THE VILLA ARNAGA
2025
Go there and contact
Museum in Edmond Rostand's home in Cambo-les-Bains, to learn more about the history of this writer and poet.
Cambo-les-Bains had the advantage of being discovered, not by financiers and developers, but by the writer-poet Edmond Rostand. Immerse yourself in his world at the heart of this privileged corner of the Basque country, where he always felt at home: he settled here, wrote and built without disfiguring - quite the contrary. The Parc d'Arnaga is a perfect reflection of the heart and soul of its creator, torn between his penchant for solitude and contemplation, as embodied in the English garden, and his inclination for perfectionism and honors, as exemplified in the French garden. The famous author of Cyrano de Bergerac gave Cambo an image as poetic as his verses. His superb Villa Arnaga, designed by the famous Parisian architect Joseph Albert Tournaire, was built in 1903. Thanks to his enlightened personality, Edmond Rostand gave a special elegance to this imposing neo-Basque residence. Set in 12 hectares of gardens, the result is a refined masterpiece: the walls and furnishings were commissioned from renowned artists. Transformed into a museum in 1960, the Villa opens its doors to the intimate, where documents and paintings evoking the life of the writer and his family are on display. Discover the astonishing world in which Edmond Rostand found inspiration, for it was in Cambo that he wrote Chantecler in 1910. Villa Arnaga is dedicating 2025 to the life and work of Rosemonde Gérard, with a temporary exhibition on the woman poet of the Belle Époque.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Further information
Opening time and information on THE VILLA ARNAGA
Monuments historiques label. Jardin Remarquable and Maison des Illustres. 19 rooms in the Villa. 12 hectares of gardens. Open from April 2 to November 2, 2025 inclusive. Adults: €9. Children (aged 7 to 11): €2.50. Show: €18. The gardens are not open to the public. No pets allowed. Gift store. Animations. Allow a minimum of 1h30 for the entire site, and to complete your visit to the villa, room cards are available in 4 languages.
Owner's Message
Villa Arnaga, Cambo-les-Bains, Basque Country: a neo-basque masterpiece
A neo-Basque masterpiece designed by architect Joseph-Albert Tournaire on the instructions of goldsmith Edmond Rostand, the Villa Arnaga, an immense 40-room residence, was built in record time between 1903 and 1906! Decorated by the famous writer and poet, it conceals artistic masterpieces designed to his specifications by the painters of the time. A visit to this historic monument-turned-museum reveals all its surprises and riches.
The gardens of Villa Arnaga, a little Basque Versailles!
The Villa's gardens: a wood, flowerbeds, a large formal garden appreciated at sunrise, and a more intimate English garden at the rear, bathed in orange hues at sunset.
it's often said that these gardens are "a little Versailles", so captivating is their beauty. In season, you can take part in dramatized walks organized by the Irrinigar company.
Edmond Rostand's Basque dream
In 1900, Edmond Rostand (1868-1918) was a famous poet and writer. Still buoyed by the success of his play Cyrano de Bergerac, he fell seriously ill. His friend, Professor Grancher, Pasteur's collaborator and member of the Académie de Médecine, advised him to seek treatment in the mild climate of Cambo-les-Bains. Coming for a few months with his wife Rosemonde Gérard and two children, Maurice and Jean, he fell head over heels in love with the Basque country and decided to settle in Cambo-les-Bains, the cherished place that restored his health. Rostand had the soul of a builder and gardener, and designed the house and gardens of his dreams in the manner of a theatrical set.
Our offers and services
Members' reviews on THE VILLA ARNAGA
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Visite très intéressante de cette belle maison basque.
We arrived rather early and had to stretch the garden visit as the house was only open for visits at 12:30. There were visitors before so I guess groups got priority. Pity.
Lors de notre visite en 2023 la visite guidée était obligatoire mais nous avions passé un très bon moment.
Passage indispensable dans le Pays Basque