Did you know about this well-kept secret of Fréjus? The Villa Aurélienne, perched proudly at the entrance to the city, is much more than just a residence: it is a treasure of neo-classical architecture, imbued with the charm of another era. Built over a century ago, this sumptuous holiday residence has long remained mysterious, its doors remaining closed to most of us.
Today, the Fréjus Tourist Office finally opens the doors to this marvel inspired by the architecture of Palladio.
Immerse yourself in a world of elegance and history where each room, each corner whispers the stories of its former occupants, witnesses to the splendors of yesteryear.
Prepare to be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this villa, where luxury and refinement combine to offer a true journey through time, through its history and its secrets.
An exceptional monument: the Villa Aurélienne, heritage and icon
Villa Aurélienne proudly overlooks Fréjus from its privileged location, between the Reyran Valley and the Vallon de Valescure. This situation earned it its nickname of “Château Aurélien”, a nod to the famous Roman road Via Aurelia which, centuries ago, linked Rome to Arles by crossing the Alps.
The villa was originally built for James Hiscutt Crossman, heir to a wealthy English brewing family, and from its earliest days it reflected the artistic and cultural trends of the Belle Époque.
As you wander through its rooms and corridors, you will discover how the influence of Italian Renaissance villas comes to life here, with its elegant columns, refined balusters and enchanting terraces.
Purchased by the City of Fréjus in 1988, the Villa Aurélienne is today a place of art and culture, listed since 1989 in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments.
Concerts, exhibitions, conferences… Here, art and history blend to offer a place to meet and share. Outside, the park invites the walker to immerse themselves in a universe where nature reigns and where the past can be felt with every step.
The prices of “Villa Aurélienne”
| Categories | Admission fees |
|---|---|
| Full price | €8 |
| Reduced rate (12-17 years old) | €5 |
| Less than 12 years | Free |
To learn more about heritage in Fréjus
Why choose to visit the Villa Aurélienne: at the heart of a catastrophe? Advice from Jérémy Haverbeque, tour guide at the Fréjus Tourist Office
For Jérémy, our tour guide, this visit is the ideal opportunity to discover Fréjus from a new angle:
- Because it's a rare opportunity: the villa is usually closed to the public!
- To immerse yourself in the charm of this residence in the heart of the Aurélien park, a true natural gem with its rare plants and flowers.
An exceptional park: nature in all its majesty around the Villa Aurélienne
Spanning nearly 24 hectares, the Villa Aurélienne park is a true oasis, shaped by the trends of past centuries and enriched by each successive owner.
This exceptional botanical garden, where 90% of the biotopes of Fréjus are represented, contains rare and precious Mediterranean flora. Here, majestic umbrella pines, cedars, myrtles, and ancient rose bushes coexist harmoniously, offering visitors a unique setting to relax and explore.
Throughout the seasons, the park reveals its hidden treasures: wild orchids, carpets of cyclamen from Naples, squills from Peru and many other botanical wonders.
This park is not only a haven of peace, but also a living testimony to the ecological and heritage practices that preserve it.
Under an ever-changing sky, follow the paths to discover oriental-inspired factories and a carefully maintained flower garden, exclusively dedicated to bouquet flowers.
In this green setting, the imprint of the past and today's life coexist, offering a natural spectacle at every turn.
