Sunday, March 18, 2012

Shadow Shot Sunday 144 - Villa Ephrussi

 This aerial shadow shot was taken at the Villa Ephrussi on Cap Ferrat, and depicts a herb and flower seller at a garden fair which was hosted in the grounds of this beautiful Villa. The house and gardens are the inspiration of Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild who wanted to create the perfect "dream villa" on the French Riviera, and here she hosted garden parties and soirees until 1934. The main formal French garden (see the previous post) was modelled on a ship's deck, and extra staff were employed to wander around in sailors' uniforms to create the atmosphere of a grand ocean liner on the high seas. In addition, the rest of the "decks" and "sides of the ship" are nine different terraced themed gardens - all offering undeniable beauty and shadowy goodness on a sunny day. Here is the Stone garden....
 ....the Spanish garden...
.... the Exotic garden (all cacti and succulents).....
 .....the Rose garden........
......and the Japanese garden......
The French Riviera is famed for beautiful gardens, so don't hesitate to visit if you get the chance, and also make sure to visit Shadow Shot Sunday this week for more glorious shadow shots from around the world. Enjoy!!

23 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

I like very much your shot of the parasols from above. Their colour seems perfect. How nice to visit a gardens with fresh growing foliage! YAY, spring!

Hootin Anni said...

Wow...just plain and simple...wow!!! I love the pink umbrellas with the first image...the perspective you captured is terrific. And the collage shadows are so pretty. Well done.

Dianne said...

the parasol shot is so pretty
and all the gardens! wow! each one has something wonderful to offer

Crafty Green Poet said...

what a lovely selection of shadow shots, looks like a beautiful garden.

Gerald (SK14) said...

The top shot is most unusual - lovely.

Fly Girl said...

So lovely! These pix are dreamy with details on the vibrant French gardens, they just look so peaceful and inviting.

PeterParis said...

Another one that I have missed! One of these days! :-)

To answer your message on my blog: Of the days you propose, Wednesday (11) would be the best day. Thursday (12) I'm free until 15.30. Friday I leave for Sweden. If still possible for you, Monday and Tuesday are so far also fine for me. I haven't found your email address. Mine is peter.olson@hotmail.fr.

Virginia said...

Wow, you gave us our money's worth today. I'd love to see these gardens for myself. And that aerial view of the umbrellas is great!
V

Dimple said...

These are lovely shots, but the one of the umbrellas from above is my favorite for its simplicity and visual impact.

What does IB stand for?

Thanks for coming by my part of the blogosphere!

Sylvia K said...

Love your parasol shot, Catherine!! How fun! And what incredible flowers and colors! Such a wonderful promise of spring! Superb captures as always!! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Beautiful collages, but my favorite is the first photo :)

Regards and best wishes

Unknown said...

All mosaics are great but the top shot really caught my attention. It's fantastic!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautifully captured. Thank you for your beautiful contribution to Shadow Shot Sunday 2.

Finding Beauty in a shadow. Have a blessed Sunday.

Rose

Kelly said...

What a wonderful collection of gardens! I think the first is my favorite, though I also love the cacti.

The pink parasols made me smile. :)

Kathe W. said...

wow- gorgeous place and photos

My name is Riet said...

Wow, such beautiful gardens. Love your collages.

Sivinden said...

What a great collection of pictures! It must have been a pleasant experience to visit the gardens.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

The Spanish garden would be my favorite, because it looks so much like parts of Mexico--of course!

Cactus Shadows

VaishVijay said...

Stone garden seems to be very inviting and that shadow shot is awesome...

NatureFootstep said...

so much to look at. It is impossible to chose one over the other. Thanks for sharing.

Gemma Wiseman said...

What a joy these themed gardens must be to wander! And so love the first photo! Like looking down on pink mushrooms!

Zyzzyz said...

Wonderful gardens.

Catherine said...

Thanks for all the wonderful comments this week - much appreciated