History of Villa Camille in Banyuls-sur-Mer

The origins of Villa Camille

Villa Camille was built in 1888 by the Danish architect Viggo Dorph-Petersen for Pierre Bardou, the industrialist at the head of JOB cigarette papers. The latter ordered a castle for each of his children: the castle of Aubiry in Céret for his son Justin, the castle of the Parc Ducup de Saint Paul on the outskirts of Perpignan for his daughter Camille and the castle of Valmy on the heights of Argelès for his daughter Jeanne. In Banyuls-sur-Mer, there will be two villas, Villa Camille and Villa Théré. The architect marked the bourgeois architecture of the Belle-Époque in the Pyrénées-Orientales, giving this territory the air of Bavaria. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, he became the darling of a bourgeoisie uninhibited by the economic upturn of the century. “Modernist in its techniques and classical in its respect for the rules of the time, Petersen's hand corresponds well to what the upper middle classes of the time wanted: to show their fortune and dream of the old days” writes André Parent.

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From a family residence to an artistic oasis

Over the years, Villa Camille has gone through various phases of its existence. Initially designed as a family residence, it has evolved to become a meeting place for artists in search of inspiration. Painters, writers, and musicians have found refuge within its walls, transforming the villa into a vibrant creative sanctuary. Under the azure sky and the intoxicating scent of Mediterranean flowers, Villa Camille was the scene of romantic encounters. On the terrace, the couples shared magical moments, lulled by the murmur of the waves in the background.

Villa Camille becomes a 4-star hotel

‍Villa Camille, once a witness to a rich history, is now being reinvented into a 4-star hotel. Located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, it is becoming a haven of Mediterranean luxury, harmoniously combining the charm of the past with contemporary comfort. Each room offers an immersion in Mediterranean authenticity. Villa Camille promises a memorable experience combining elegance and hospitality, ready to write a new chapter in the region's seaside history.