Amongst the popular spots of the French Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the destination that stands out from the crowd, especially during peak season. This unique site offers some of the best panoramas of the whole coast and shelters sumptuous residences in a preserved nature.
Exploring Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat : the perfect day trip
The peninsula is located between Villefranche and Monaco. You can begin your journey from Villefranche or, if you plan to hike around the Cap, start from Beaulieu-sur-mer which is the nearest city. If you do so, the first landmark to visit would be Villa Kerylos, a monument built in the early 20s reproducing the style of ancient Greece luxury combined with Belle Epoque comfort. The villa is located at the edge of the “Baie des Fourmis”, where the pathway : “sentier du littoral” begins.
The coastal path (sentier du littoral) is divided up into 3 stretches : Promenade Maurice Rouvier, Pointe Saint Hospice, and the tour of Cap Ferrat. If you are a keen hiker, you can do one after another, it will take you about 3 hours total.
Promenade Maurice Rouvier
Belle-Epoque villas on the way to Paloma beach. The resemblance with the Ligurian Riviera in Italy is striking.
Once you arrive at the cove of la Scaletta, you have two options : you can walk around the little tip of Pointe Sainte Hospice, which should take less than 45 mn if you don’t get tempted by the luring crystal blue waters. Or you can opt for the great tour of Cap Ferrat, a 1h30 hike leading to the beach of Passable.
Aerial view of the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with the Anse des fossés and Anse des fossettes in the foreground.
A private tennis court secluded between Anse des fossés and Anse des fossettes.
The great tour of Cap Ferrat
This trail around the Cap Ferrat is the longest section of the Promenade du Littoral. It offers stunning coves to rest on with breathtaking vistas on Nice and the mountains of Esterel.
All along the stretch you will be able to admire the giant semaphore, which protected the sailors over the time. Built by the Sardinians in 1827, the lighthouse was tore down in 1944 by the Germans, and built anew in 1951.
At the end of the path, don’t miss an amazing sunset behind the hill of Villefranche. At only a few minutes away from the beach of Passable, if you have some time left, plan a visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild for an unforgettable day.
