Domaine de Valrose

Created between 1867 and 1870 by Baron Paul von Derwies, the Domaine de Valrose is one of the most prestigious estates of the Belle Époque on the Côte d’Azur. Classified as a historic monument and included within the UNESCO World Heritage perimeter of Nice, it includes châteaux and gardens, with rare garden follies such as the isba, a traditional Russian chalet imported from Kiev.

Site History

Baron Paul von Derwies, a wealthy financier of Baltic origin, began creating the Domaine de Valrose in 1867 by uniting parcels of land in what was known as the Vallon des Roses or Vallaurosa. Within three years, he built the grand château, the petit château and extensive gardens designed by the landscape architect Joseph Carlès. The estate became a center of aristocratic and musical life, hosting Queen Victoria and the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia.

In 1870, the baron imported a traditional Russian wooden house (isba) and reassembled it on the estate. Its carved decorations were likely designed by architect David Grimm in the néo-russe style.

After passing through several owners, the estate was acquired by the City of Nice in 1962 and transferred to the French Ministry of National Education. Since 1965, it has housed Université Côte d’Azur’s science campus. The entire domain, including the isba, was classified as a historic monument in 1991.

About the Project

A diagnostic study of the isba by Antoine Madélenat, Architecte en Chef des Monuments Historiques, in 2024 identified alarming decay: rotted logs, deterioration of carved festoons, ruined balconies and loss of ridge crestings. Previous cement patching aggravated the damage. The interiors remain relatively sound, but the façades and roof require urgent intervention.

The project includes the restoration of log walls by splicing, rebuilding of floors, reconstitution of missing decorative elements, limewash treatment of façades and replacement of the roof’s ridge crestings. Once restored, the isba will be repurposed as a welcoming house for international students, enhancing both heritage and campus life.

Domaine de Valrose Today

Today, Valrose is both the headquarters of Université Côte d’Azur and a 10-hectare historic park, open to the public on more than 48 days annually. In 2024, it welcomed 2,670 visitors. It hosts cultural events such as the Printemps des Poètes, Journées du Patrimoine and Rendez-vous aux Jardins, as well as exhibitions, concerts and alumni celebrations.

The isba project is part of a broader strategy to enhance Valrose’s heritage, increase international visibility and engage students and the community with this exceptional site.