Villa Cavrois
Villa Cavrois
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
An architectural manifesto, Villa Cavrois, the work of architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, a figure of the modernist school, was designed and built in Croix between 1929 and 1932 for Paul Cavrois, a textile industrialist from the Nord department, and his family. Listed as a historical monument in 1990 thanks to citizen mobilisation, and acquired by the State in 2001, the huge restoration project implemented in 2003 by the DRAC Nord-Pas-de Calais and then taken over by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux in 2008 will be completed in 2015.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
774 reviews
Excellent
573
Very good
146
Average
26
Poor
20
Terrible
9
Eric G
Paris, France12 contributions
Feb 2023
Now a French cultural place owned by the state, what a treat to visit such a fascinating place which has been extensively renovated according to original pictures taken in 1932 by the architect himself upon completion. Enough space to cater for a wealthy family with 7 children surrounded by very large Park forming esthetically a whole ensemble. Everything there has a defined purpose and design.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley S
Colchester, UK8 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Amazing. We love modern architecture and this house does not disappoint. Although it is very modern compared to most other large houses of the period it is very similar in layout. It’s a National monument that has been completely restored over quite a few years from a derelict ruin at a cost of many millions. The interior is a perfect restoration of what the architect specified as is the outside, with exception of the 4m deep swimming pool by the diving platforms that are also part of the whole design. The garden now much reduced in size as much has been sold off for housing presumably to offset restoration costs. The reflecting pool is a masterpiece.
Written April 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hoppity
London, UK222 contributions
Jan 2020
What an amazing building and a must for art deco and architecture fans. There's a good film showing down in the basement as well showing the meticulous restoration process. Getting there was very easy too, a short hop on the tram and a ten minute walk. Easy to combine with a trip to La Piscine Museum in Roubaix as well.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your opinion. We are delighted that you have enjoyed your visit. See you soon !
Written February 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne-B-2000
Ashford, UK19 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
It pains me to give this beautiful landmark such a low score.
As a house that has been so beautifully and carefully restored, it is a breathtaking piece of Art Deco architecture and well worth going out of your way to admire.
As a museum that is catered by what I can only describe as condescending and discourteous staff I would advise not even bothering to cross the threshold.
In case you are still interested in visiting then please be advised that parking in the area is difficult as there is no designated car park. Secondly, please take id if any of your party are below the age of 25 as entrance for them is free. Thirdly, be prepared to wait in a queue as only a certain amount of people are allowed into the grounds at and one time.
That said, when you reach the holy grail of the ticket desk be prepared for the staff to treat you like you are but a small blob of dog excrement on the underside of their freshly polished Hermes loafers. Seemingly, the more British you are, even if you speak perfect French, the larger the size of excrement your presence appears to be to them.
They will then try their utmost to be as condescending and scathing as they possibly can towards you, take your money, throw you a receipt and ‘accidentally’ forget to give any member of your large party of visitors any form of helpful information, any leaflet, any map or god forbid a “good morning” or in fact any kind word whatsoever.
Now, I will admit that I dared to point out that my 15 year old son was under 25 and despite my not bringing any id asked if they could possibly consider letting him in. I could see how my 21 year old might not pass muster but as there were 7 of us in a group I hope they would perhaps let him pass. However, I understand that rules are rules and without the correct id they were totally within their rights to deny my request. Unfortunately, what followed from them was a flood of rude and downright insulting examples of customer service I have ever seen in my life. Some of my party were French so it was not a case of my misunderstanding the staff attitude towards us. The aim of their tirade was to recite the rules of payment to us even though we had already quietly paid.
Once entering the house, one of the staff began to follow us around and watch our every move. He then rather unprofessionally admitted that he had been instructed to pursue us.
What should have been a few hours of appreciation and awe at all the painstaking reconstruction of this amazing house became an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience that was cut short after our being made to feel like criminals.
