Cap Ferrat

The Cap Ferrat is a peninsula on the French Riviera, in the Alpes Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is attached to the town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, just a few kilometers away from Nice. It separates Beaulieu-sur-Mer from Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Also called the peninsula of the billionaires “Presqu’île des milliardaires”, the site is particularly famous for its superb luxury homes nestled in the pine forest. Bordered by charming creeks and coves, in season, Cap Ferrat welcomes yachts that drop anchor there for an exceptional stay. The Mediterranean climate is very pleasant in Cap Ferrat, the summers are hot and the winters are mild. You can go there all year round to enjoy the magnificent landscapes.

After walking through the narrow streets of the town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat lined with brightly colored houses, head towards the sea to explore Cap Ferrat. Many artists were inspired by the landscapes and stayed on the peninsula: Henri Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Odysséas Elýtis, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1979, or Charlotte Salomon.

Landscapes

Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel! The beach of Passable, located west of the peninsula, offers a clear view of the bay of Villefranche sur Mer. You can also settle down on the beach of Paloma. Located on the east side, this little corner of paradise allows you to enjoy a magnificent view of the cliffs of Beaulieu sur Mer and Eze.

The semaphore of Cap Ferrat is one of the refuges in France. Semi-open nesting boxes have been set up to welcome white wagtails and black redstarts. During your walk, remember to look up to observe them. You may also see insect hotels and butterfly lodges.

Discover Cap Ferrat for the richness of its plant heritage. The peninsula is endowed with a luxuriant vegetation composed of dragon trees, palm trees, carob trees, jacarandas, hibiscus and cycas.

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Une publication partagée par Corniche Watches® (@cornichewatches) le 4 Avril 2019 à 10 :18 PDT

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Une publication partagée par Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (@villaephrussi) le 13 Mai 2020 à 3 :04 PDT

Cultural visits

To the south of the Cap Ferrat peninsula is the lighthouse. It signals the entrance to the Villefranche harbour and is classified as a Historic Monument since 2012. You can also see in Cap Ferrat the semaphore built under the authority of Napoleon III. Today, it belongs to the French Navy to regulate maritime traffic and monitor the outbreak of fires on the coast.

During your excursion to Cap Ferrat, visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It is also called “Villa Ile de France” and is one of the most beautiful Renaissance style palaces on the French Riviera. The former residence of Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild can also be visited. You can discover its apartments, its porcelain collections, the gardens… Some spaces can be rented for the organization of a dinner or a cocktail party for example.

On the heights of Cap Ferrat, you can also discover the Villa Santo Sospir. The property has welcomed Jean Cocteau, painter, poet and director. He decorated the walls with scenes from Greek mythology and created a large fresco above the fireplace. Also called the “Tattooed Villa”, the Villa Santo Sospir is a monument as emblematic as it is unusual, mixing art and architecture.

Activities

To go around Cap Ferrat, take the “Sentier du Littoral” (Coastal Path), also known as the “Sentier des Douaniers” (Customs Path). From the beach of Passable and up to the port of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the path, which is about 11 kilometers long, allows you to enjoy the view of the sea and to walk along the limestone creeks.

You can also take the “Sentier de la Tour de Saint Hospice” (path of the Tower of Saint Hospice) which will lead you to the small chapel built in the Xth century. Next to it, you will have the opportunity to see a monumental Bronze Madonna, installed on the seafront since 1903. On the way, you will also pass by the Belgian cemetery dating from the First World War where the Belgian soldiers who came during the war to be treated, but did not survive, are buried. On the tip of Saint Hospice, you will get a spectacular view of the Principality of Monaco, Cap Martin and the Italian border.

Cap Ferrat is a tourist destination ideal for sea activities. You can practice many nautical activities there: scuba diving, motorboat excursions, jet skiing, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, etc.

If you wish to discover the marine fauna and flora of Cap Ferrat you should go snorkeling. With a mask, a snorkel and flippers, you can follow a route marked out by buoys: the underwater trail of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. On a 200-meter long circuit set up in the Fossettes cove, you can observe the seabed and its species. There are also observation stations and underwater panels.