Roquebrune Cap Martin
Seaside resort sits alongside an Olde-Worlde perched village
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin lies between Monaco and Menton, and like so many towns on this dizzyingly steep section of the Riviera, has distinct parts - in this case, three.
Perched high above the coast, you'll find the medieval village of Roquebrune, a very pretty and extremely atmospheric 10th century village with spectacular views.
A maze of narrow alleyways for exploring, with pretty squares and charming statues randomly distributed amongst the streets. Below is the forested headland of Cap Martin, where grand Belle Epoque villas sit beneath the cool pines. Down on the beach you'll find the resort town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, where most of the accommodation and new apartment blocks sit in front of a stony beach.
The modern town of Cap Martin is as lively and bustling as any along the Riviera with bars, restaurants and ice cream stalls lining the seafront.
Most of the beach is free access and they have a designated “Handiplage” section where those with disabilities can access the water safely and with assistance.
History & Culture in [locality]
The village of Roquebrune has truly kept its medieval heart. Ancient stone staircases climb between cool narrow laneways and disappear through dark vaulted archways under houses.
Guarding the town is an imposing 10th century fort that seems to have grown from the rock, and through the jumble of stone buildings and bell towers are glimpses of the deep blue Mediterranean far below.
The main square offers stupendous views down on Monaco and across to Menton and the Italian border.
On Cap Martin, luxury villas dot the rocky coastline among the pine trees and olive groves, a legacy of the Belle Epoque years when Cap Martin was considered the most glamorous Riviera resort for the rich and famous - Princess Eugenie, Winston Churchill and William Butler Yeats were among those who participated in the glittering social life. Today, it is more tranquil, although the property price tags certainly won't make you feel that way.
In the newer beach resort down at sea level, apartment blocks dominate the older buildings, with bars, restaurants and ice cream stalls lining the seafront.
Roquebrune Cap Martin is home to one of the oldest human settlements in Europe - the Caves du Vallonnet. The present village grew from Medieval times and is centred around the castle, Château de Roquebrune. Originally constructed in 970, the castle is built into the rocks and is open to the public for a small entry fee. The views from the top out towards Monaco are pretty spectacular.
NB: Check with the tourist office before visiting the Caves du Vallonet as they are often closed for excavations.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Monaco
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Eze
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
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Fontvieille Park & Princess Grace Rose Garden
These well-manicured gardens contain a variety of beautiful plants, trees and flowers as well as being home to the wonderful Princess Grace rose garden.
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Kerylos Villa
At the edge of the sea, facing the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the villa is a magic place that takes you back in time. Discover this French Riviera seaside palazzo, a luxurious recreation of an Ancient Greek villa.
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Jardin Animalier, Monaco Ville
These zoological gardens were established in 1954 and house a collection of over 250 species of animals, from hippos to black panthers and lemurs.
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Oceanographic Museum
Sovereign Prince, scholar and explorer, Albert I of Monaco, devoted his life to the Principality forces as well as scientific investigation. This museum showcases his passion.
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Palais Princier de Monaco
The grand palace of the Prince of Monaco was built in 1215 by the Genoese and has been transformed into one of the most luxurious residences in the world.
Beaches in [locality]
There are a couple of private beaches and restaurants towards the Cap end of Carnoles beach - family run Le Hippocampe is popular for its good quality home cooking and fantastic views of the bay.
From here you will also find the start of the Corbusier walk, a beautiful and easy stroll around the headland that takes you to Monaco.
The main beach, Carnoles, runs along the front of the town and is the most popular. There are two others, much smaller and more secluded that are also worth a visit.
Beaches in Monaco
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton
Made up of a selection of private and public areas, with the most popular stretch being Plage de Fossan to the east.
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Plage du Larvotto Beach
Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
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Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton
Set to the back drop of Menton's colourful and pretty old town, these beaches stretch eastwards from the Port towards the Italian border.
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
Events in [locality]
Events in Monaco
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Monaco Yacht Show
An annual trade show held in Port Hercules, it is Europe's biggest in-water display of large yachts.
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Palermo - Monte Carlo Regatta
The course leaves the Gulf of Mondello bound for the Principality of Monaco. Contestants will have to pass through a “gate” off Porto Cervo, Sardinia, then onto Corsica before reaching Côte d’Azur shores.