I was going to let sleeping dogs lie and not rise to leaving any comments about my experience but noticed that we were not the first to experience rudeness from the staff. The sad result of this is that I will not be recommending this museum to any of my colleagues, instead I will advise them to visit La Piscine instead where the staff are friendly and have a marvellous understanding of how paying visitors should be treated.
As a house that has been so beautifully and carefully restored, it is a breathtaking piece of Art Deco architecture and well worth going out of your way to admire.
As a museum that is catered by what I can only describe as condescending and discourteous staff I would advise not even bothering to cross the threshold.
In case you are still interested in visiting then please be advised that parking in the area is difficult as there is no designated car park. Secondly, please take id if any of your party are below the age of 25 as entrance for them is free. Thirdly, be prepared to wait in a queue as only a certain amount of people are allowed into the grounds at and one time.
That said, when you reach the holy grail of the ticket desk be prepared for the staff to treat you like you are but a small blob of dog excrement on the underside of their freshly polished Hermes loafers. Seemingly, the more British you are, even if you speak perfect French, the larger the size of excrement your presence appears to be to them.
They will then try their utmost to be as condescending and scathing as they possibly can towards you, take your money, throw you a receipt and ‘accidentally’ forget to give any member of your large party of visitors any form of helpful information, any leaflet, any map or god forbid a “good morning” or in fact any kind word whatsoever.
Now, I will admit that I dared to point out that my 15 year old son was under 25 and despite my not bringing any id asked if they could possibly consider letting him in. I could see how my 21 year old might not pass muster but as there were 7 of us in a group I hope they would perhaps let him pass. However, I understand that rules are rules and without the correct id they were totally within their rights to deny my request. Unfortunately, what followed from them was a flood of rude and downright insulting examples of customer service I have ever seen in my life. Some of my party were French so it was not a case of my misunderstanding the staff attitude towards us. The aim of their tirade was to recite the rules of payment to us even though we had already quietly paid.
Once entering the house, one of the staff began to follow us around and watch our every move. He then rather unprofessionally admitted that he had been instructed to pursue us.
What should have been a few hours of appreciation and awe at all the painstaking reconstruction of this amazing house became an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience that was cut short after our being made to feel like criminals.
I was going to let sleeping dogs lie and not rise to leaving any comments about my experience but noticed that we were not the first to experience rudeness from the staff. The sad result of this is that I will not be recommending this museum to any of my colleagues, instead I will advise them to visit La Piscine instead where the staff are friendly and have a marvellous understanding of how paying visitors should be treated.
Written March 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mrs.,
We are profoundly sorry that you do not seem to have enjoyed your experience at the Villa Cavrois.
Concerning the absence of car park, this unfortunatly does not depend on us but on the municipality; however, more than a hundred parking spots are available on the street. Moreover, you can access the monument via the Lille-Roubaix tramway (R line).
Regarding the waiting time, the Villa being an historical monument, there is a safety gauge that we have to respect. One year after the opening, the waiting time has now been reduced a lot, and you can access the monument almost immediately, except on day of high attendance.
We are very concerned by the way you describe your welcoming at the Villa. Please be sure that we will do everything we can to find out what happenned and never let it happen again in the future. We would like to insist on the fact that almost all our staff is at least bilingual, and that all the comments we have regarding the welcoming are very pleasant.
We hope you still had a chance to enjoy the architecture of the monument.
Best regards,
Written August 3, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nickcambridge
London, UK483 contributions
Oct 2019
This stunning Art Deco mansion has been amazingly restored to an incredible monument to design in the 1930's. The property is huge - the entrance, an atrium, sets the scene with glorious marble floor, brown marble sunken 'inglenook' fireplace, rising two (or ?more) stories tome balcony behind, and a glass wall with views to the garden. Each room has furniture with a different wood - the furniture of great elegance and style. DO not miss the film in the basement garage that shows how the property was brought back from near death by teams of gifted craftsmen. This and the wonderful Piscine gallery 20 minutes away by tram are a reason for visiting Lille in themselves.
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your opinion. See you soon !
