A short distance from Nice lies the tranquil seaside town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The beautifully secluded peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the rich blues of the Mediterranean. One of the pearls of the French Riviera, Cap Ferrat is home to lavish villas—some of the most expensive in the world—and serene beaches. The Rolling Stones, tech billionaires, and famous politicians are just some of the high-profile individuals to have resided on the tiny peninsula. Stay at the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Lounge at Paloma Beach—Aperol Spritz in hand. Walk the coastal loop trail, Sentier du Littoral, and get lost in the nine gardens of the opulent historic villa, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. And at the end of the day, enjoy a bottle of wine and fresh-caught seafood along the harbor. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a true gem along the French Riviera. Here is your carefully curated guide to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. To read about other towns on the French Riviera, check out the Best Towns on the French Riviera.
Know Before You Go: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- When to Visit: The most popular months to visit the Côte d’Azur are July and August when the weather is hot and the French take their summer holiday. There’s even a name for these French vacationers—”Les Juilletistes” and “Les Aoûtiens”. If you plan to visit during these months, make sure to book in advance and expect high season prices. June and September are some of the best months to visit as the weather is still warm and there are fewer visitors. While the winter temperatures are mild (50°s F), expect some rain and seasonal closures.
- How Long to Stay: If you’re looking to fully relax and enjoy Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s stunning peninsula, plan to stay 2-3 full days in Cap Ferrat (more if you plan on taking day trips to other towns). If you’re planning a day trip to the area, get an early start and you can see all the highlights in a single day.
- How to Get There: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is located to the east of Nice. It’s a 25-minute drive from the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport—especially easy if you’re renting a car. If you’re not renting a car, you can either grab a taxi (€70 and 25 minutes), catch a tram to the line 15 bus (€4 and 80 minutes), or catch two different buses (€6 and 80 minutes).
Where to Stay
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to some of the most luxurious homes along the French Riviera. The peninsula is littered with extravagant villas, some of the most expensive in the world, and also holds claim to one of the best hotels along the entire Côte d’Azur—the inimitable Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. If you’re looking to stay primarily in this area, choose one of the hotels around the town of Cap Ferrat. This will provide you easy walking access to the entire peninsula. If you are planning day trips to other parts of the French Riviera, you may want to consider staying at the base of the peninsula, closer to Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
Perfectly encapsulating the timeless glamour of the Côte d’Azur, this legendary hotel rests on the furthermost tip of the peninsula. Since opening in 1908, the hotel’s guestbook has amassed an extraordinary collection of signatures—Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill, and Picasso, to name a few. Now a Four Seasons Hotel, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat features an Olympic-sized saltwater pool, an extensive spa, and dining options that include the Michelin-starred Le Cap. Book one of the hotel’s refined guest rooms or a suite with a private infinity pool for an unforgettable stay.
Where to Eat
- Le Cap – Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat’s Michelin-starred restaurant offers some of the best cuisine in the region. Executive Chef Yoric Tièche cooks up “Provençal cuisine with a modern twist” using fresh local ingredients. The lengthy wine list features over six hundred options.
- Les Délices de Marius – The best bakery in town provides a delicious selection of fresh croissants, baguettes, pastries and more. Come here for a morning café or grab a midday sandwich.
- Capitaine Cook – Serving traditional French cuisine, this mom and pop restaurant is a local favorite. Enjoy delicious seafood on the outdoor terrace of this beloved bistro on the edge of town.
- Little Italy – Tasty pizzas cooked in a traditional Napoli oven. Pick up a pizza to-go for a picnic along the water. Located right in town.
- L’Equinoxe – One of the best harbor-front restaurants in town, L’Equinoxe features quality seafood in a charming setting.
- BBS The Wine Bar – A great spot for drinks and tapas in a great location. Come for a drink and enjoy the views of the harbor and stunning coastline.
- Paloma Beach Restaurant Plage – Part of the Paloma Beach Club, the restaurant features fresh seafood on the shore of one the French Riviera’s premiere beaches.
Best Things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Paloma Beach & Plage Passable
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to a total of five beautiful beaches. Nestled in a quiet cove with turquoise water, Paloma Beach is one of the best along the Côte d’Azur and offers unmatched views of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the cliffs of Èze. While part of the beach is public, make sure to reserve a lounger at Paloma Beach Club in advance. Passable Beach features stunning views of the Villefranche-sur-Mer harbor and a private beach club. Other beaches include the peninsula’s largest and right in town, Cros deï Pin, and a couple lovely snorkeling spots at Plage de la Fosse and Plage des Fossettes.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has its fair share of historic architecture. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is the most famous of them all. Built between 1907 and 1912 for Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild by French architect Aaron Messiah, the opulent villa and it’s nine gardens are open to the public. The Italian Renaissance style villa is well kept in its original condition with over 5,000 pieces of artwork, including one of the most extensive collections of French porcelain in the world. A tour of the villa and a stroll through the exotic gardens gives you a peek inside the secret world of the uber wealthy.
Sentier du Littoral (Coastal Path)
This scenic coastal trail wraps around the entire peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and features stunning views of the Côte d’Azur and one of its most beautiful harbors—Villefranche-sur-Mer. The path stretches 4.5 miles around the rocky coastline from Paloma Beach to Plage de Passable. And there are plenty of spots for a swim and a picnic along the rocky trail. Starting at Paloma Beach, the path loops around Pointe de Saint-Hospice to Plage des Fossettes (about 1 mile). Once at Plage des Fossettes, you can easily return to Paloma Beach, town, or continue around the larger part of the peninsula to Plage de Passable.
Day Trip to Èze, Monaco, or Nice
There are several nearby towns that make for great day trips from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Èze is a medieval hilltop village built into the cliffs high above the Mediterranean. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and eat at one of two Michelin-recognized restaurants in Èze. The illustrious Monaco is a short ride away. Try your luck at the Monte Carlo Casino or explore the Prince’s Palace. Either hop in a cab for the 30-minute drive or get yourself to the Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station and catch the direct 15-minute train. If you’re looking for a brief tour of a city, head to Nice and walk the three-mile Promenade des Anglais with cafés on one side and glittering waters on the other.
