Nestled on a peninsula between Nice and Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the pearls of the Côte d’Azur. This exclusive peninsula, nicknamed the “Cape of Billionaires”, boasts sumptuous villas, secret beaches and a superb coastal path. We were won over by the natural beauty of this unique place, which combines elegance, heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur, plus useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat worth a visit?
Yes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is definitely worth a visit. This jewel of the Côte d’Azur offers an exceptional setting with its crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation and elegant atmosphere. We were charmed by the coastal path with its spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious destinations on the Côte d’Azur. But it’s also a place where you can enjoy simple pleasures and attractions open to all.
1. Visit the Villa Éphrussi de Rothschild
The Villa Éphrussi de Rothschild is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s star attraction. Built between 1905 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice Éphrussi de Rothschild, this sumptuous Italian Renaissance residence is a journey into the world of the Belle Époque. We were impressed by the elegance of this villa and the nine themed gardens that surround the property. A truly enchanting stroll through French, Spanish, Florentine and Japanese gardens. To find out more, read our article on the Villa Éphrussi.
- Open daily, from 10am to 4:30pm from November to January, from 10am to 6pm in other months, and until 7pm in July and August.
- Price: €18 (adult)
- See the latest news on the official website here
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2. Swimming at Paloma Beach
Set in a small cove opposite Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Plage Paloma is one of the most charming on the peninsula. This pebble and gravel beach offers crystal-clear water in a green setting. We loved theexclusive yet relaxedatmosphere. You can enjoy the free public area or opt for the private beach club with its elegant deckchairs. The on-site restaurant serves refined Mediterranean cuisine, which you can enjoy with a breathtaking view of the sea and mountains.
- Beach accessible all year round, restaurant from May to end of September
- Free public access
- Wear bathing shoes, as the beach is made up of pebbles.
3. Follow the coastal path
Touring Cap Ferrat along the coastal path is an unforgettable experience. This 6 km path offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the coast. We particularly enjoyed the passages along the sharp reefs. Along the way, you’ll discover the Cap-Ferrat lighthouse, rebuilt in 1951, and splendid private villas hidden away in the vegetation. The hike is accessible to all, but bring good shoes and water, especially in summer.
- Allow 1h30 to 2h for a complete tour
- Difficulty: easy to medium, some rocky sections
- In summer, leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the most beautiful dawn light.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
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- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Dreaming of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, is a symbol of luxury and elegance on the French Riviera. Built in 1908, this legendary establishment has welcomed the most prestigious celebrities. On the seaward side, don’t miss the original rotunda designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1909. Even if you’re not staying here, you can enjoy a cocktail on the terrace or a meal at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Cap. Enjoy the refined atmosphere and sumptuous gardens that slope down to the sea.
- Open from March to December
- Book in advance for the restaurant or even just for tea
- See prices, pictures and availability
5. Climb to Chapelle Saint-Hospice
Perched on the eastern tip of the peninsula, Chapelle Saint-Hospice is a place steeped in history and spirituality. Built in the 11th century on the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, this chapel has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1929. We were touched by the sobriety and serenity of this place of recollection. It’s the perfect place for a contemplative break.
- Open from 01/04 to 30/09, daily, 9am to 7:30pm. From 01/10 to 31/03, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Free admission
- Take the opportunity to visit the nearby Belgian military cemetery.
6. Admire the statue of the Virgin Mary and the 18th-century tower
Against the Chapelle Saint-Hospice stands an impressive 11m-high bronze statue of the Virgin and Child. Created in 1903 by Milanese sculptor Tranquillo Galbusieri, this monumental statue watches over the sea and sailors. We were impressed by its size and presence against the vastness of the Mediterranean.
Nearby, you’ll also discover the Saint-Hospice tower, an 18th-century building listed as a Historic Monument. Together, they form a remarkable site that bears witness to the rich history of the peninsula.
- Free access all year round
- Bring your camera to capture the panorama!
7. Hesitate between Plage de la Fosse and Plage des Fossettes
If you’re looking for beaches other than the famous Paloma Beach, the Fosse and Fossettes beaches are excellent alternatives. Plage de la Fosse, at the end of avenue Claude Vignon, is a quiet little cove where you can still see the remains of an old quarry and a municipal washhouse. We particularly appreciated its peaceful, authentic atmosphere.
The nearby Fossettes beach offers clear water and fine gravel in a wilder setting. You can alternate between these two peaceful havens as you wish.
- Year-round beaches
- Free access
- Arrive early in high season to find space
8. Beach volleyball at Plage Cros dei Pin
Plage Cros dei Pin is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s family beach. More accessible and better equipped than the other beaches on the peninsula, it boasts a beach volleyball court that is very popular with sports enthusiasts. We loved its friendly, lively atmosphere, ideal for families.
You’ll also enjoy the many facilities like showers, toilets and snack bars that make a day at the beach more comfortable. In high season, lifeguards supervise the bathing area, making it safe for children.
- Beach open all year round, with lifeguard surveillance in July and August
- Free access
- Ideal for families thanks to facilities and supervision
9. Stroll along the harbour and see the sculptures
The port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a must-see, with its luxurious yachts and Mediterranean ambience. Stroll along the quay and you’ll discover several interesting sculptures, including Paul Rafferty’s statue of Winston Churchill painting. We were seduced by the charm of this human-sized port, less ostentatious than those of Monaco or Cannes.