Written October 30, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
komaba2015
Marcq-en-Baroeul, France3 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Terribly disappointing visit for me and my family.
There was a distinct lack of information about the history of the villa, its architectural style and the cultural significance of this building.
From the very start, one has the impression of being followed about by a staff who lack the most basic of manners. They seem to feel obliged to warn visitors not to touch, not to lean, not to look too closely at the place and definitely don't set foot upon even one blade of grass on the manicured lawns!! The staff seem to be expecting children to act up...... even though our children were perfectly well behaved, they found themselves being warned by grim-faced guardians at every doorway.
The atmosphere of the villa was sterile. The staff were need of serious customer-relations lessons. The entrance fee of 7.50 per adult ridiculous.
What a terrible shame that France's cultural artefacts are entrusted to people who clearly take no pride in their work but rather wile away their afternoons snarling at children....... the irony that this was once a home to large family with 7 children was not lost us!
There was a distinct lack of information about the history of the villa, its architectural style and the cultural significance of this building.
From the very start, one has the impression of being followed about by a staff who lack the most basic of manners. They seem to feel obliged to warn visitors not to touch, not to lean, not to look too closely at the place and definitely don't set foot upon even one blade of grass on the manicured lawns!! The staff seem to be expecting children to act up...... even though our children were perfectly well behaved, they found themselves being warned by grim-faced guardians at every doorway.
The atmosphere of the villa was sterile. The staff were need of serious customer-relations lessons. The entrance fee of 7.50 per adult ridiculous.
What a terrible shame that France's cultural artefacts are entrusted to people who clearly take no pride in their work but rather wile away their afternoons snarling at children....... the irony that this was once a home to large family with 7 children was not lost us!
Written July 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cortontrader
Suffolk England236 contributions
Aug 2019
A large residence built in 1930 for a wealthy industrialist and designed in the Art Deco style. It reminds me of Eltham Palace in the UK.
Damaged in WW2 and almost destroyed in the 90’s it has been restored to a high standard and I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 hours exploring the house and gardens.
The house, gardens and furniture were designed as an integrated unit and this would have been a wonderful living environment in its heyday. However for practical living purposes I don’t think it works well for modern living requirements.
About 11 minutes pleasant walk from Villa Cavrois tram stop. I bought a combined ticket with La Piscine, very well worth a visit and not too far away by public transport.
Damaged in WW2 and almost destroyed in the 90’s it has been restored to a high standard and I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 hours exploring the house and gardens.
The house, gardens and furniture were designed as an integrated unit and this would have been a wonderful living environment in its heyday. However for practical living purposes I don’t think it works well for modern living requirements.
About 11 minutes pleasant walk from Villa Cavrois tram stop. I bought a combined ticket with La Piscine, very well worth a visit and not too far away by public transport.
Written August 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your opinion. We are delighted that you have enjoyed your visit ! See you soon !
Written August 14, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lili F
Washington DC, DC4 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Justice was rendered to this amazing work of avant-garde architecture created in the 30's.
A place not to miss if you're traveling in the area. But do not bring kids as silence is imposed and strictly enforced indoor and outdoor!
Kind of sad to think this place was, at one pont, inhabited by a family of 7 kids. 👻
A place not to miss if you're traveling in the area. But do not bring kids as silence is imposed and strictly enforced indoor and outdoor!
Kind of sad to think this place was, at one pont, inhabited by a family of 7 kids. 👻
Written July 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allotmentman2
8 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
This is worth visiting if you are planning a grand or even trivial design. It is the worst designed house I have ever visited. It looks OK from the outside, but inside ! Large corridors, stupidly small rooms, inadequate staircase - and even bidets on wheels! The architect should have been shot. However, it will give you lots to think about and plenty to avoid in your own project.
Top tip: free on the first Sunday of the month, but get there early. Queues start quickly.
Top tip: free on the first Sunday of the month, but get there early. Queues start quickly.
Written December 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing!
