History of Villa Camille in Banyuls-sur-Mer
History of Villa Camille in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Perched on the picturesque shoreline of Banyuls-sur-Mer, Villa Camille is an architectural gem that captures the very essence of Mediterranean seaside life.
Origins of Villa Camille
Villa Camille was built in 1888 by Danish architect Viggo Dorph-Petersen for Pierre Bardou, the manufacturer of JOB cigarette papers. Bardou had him design a château for each of his children: Château d’Aubiry in Céret for his son Justin, Château du Parc Ducup de Saint Paul outside Perpignan for his daughter Camille and Château de Valmy on the heights of Argelès for his daughter Jeanne. In Banyuls-sur-Mer, he had two villas, Villa Camille and Villa Théré. The architect left his mark on Belle Epoque bourgeois architecture in France’s Pyrénées-Orientales department, giving the area a bit of a look of Bavaria. At the turn of the 20th century, he became the pet favourite of the bourgeoisie, who had been made uninhibited by the country’s economic boom. In the words of André Parent, former head of the Perpignan Municipal Archives, “A modernist for his techniques and a classicist for his respect for current conventions, Petersen’s worked aligned with the aspirations of the upper crust of the bourgeoisie at the time: to flaunt their wealth and dream of days gone by”.
From family home to artistic oasis
Over the years, Villa Camille has multiple incarnations. Initially designed as a family residence, it evolved into a place where artists in need of inspiration would gather. Painters, writers and musicians took refuge within its walls, transforming the villa into a vibrant creative sanctuary. Under the azure blue sky, draped with the intoxicating aromas of Mediterranean flowers, Villa Camille was the scene of many a romantic encounter. On its terrace, couples shared magical moments together, lulled by a soundtrack of waves lapping at the shore.
Villa Camille becomes a 4-star hotel
In a testament to its rich history, Villa Camille has been reborn once again, this time as a 4-star hotel. Located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, it is a haven of Mediterranean luxury, harmoniously blending the charms of the past with the comforts of the present day. Each guest room is like an immersion in Mediterranean authenticity. Villa Camille promises a memorable experience that combines elegance with hospitality, as it begins a new chapter in the region’s seaside history.