- Allow about 1 hour for a leisurely stroll
- Enjoy an ice cream or coffee on the terrace
10. Discover Saint-Jean-Baptiste church
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is located in the heart of the village. It dates from the 19th century and replaced a primitive 11th-century church. We appreciated its sober, elegant architecture, which blends perfectly into the urban landscape. Here you can admire the choir’s central stained-glass window, with its highly original depiction of Christ’s baptism.
- Open every day
- Free admission
- Masses: Tuesday at 6.30pm, Friday at 9am
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Other attractions in and around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Beyond the must-sees, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has many other treasures to discover and is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Discover the village
Take the time to stroll through the pedestrian streets of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s historic center. These charming alleys plunge you into the authentic atmosphere of a preserved Mediterranean village.
We recommend downloading the free smartphone audioguide for a self-guided, enriching visit. Find out more here.
Don’t miss the Jardin de la Paix, at the start of Pointe Saint-Hospice. This peaceful spot overlooks the Fossettes beach and hosts concerts in summer. It’s an ideal place for a contemplative break in your day.
Architecture enthusiasts will admire the trompe-l’œil facades scattered around the village, including those created by Bati Peinture Gaggioli at 4 avenue Denis Séméria.
Excursions around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s proximity to other Côte d’Azur gems makes it a perfect base for exploring the region:
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: less than 15 minutes away by car, this colorful fishing village boasts one of the most beautiful harbors on the Mediterranean.
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer: just across the peninsula, this elegant seaside resort is home to Villa Kérylos, a remarkable reconstruction of an ancient Greek residence.
- Nice: 30 minutes away by car or bus, the capital of the Côte d’Azur will seduce you with its Promenade des Anglais, picturesque Vieux-Nice and numerous museums.
- Monaco: also 30 minutes away, the Principality of Monaco fascinates with its glamour, legendary casino and oceanographic museum.
- Èze: a hilltop village offering breathtaking views of the coast and home to the Fragonard exotic garden and perfumeries.
Nautical activities
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s privileged location makes it ideal for water sports. We recommend renting a paddle, kayak or boat to explore the coast from the sea. Several service providers offer these services in the port. And why not explore the Côte d’Azur on a boat trip aboard a luxurious Day Cruiser departing from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat? See prices, photos and availability
How to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat + parking
Where to find Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- In the Alpes-Maritimes on the Côte d’Azur, between Nice and Monaco
- Nice airport or train station = 10km (30min drive)
- Monaco = 10km (30min drive)
- Cannes = 40km (50min drive)
How to get there
- By car: From Nice or Monaco, follow the Basse Corniche (RD6098) along the coast. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat can be reached via this picturesque coastal road.
- By bus: Line 15 of the Lignes d’Azur network links Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The journey takes about 40 minutes from the center of Nice.
- By train: The nearest station is Beaulieu-sur-Mer, about 2km from the center of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Buses or cabs can then take you to the village.
- Take a boat trip from Nice to see the sun rise over Cap Ferrat. See prices, photos and availability.
Parking in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Parking in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat can be difficult in high season. Here are a few options:
- Parking du Port: located in the heart of the village, convenient but often full in summer.
- Parking de la Plage Cros dei Pin: ideal if you’re visiting this beach
- Parking lots along boulevard Général de Gaulle: limited spaces but conveniently located
- Avenue Claude Vignon parking lot: for access to La Fosse beach
All these parking lots are chargeable during the high season (April to October). Arrive early to be sure of finding a place, especially in July and August.
Useful tips for visiting Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
How long and when?
To make the most of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, plan to spend at least a full day there. If you want to explore all the sites mentioned and take a full tour of Cape Town, two days would be ideal.
The best time to visit Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is spring (April-June) orautumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant without being too hot, and it’s less crowded than in high summer. If you prefer to enjoy the beaches and swimming, choose September when the water is still warm.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
For an efficient visit, we suggest you start with the village and port, then continue to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The afternoon can be devoted to the coastal path and beaches, or to Pointe Saint-Hospice with its chapel and statue of the Virgin Mary.
- The coastal path has a few rocky sections requiring good footwear, but is generally accessible to all fit walkers.
- The town center and harbor are flat and easily accessible, but the roads leading to the various points on the peninsula can be quite steep.
Visiting with children
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers many family-friendly activities.
- The Plage Cros dei Pin is particularly recommended for children, with its beach volleyball court, games and summer supervision.
- We’ve found that children also love the coastal path, which becomes a real natural treasure hunt.
- The gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild can also captivate the youngest visitors, especially the French garden with its musical water features that are activated every 20 minutes.
Restaurants
We haven’t tried out the restaurants in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat yet, but we’ve got our eye on some of them:
- Restaurant Mademoiselle on the port
- The Paloma Beach Restaurant for its exceptional setting
- Restaurant La Table du Royal for a top-class gastronomic experience.
Visit Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in winter
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has a special charm in winter. The climate remains mild on the Côte d’Azur, with average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C and many sunny days. You’ll appreciate the peace and quiet that reigns on the peninsula in low season, ideal for contemplative strolls.
The coastal path is particularly pleasant at this time of year, with its softer colors. You can also visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild without the summer crowds and take full advantage of its unspoilt gardens.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