The Villa Cavrois is an historical monument and an artistic manifesto from a famous architect. More than 200,000 visitors have discovered the site, the story of the family, the quality of the restoration. You could have focused on the saving of the building by the french state, or on the really innovative installations for a 1932 construction. You chose to focus on bidets on wheels.
Pity you did not understand your visit.
Regards,
Written December 8, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris L
London, UK474 contributions
Nov 2021
This is a loverly 1930s design that has been beautifully restored. it stands comparison with Frank Lloyd Wright. Very interesting.
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aghni P
Tinos, Greece22 contributions
Y a-t-il beaucoup d'escaliers ? J'aimerais venir avec une dame très âgée. Pensez-vous que cela est adapté ?
villacavrois
Croix, France
Bonjour,
Nous vous remercions pour l'intérêt que vous portez à la Villa Cavrois.
Sachez qu'un ascenseur dessert les différents niveaux de la villa : sous-sol, rez-de-chaussée, 1er étage et 2e étage.
Par ailleurs, il est possible de s'asseoir sur des sièges ou des bancs dans les couloirs de villa.
Nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir prochainement.
Bien cordialement,
Toute l'équipe de la Villa Cavrois
kaps38
London, UK23 contributions
is it a habit to close at 4pm when online states 5.30pm? advance warning would be appreciated as to not travel if we won't have time to visit. group from UK and Australia.
ParisWanderlust
Paris120 contributions
Not clear on your question. If you are refering to today, perhaps because of the holiday they closed earlier. Otherwise they normally would not.
Patty Portland
Portland, OR160 contributions
How can one get to this Villa from Lille?
Lili F
Washington DC, DC4 contributions
Take the Tramway (not Metro) R indirection of Roubaix and stop at Villa Cavrois then it’s a 10min walk. Trip should take about 15 min
Or by car, follow direction to Croix. Street parking available. Enjoy!
Vango500
Stewarton12 contributions
Are dogs allowed in the park here?
villacavrois
Croix, France
We are sorry but animals are not allowed neither in the Villa nor in the garden, except guide dogs for blind people.
Thank you for your interest in the Villa Cavrois.
Frans L
Vlamertinge, Belgium1 contribution
wij bezoeken Rijsel met 50 mensen. Hoe lang is een doorsnee bezoek?
villacavrois
Croix, France
Goedendag!
90 minuten
Met vriendlijke groeten
Jeanne C
Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo19 contributions
Il faut compter combien de temps pour visiter à l'aise la Villa?
Merci :)
villacavrois
Croix, France
Bonjour,
La visite de la Villa Cavrois dure en moyenne une heure à une heure trente. Bien sûr cela dépend de la sensibilité et de l'intérêt de chacun, certains visiteurs tombent amoureux du lieu et peuvent rester plus de trois heures.
Dans l'attente de vous accueillir,
Cordialement,
L'équipe de la Villa Cavrois
nat78825
Vernouillet, France31 contributions
pouvez vous m'indiquer des adresses de restaurants proches de la villa cavrois SVP ?
villacavrois
Croix, France
Bonjour,
Il existe plusieurs lieux de restauration à proximité de la villa.
Nous vous invitons à vous rapprocher de l'office de tourisme de Roubaix qui vous indiquera l'ensemble des renseignements utiles (joignable au 03 20 65 31 90).
A très bientôt à l'occasion de votre visite,
L'équipe de la villa
Villa Cavrois (Croix) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Cavrois
- Villa Cavrois is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Villa Cavrois:
- (0.13 mi) Le Pigeonnier
- (0.21 mi) Le Pavillon de Beaumont
- (0.33 mi) La Villa Carat
- (0.92 mi) A la Maison du Heron
- (0.44 mi) L'Oree du Parc
- Restaurants near Villa Cavrois:
- (0.27 mi) Ycy Restaurant
- (0.49 mi) Fer A Cheval
- (0.48 mi) Le Bo Jardin
- (1.96 mi) Pancook
- (0.67 mi) Tocca A Té Pizzeria