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Monaco Classic Week - La Belle Classe
First held in 1994, Monaco Classic Week took shape from an idea of the Yacht Club de Monaco to mark the first motor-boat meetings of 1904 and to celebrate ten years at the helm of Club President Prince Albert II.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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e-Rallye Monte-Carlo
Open to various categories of non-polluting and CO2-free vehicles.
Dining in [locality]
If you’re looking for somewhere atmospheric to have dinner then try Au Grand Inquisiteur, a tiny stone vaulted restaurant tucked away up near the chateau - it’s so small that the kitchen is in another building on the opposite side of the street!
Les Deux Frères, meanwhile, has mesmerising terrace views across the coast and offers up French gastronomy, while elegant Elsa won a Michelin star for its wonderful use of fresh and local produce and it's 100% organic.
For something less highfalutin but still delicious, head to Euro Pizza, for some of the best pizza, bruschetta and salads you'll find on this side of the Italian border, and refreshingly cheap.
Restaurants in Monaco
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Blue Bay Restaurant
Whether you’re sitting on the terrace with a panoramic view or opposite the open kitchen, the Blue Bay offers an unforgettable culinary experience and is located in the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel.
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Le Grill Restaurant
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
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Yoshi Restaurant
Yoshi Restaurant is located in Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo and holds one Michelin star.
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Nobu Restaurant
Recognized worldwide for his amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
Things to do in [locality]
Cap Martin is the start of the Corbusier walk, a beautiful and easy stroll around the rocky headland that takes you to Monaco (about two hours each way.)
There are also a number of tougher hikes starting from Roquebrune Cap Martin that head off into the mountains beyond the old village - you can access the start of the GR51 from here.
Roquebrune is also popular with road bikers and there are some beautiful climbs in the area. Check out our hiking and cycling routes.
For those wanting organised sports, the Monte Carlo Country Club is located in Roquebrune Cap Martin; it has tennis and squash courts, snooker, golf practice and a pool and spa facilities, all with stunning views over the Med. This venue hosts the tennis Monte-Carlo Masters.
Things To Do in Monaco
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Nightlife in [locality]
The 'nightlife' high up in Roquebrune village is fairly, if not completely tame; drinking a glass of good Provençal wine whilst watching the twinkling lights of Monaco and listening to busking accordion players is probably much the extent of it.
Down in the beach resort there are bars along the seafront which have a bit of a buzz in the summer months.
For a seriously glamorous night out, the Monaco side of Cap Martin is home to some very ritzy beach clubs like Sea Lounge, this is where the superyacht set of billionaires and models come to drink cocktails, smoke shisha pipes and lounge about listening to DJ's in front of the shimmering sea. And once in Monaco, there is plenty to do-see our Monaco nightlife guide for more details.
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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Monte-Carlo Bay Casino
In the heart of the spectacular Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this ultra-modern casino offers a choice of around 150 new generation slot machines which all work without tokens.
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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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Crystal Bar & Terrace
Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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Blue Gin Bar
With seaside terrace and billiard tables this place is sophisticated and fun, with lounges and icy-cool décor.
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Bar Americain
The Hôtel de Paris' fantastic cocktail bar and lounge oozes old world class. It has a cosy, elegant low-key ambiance, with big leather armchairs, sea views and live music from Doctor Gabs' piano.
Hotels in [locality]
There are several two and three star hotels in the resort and a handful of small hotels and B&B's in the old village. For something more swanky, head more towards Monaco.
Hotels in Monaco
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Columbus Monte-Carlo Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel
The Columbus hotel's style is Riviera chic, where beautifully glamorous and barefoot elegance sit easily side by side. The service is graceful, genuinely friendly and always attentive. The feeling is cool, exclusive and laid back. An excellent choice.
Price: €3,313
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Price: €21,700
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €32,170
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Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
Price: €7,387
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Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel
The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique four-star luxury resort. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 602 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar and a new pool space on the roof which integrates a contemporary touch.
Price: €6,510
Directions
Be very aware of which part of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin you are booking in or travelling to, for the beach resort and the medieval village are 2km ( and significant altitudes) apart, and have extremely different characters.
There is a train running from Nice, however, the train station is down by the sea meaning a very steep climb if you want to go to the old village.
There is a bus (no.100) that will deposit you below the village (but the remaining steps are very steep), or take the bus no.21 from Monaco or Menton.
If driving, take either the Grande Corniche road from Nice or the A8 exit off the motorway.