro