Bonjour! Welcome to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, once a sleepy fishing village and now one of the most precious gems of the French Riviera. It’s a haven for millionaires, affectionately called the Peninsula of Billionaires. With its luxurious villas, pretty beaches, lush vegetation, natural beauty, and charming old town Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is ready to win you over! If you’re looking for a luxurious holiday stay or a romantic weekend – it’ll be a perfect spot for you. Keep reading and discover things to do in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France.
Interesting fact. In 2012, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat was named the second most expensive residential location in the world, after Monaco. Since then it has dropped a few positions but its reputation remains unchanged.
Travel tip. You can easily visit Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer during the same-day trip.
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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France FAQ
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is located on a peninsula in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It’s just a short drive from nearby popular places like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, Nice, or Eze.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is most famous for being home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world – there you’ll find around 500 villas! It’s also a secluded place, perfect to hide away and live in peace away from prying eyes. No wonder why it continues to attract the rich and the famous! The area is also well-known for its magnificent beaches and peaceful green surroundings.
Sure thing! Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a pleasant coastal town on Cote d’Azur surrounded by lush greenery and azure Mediterranean waters with quite a lot of things to do. Also, it seems that it’s less touristy than other nearby places which is a huge advantage.
It’s pronounced [sɛ̃ ʒɑ̃ kap fɛʁa]. Still don’t know how to read it? Here’s a YouTube video where you can listen to correct pronunciation.
A short history of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Until the early 20th century, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat was a sleepy fishing village belonging to Villefranche-sur-Mer. In 1904 two towns separated and became communes with their own rights. The town was first named Saint Jean sur Mer which was changed to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat in 1907. The town’s transformation into a world-renowned spot began when King Leopold II of Belgium built his villa, gardens, and artificial lake here.
Over the last century, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat hosted many famous and rich people, all attracted by the warm weather and natural beauty. Edith Piaf, William Somerset Maugham, Paul Allen, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jean Cocteau, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso – they all lived or visited here. What’s more, Jean Cocteau even decorated the walls of the Villa Santo Sospir and the marriage chamber in the Town Hall.
Things to do in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Old Town
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat’s old town is tiny, charming, and pleasant to explore. Just let yourself be carried away by its few streets and sooner than later you’ll discover every corner. Along a street called Avenue Denis Semeria, you’ll find lovely pastel-painted houses, restaurants, and cafes, as well as two viewpoints with breathtaking views over the port and its surroundings. The first one is right behind the Louis Vignon sculpture, and the second is close to the Town Hall (you’ll find them marked on the map at the end of the post).
Discover: Accommodation options in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
At the foot of the old town, you’ll also find Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Port full of small boats, 11th-century Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (fr. Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste), and free to visit Shell Museum (fr. Musée des Coquillages) with a collection of 7000+ seashells, including 400 that hold world records.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Tourist Office is located on Quai Virgile Allari, right next to the port.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Beaches
We don’t think anyone needs to be convinced that Cote d’Azur is a real beach paradise. On Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula you’ll find five beaches perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in clear azure waters. All are pebbly and all feature magnificent views. Also, all are open to the public but two of them have private areas.
Among Saint Jean Cap Ferrat beaches you’ll find:
- Plage Cros Dei Pin – one of the largest beaches on the peninsula with nice views in the Eze direction. It’s located at the heart of the old town right next to the port. There you’ll find amenities like showers, toilets, and a children’s play area. Restaurants and parking lots are located nearby too.
- Plage de la Fosse – a long but narrow beach with calming sea views, by many considered the best public beach in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat! Showers can be found on-site, but there are no toilets.
- Plage des Fossettes – a small, quiet, and quite discreet beach. It’s loved by snorkeling fans thanks to its seabed brimming with life. No amenities are available.
- Plage Paloma – probably the most popular beach in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat thanks to its amazing views over Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze. It’s small, partly private, located among lush greenery, and usually very crowded. There is a restaurant and access to toilets.
- Plage de Passable – a small beach located on the west coast of the peninsula. It’s partially private and offers great views of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Showers and a parking lot are available.
One last piece of advice – whatever beach you choose, be sure to arrive early in the morning to find your best spot.
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Coastal walks in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula is well-known for its beautiful views over the coast and sea. Its area isn’t big and you can easily discover it on foot during one of three coastal walks.
The shortest and easiest walk takes only about a 35-minute (one way) and leads from Saint Jean Cap Ferrat port to Beaulieu sur Mer town, along Rouvier Promenade. It’s a flat and easy walk, featuring stunning views over the Eze coastline.
The next walk will take you from the port up to Paloma Beach and the Chapel of Saint-Hospice. Along it, you can also discover other beaches, Fossettes and Fosse. The walk is fairly flat and easy and will take about 1.5 hours to complete. We did this one and can recommend it – nice, easy, with great views.
