Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Alpes-Maritimes
Small village surrounded by luxury villas
Sitting on a beautiful rocky peninsula of pine trees and palms just to the east of Nice is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This area is the epitome of elegance and old Riviera glamour: from the small, chic harbour to the palatial gated villas and magnificent gardens of celebrities, oligarchs and famous family dynasties.
The village itself is quite small and the shopping district is pretty much just one petite, but lovely, street. Drop down to the port area though and you’ll find more shops and boutiques, restaurants, cafés and a small market place, while the beaches offer cool beach clubs.
History & Culture in Cap Ferrat
It would be rather difficult to come up with a more glittering, swanky address than Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Once just a rocky, scrubby headland used for grazing sheep and goats, the Cap was forever transformed by the arrival of Belgium's King Leopold, whose numerous grand villas and tropical gardens triggered an influx of the rich and famous, including Somerset Maugham and the Rothschilds, whose sumptuous villa and exceptional gardens are open to the public. Today, the Cap has many beautiful villas (often hiding behind huge gates), and is relatively unspoilt with forest and rocky coastal paths offering spectacular views.
Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Tom Cruise, Roger Moore and many others have all holidayed here. If it’s good enough for James Bond...
Sights & Attractions in Cap Ferrat
The main attraction at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a very grand villa built in the the early 20th century by Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild. Crammed with sculptures, paintings, antique furniture and rare porcelain and it's now a museum with an impressive art collection. Its gardens alone are worth a look with seven different styles including traditional French, Spanish and Japanese. The villa hosts regular events such as the annual Painters’ Day in June and a summer opera festival.
Sights in Cap Ferrat
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Kerylos Villa
Located in Cap Ferrat
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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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
Beaches in Cap Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has several lovely beaches and coves, Paloma, Passable and Cro de Peï Pin are the main ones. All have calm clear water and stunning views, and tend to be quite quiet as they are all a bit tucked away and off the beaten track (parking can be tricky and no public transport runs here). Paloma Beach was named after Picasso's daughter as the artist loved bringing his family here. There's also the famous Paloma Beach Club on this stretch, a perfect place to stretch out on a deckchair with a glass of rose and look out at the superyachts and sheer cliffs rising up over the coast towards Monaco. Have a look at our beach guide to find out more.
Beaches in Monaco
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Plage des Fosses Beach
Located <1 km away
Plages Fosses and Plage Fossettes are neighbouring beaches that are amongst the easiest to access in Cap Ferrat.
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Plage des Fossettes Beach
Located <1 km away
Plage des Fossettes is just a stone’s throw from its neighbour, Plage des Fosses; they are both great family beaches with enclosed waters that are always fairly calm.
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Plage de Passable Beach
Located <1 km away
Tucked away in a little niche on the north-west side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Plage de Passable is a glorious secluded sun trap with shallow crystal clear water.
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Plage Paloma Beach
Located <1 km away
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Port, Paloma Beach is a delightful little haven with more than a touch of 1950’s Riviera glamour.
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Plage des Fourmis Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer
Located 1.5 km away
Plage des Fourmis is the long stretch of sand that runs along the main bus route; backed by a shady promenade lined with palm trees and tropical plants, the beach is very easy to find.
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Plage de la Petite Afrique Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer
Located 2.5 km away
Plage de la Petite Afrique is, in our humble opinion, one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, surrounded by stunning scenery with plenty of facilities.
Things to do in Cap Ferrat
The best way to appreciate the local area is by following one of the marked coastal paths that take you around the Cap, there are a couple of different routes taking you via various beaches and past local landmarks such as the lighthouse; see our hiking guide for photos and a description of one of the walks.
There is also a very pleasant (and easy) walk from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Beaulieu-sur-Mer via the Promenade Maurice Bouvier. Leave your hiking gear at home as it is smooth strolling all way, as befits a promenade that has a section named in honour of David Niven.
Dining in Cap Ferrat
There is a terrace overlooking the port that has some lovely restaurants and is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the view. In fact, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat seems to have more restaurants than anything else, so you certainly won’t struggle to find somewhere to enjoy dinner.
Even if you can’t stretch to one of their palatal suites then call in at Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat for an evening drink and a stroll around the beautiful gardens, or book a table at their Michelin starred restaurant. The hotel was built in 1908 and has been attracting aristocracy, royalty and anyone who’s anyone ever since. They also serve a traditional afternoon tea with cakes on the veranda from 15:00-18:00.
Restaurants in Cap Ferrat
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
Located in Cap Ferrat
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
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La Table du Royal Restaurant, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Chef Bruno Le Bolch takes you on a journey of the senses that is a delight to the eye and the taste buds.
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Capitaine Cook Restaurant, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Captain Cook is a friendly, family place, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, between Monaco and Nice. It is a traditional French restaurant where the seafood and Mediterranean flavours are prominent.
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Salon de The de la Villa Ephrussy de Rotschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Set in the room that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s used as a dining room, the tea room/restaurant's terrace overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. All day, you can break for a delicious snack in this calm oasis with an unrestricted view of the bay.
Hotels in Cap Ferrat
The very grand Cap Ferrat Grand Hotel is located at the tip of the peninsula and is one of the Riviera's top luxury hotels. There are a couple of other hotels to choose from on the headland, all offering wonderful views and a tranquil stay.
Hotels in Cap Ferrat
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Located in 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.
Price: €9,996
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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Located in Cap Ferrat
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Price: €17,752
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Located in 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 Estel Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
Price: €41,825
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €257,250
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La Bastide aux Camelias B&B, Eze
Located in Eze
This bed and breakfast in the Grand Corniche has four lovely rooms and one suite with fantastic facilities.
Directions
Getting there from Nice airport is easiest by car or taxi along the Corniche Andre de Joly; the nearest train stop is quite a walk away at Beaulieu-sur-Mer. By bus, you can take the number 81 right to the village, or if you fancy a beautiful and untaxing 15 minute walk, you can take the 100 bus and get off at the Hotel Royal Riviera at the start of the Cap.