DISCOVER VILLA ARNAGA
A Villa
now a museum
Villa Arnaga, a true testament to the Belle Époque, is now the Rostand Museum. It reflects the art, lifestyle, and modernity of this unique period between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Its carefully designed neo-Basque architecture is part of a cultural ensemble where one can discover the entire universe and works of the Rostand family.
The permanent exhibition unfolds as visitors explore the salons and various rooms of the Villa, offering a progressive immersion in this artistic and family heritage.
In-depth exhibitions complement this discovery, allowing visitors to grasp the full richness and uniqueness of this exceptional place.
the story
d'arnaga
1903
CONSTRUCTION OF THE VILLA AND ITS GARDENS BEGINS
After the success of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand settled in Cambo-les-Bains to treat a lung ailment and bought the land where Arnaga would be built. The author entrusted the project to the architect Albert Tournaire. He wanted a residence "Basque in style on the outside, a palace on the inside." The villa would be built of concrete and equipped with electricity, running water, hot water, and coal heating.
1918
DEATH
BY EDMOND ROSTAND
Edmond Rostand was going to celebrate the armistice in Paris. He contracted Spanish fever and died in Paris a few weeks later at the age of 50.
1961
PURCHASE OF THE ESTATE BY THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAMBO
The City of Cambo-les-Bains buys back the estate and the Villa becomes a museum open to the public.
1906
THE COMPLETION
OF THE VILLA
The Rostand family settled in Arnaga. The interior decoration and the landscaping of the French and English gardens continued for several more years, until 1913. Electric heaters were also installed in the Villa, replacing coal heating with electric heating.
1922
SALE
FURNITURE
The furnishings of Villa Arnaga were sold at auction, and the family decided to sell the estate as well the following year, in 1923. A Brazilian industrialist couple, the Souza-Costas, purchased it. The Fleyshmans would be the third and final private owners.
1995
THE VILLA BECOMES A HISTORIC MONUMENT
In 1995, the Villa was listed as a Historical Monument. This listing was extended to the entire estate, including the Stables, in 2014. The Villa was also recognized as a Museum of France in 2002.
