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7 things you didn't know about Villa La Vigie

Published on August 08, 2024Updated on September 10, 2024

The Villa La Vigie is an essential part of the Monegasque landscape, standing on the cape above Monte-Carlo Beach. Famous for having been Karl Lagerfeld's residence for many years, this prestigious neoclassical villa is still full of mystery. We'd like to share a few secrets with you about this "confidential jewel"...

Contents

1 - A site that inspired a master of Impressionism

When Sir William Ingram, an English lord living on the Côte d'Azur, chose this site overlooking the Mediterranean to build this elegant villa in 1902, the rocky terrain was surrounded only by terraced gardens planted with olive, pine and citrus trees. The view over the bay of Roquebrune and Monaco is exceptional. A few years earlier, in 1883, it was this same panorama that attracted Claude Monet on his first visit to the Côte d'Azur. He chose this very spot to set up his easel and paint two canvases, entitled Monte-Carlo seen from Roquebrune. Two impressionist works that capture the unique light of the Riviera in shades of blue, green and pink. One now belongs to a private American collection, the other to Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Claude Monet - "Monte-Carlo seen from Roquebrune © Monaco-Matin

2 - The garden, a sanctuary for birds

Standing on its rocky outcrop, with only a small winding road for access, Villa La Vigie enjoys a privileged location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Close to the sea, its gardens have always been a haven for birds. With a passion for nature, Sir Ingram and his son created an exotic garden planted with a wide variety of imported tree species and home to many species of exotic birds. Today, the gardens are classified as a refuge by the French League for the Protection of Birds (LPO): seagulls and other endemic species nest in complete freedom in this unspoilt Eden, where everything is done to preserve them.

3 - The garden's well-hidden secrets

On either side of the villa, on the seafront, two hills face each other. Each of them hides a little secret. The first, in front of the entrance, is partly... fake. When the villa was built, it was made up of artificial rocks, which are still in place. What's the reason for this? A natural spring flows here, and the water was used to fill a cistern feeding a waterfall. The water gushing from the rocks at the entrance to the property gave the guests a majestic impression. As for the other rock, a natural one, access to it is now impossible due to its fragility. It houses a bunker dug by the Germans who occupied the villa during the Second World War. Its position overlooking the Mediterranean offered unrivalled views.

4 - A prestigious tenant

Although Karl Lagerfeld is the most famous resident of Villa La Vigie, the great couturier was never the owner. In the mid-1980s, it was through the intermediary of his friend Princess Caroline of Monaco that he became the tenant, for a token sum. Owned by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer since 1952, the house was then unused. In exchange, Karl Lagerfeld financed the renovation work and restored La Vigie to its former glory. The decoration chosen by this great lover of the arts remained faithful to the original neoclassical spirit, as can still be seen in the trompe-l'œil paintings adorning the walls of the entrance hall. Very attached to the area, he lived for twelve years at La Vigie, which in everyone’s eyes, remains Karl Lagerfeld's villa to this day.

5 - A preferred location for major brands

Today, this luxurious villa is a popular venue for high-end events. Its 890 m2 of private indoor and outdoor space, with bespoke services, can be used for exhibitions of works of art, product launches, special evenings, etc. Every year, prestigious brands hold some of their major events at La Vigie, such as UBS and its presentation of cars during the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, or Chanel, which stages several of its photo shoots there.

6 - The villa of possibilities

Whether for a holiday on the Côte d'Azur or a prestigious business event, every host will appreciate the villa's bespoke services. Its director, Frédérick Thiebaut, and his teams are committed to fulfilling every wish, no matter how crazy. The lounge has been transformed into a veritable nightclub for a birthday party, and the terrace has been adorned with thousands of flowers for a wedding... After each rental, the teams carry out a thorough overhaul. Lawn, marble, flooring, paintings... Every detail has been renovated by skilled craftsmen.

7 - A transformation to come

600 m² of living space, six bedrooms and suites with marble bathrooms, a 237 m² terrace, an exotic garden, top-of-the-range amenities... in addition to these exceptional features, guests at Villa La Vigie enjoy privileged access to the seafront at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club below. From next summer, the garden will be home to a private swimming pool with pool house and amenities. Further proof that this historic and exclusive residence is constantly evolving to offer its customers the utmost comfort.

Where does the name La Vigie come from?

La Vigie, an ideal name for a building situated on a promontory above the sea. But its origins actually lie in legend. La Vigie is in fact a name derived from Cap de la Veille, the name of the area long before the villa was built. It is itself the result of the oral transformation, over time, of Cap de la Vieille. Why La Vieille? Below, on the small beach of La Barma, there was a cave inhabited, it was said, by a witch...