The Tour of Cap-Ferrat is the longest and most difficult walk on the peninsula. It’s a 2h-long mostly waterfront walk that begins and ends in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat port. Along it, you’ll pass by places like the Grand Hotel, 18th century lighthouse, or “tattooed villa” of Villa Santo Sospir painted by Jean Cocteau. The walk includes rocky and hilly sections so don’t forget to wear suitable footwear. If you wish to learn more about this trail visit randoxygene.departement06.fr website.
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Saint-Hospice Chapel
Saint-Hospice Chapel (fr. Chapelle de Saint-Hospice) is located close to Paloma Beach. It was built in the 11th century and later extended and restored in the 17th, 18th, and 21st centuries. It features an impressive 10m high bronze Madonna statue near the entrance, added in the 20th century. Close to the chapel, you can also find the Belgian Military Cemetery. Saint-Hospice Chapel was listed as a Historic Monument in 1929.
Interesting fact. The chapel owes its name to the Benedictine monk, Hospitus, who lived in one of its towers around 550 and supposedly performed miraculous healings.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Visiting Villa Ephrussi and its gardens is one of the highlights of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. It’s an early 20th-century villa built on the high point of the town by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild. By many it’s considered one of the finest on Cote d’Azur! The villa’s interior is filled with many treasures like unique furniture, paintings, sculptures, tapestry, and a prized collection of rare porcelain. Villa Ephrussi also features 9 beautiful themed gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offering amazing views of the coast.
Entrance to Villa Ephrussi costs €17 for a normal ticket, €12 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 7 years old (April 2024). You can buy your ticket online or at the ticket office. To check current prices and opening hours visit villa-ephrussi.com website.
How to get to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France?
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is located about 5km from Villefranche-sur-Mer, 10km from Nice or Eze, 15km from Monaco, and 30km from Menton. The most convenient way to get to the town is by car or bus.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
Where to park in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat?
In Saint Jean Cap Ferrat you can leave your car in one of many paid parking spaces – either on designated parking lots or paid spots along the streets. We can recommend leaving a car in the Parking Port located right next to the port and Plage Cros Dei Pin.
To Saint Jean Cap Ferrat by public transport
You can easily reach Saint Jean Cap Ferrat by public transport. You can choose either to travel by bus or train to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer or Beaulieu-sur-Mer and then take a bus or walk the rest of the way to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat town. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website. For great train ticket deals visit the Trainline website.
Camping Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping de La Laune or Camping La Ferme Riola might interest you. They are located near Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Things to do in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France – Summing up
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a truly beautiful place on Cote d’Azur, isn’t it? It perfectly blends luxury, wealth, and natural beauty and invites people to spend a relaxing time there. Overall number of things to do there might not be that spectacular but we’re sure that every traveler will find something perfect for himself. No matter if you’re looking for a luxurious stay, natural beauty, or relaxing on the beach… Saint Jean Cap Ferrat can offer it all. Enjoy your time!
Our video from Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Our opinion about Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
For us, a visit to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat was a half-day trip from nearby Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in late July and compared to other places on Cote d’Azur during that time it wasn’t crowded with tourists or holidaymakers. Even the beaches still had quite a lot of free spaces to choose from throughout the day. It took us about 5 hours to explore all the places we had on our list.
What we liked most about Saint Jean Cap Ferrat was its tranquil vibe, lots of green areas, and truly spectacular views. Beaches and azure water also looked very encouraging and inviting for a pleasant beach day. Now we can understand why so many people choose this place for their safe, luxurious haven! If we had a few spare millions to spend, we would gladly choose this place too!
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Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat:
Where to sleep in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat?
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is located on the stunning peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It epitomizes luxury and elegance. Boasting breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, lush gardens, and impeccable service, it offers a truly indulgent experience. With luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a range of amenities including a spa and swimming pools, this iconic hotel promises an unforgettable stay in one of the most prestigious destinations on the Côte d'Azur.
Boutique Hotel & Spa la Villa Cap Ferrat
Boutique Hotel & Spa la Villa Cap Ferrat offers an intimate and luxurious retreat in the heart of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean. With its elegant decor, personalized service, and tranquil ambiance, it provides a haven of relaxation and sophistication for discerning travelers. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, savor gourmet cuisine, and unwind in stylish rooms and suites designed for ultimate comfort and tranquility.
Villa Artemys – Five Stars Holiday House
Villa Artemys epitomizes luxury and elegance in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, offering a refined retreat for discerning travelers. This meticulously designed holiday house boasts five-star amenities, including spacious living areas, private terraces, and a stunning outdoor pool with panoramic views of the French Riviera. Villa Artemys promises an unforgettable stay on Cote d'Azur.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
