An inspiring place for creatives to tell their own stories
The tapestry of time
Rocabella's origins lie in the avant-garde vision of an entrepreneur by the name of Jules Petin. In 1898, Petin decided to devote his fortune to creating a haven of beauty and extravagance in communion with nature.
He entrusted this mission to Hans-Georg Tersling, Empress Eugenie's architect, who invented a unique style combining unbridled neoclassicism and romanticism.Thus was born Rocabella, which became, during the first half of the 20th century, a prized artistic and literary salon in the south of France. Numerous artists, writers and intellectuals stayed here.
After the Second World War, Rocabella took an unexpected turn when it became a vacation camp and boarding school for the children of SNCF railway workers.
In 2000, decorator Patrice Nourrissat undertook the restoration of La Folie to its former glory. Since 2020, entrepreneur JB Rudelle has accelerated the revival with major works throughout the estate. Rocabella regains its historic mission: a creative residence in symbiosis with the sea.
A unique place for creativity and sharing
If Rocabella sounds familiar, it's not by chance. The estate has been the setting for many a film. More than 15 feature films have been shot here. Recent examples include “Downton Abbey II” (2022), inspired by the famous series. The estate has also hosted French film shoots such as “Un Homme idéal” (2014), “Les Estivants” (2018), “L'Homme qui avait vendu sa peau” (2019) and Sébastien Marnier's “L'Origine du mal” (2022).
La Rocabella contributes to this artistic tradition by organizing residencies to write and shoot documentary films on themes related to the sea.
More broadly, residents take part in stays ranging from one week to several months, in disciplines as varied as sculpture, music and philosophy. Staying free of charge on a full-board basis, residents develop their projects while learning how to better tell their own story - because the ability to communicate one's approach is as crucial as the act of creating.
A vibrant community
To help residents learn how to tell their own story, coaching sessions with storytelling experts are organized on a regular basis during each residency.
Then it's time for practical work: residents practice pitching to members of Rocabella's friends, our vibrant community. These sessions take place face-to-face on the estate, in dedicated sessions during members' individual stays.
Residents are also encouraged to use virtual channels (this website and social networks) to practice remote storytelling, which has become an essential component of all communication.
Thanks to active members of the community, residents benefit from constructive feedback to improve their pitch and storytelling.
To animate exchanges and optimize the experience for everyone, the dedicated Rocabella team works with passion every day. The aim is to create an atmosphere where every detail enriches the experience of residents and community members alike.
An ecological commitment
Embracing the Mediterranean, Rocabella recognizes its responsibility towards the fragile marine ecosystems that surround it. Located in harmony with the Port-Cros Marine National Park, we are proud to carry the Esprit Parc label, a symbol of our commitment to nature and environmentally friendly practices.
Our domain regularly hosts residencies and workshops dedicated to sustainable development and climate transition, promoting education and awareness of these crucial issues. These events bring together experts, enthusiasts and professionals eager to contribute to a greener and more responsible future.
Among our initiatives, we have implemented rigorous waste management practices, the use of ecological cleaning products and the promotion of local biodiversity.
Our gardens are maintained in a sustainable manner, by giving priority to local species and by reducing the use of pesticides.
Our guests participate in a wider project of respect and preservation of the environment.
