Valrose Castle in Nice, a monument of 19th-century architecture, is one of the famous attractions of the French Riviera. It was built with the funds of Russian state councilor and entrepreneur Pavel Grigorievich von Derwies.

The castle rises on a hill in an area known as the "Valley of Roses." This architectural structure is surrounded by a park created by the renowned landscape designer Joseph Carle, also funded by Pavel von Derwies.

In 1867, the Russian entrepreneur and advisor to Alexander II acquired a 10-hectare plot in northern Nice. To build his estate, he hired the best architects, and the work took three years.

The construction of the castle was overseen by Russian architect David Grimm, the founder of the "Russian style," with assistance from Antonio Croci, Konstantin Skala, and Antoine Beranger. Joseph Carle was responsible for the park's design, while the concert hall was built by Mikhail Makarov.

The Valrose estate includes an extensive park area with fountains, a pond, sculptures, and exotic plants. There are two castles on the grounds, a large and a small one, built in the Gothic style. The castle is known for its spacious concert hall, which accommodates nearly 400 people.

In 1873, a Russian izba appeared in the park, brought by Baron von Derwies from his estate in Ukraine. David Grimm designed the domestic chapel at Valrose villa, and today the iconostasis of this church is located in the Nikolskaya chapel at the Cocade cemetery in Nice.

Pavel von Derwies moved to his French estate in 1870. Until 1881, Valrose Castle was a popular venue for the French nobility. The baron often hosted receptions, inviting symphonic orchestras and famous musicians such as violinist Joseph Joachim and pianist Francis Planté. The baron passed away in 1881.

After his death, the Valrose estate changed several owners until it became the property of the city in the early 20th century. In 1965, the castle buildings were transferred to the local university of Nice, where one of the campuses and the main office of the "University of Nice Sophia Antipolis" was established. In 1991, the castle was designated a historical monument.

Today, the park at Valrose villa is a popular recreational spot for the residents of Nice and tourists. Here, one can see rare plant species, numerous birds, an artificial grotto, fountains and sculptures, as well as a pond with bridges. The park features sculptures in memory of Pavel von Derwies's children.

The park is adorned with gardens in English and French styles, an olive grove, pines, cedars, cypresses, laurels, birches, oaks, acacias, ashes, eucalyptus, and other rare tree species.