Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a privileged destination ... Between land and sea, the peninsula of St Jean -Cap-Ferrat is a real green oasis that offers its visitors the charm of an exceptional site and enchanting preserved.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat - a superb destination with beautiful villas and lush vegetation
Between the countryside and the sea, the peninsula of St Jean -Cap-Ferrat has all the charm of an enchanting, well-preserved town in a beautiful leafy setting. The peninsula became a winter holiday venue at the end of the 19th century, attracting wealthy British, Russian and Belgian families who made it into a renowned destination. During the 1950s tourism became more summer-orientated and Saint-Jean became a fashionable seaside resort welcoming celebrities and political figures from around the world. Famous painters, notably Matisse, also stayed there. The wealthy influx led to the construction of ever more sumptuous luxury villas scattered among the lush vegetation of Alpes-Maritimes.
The Cap can be explored on foot along the coastal footpath which runs around the peninsula. There is a wonderful walk from the village of Saint Jean to Plage de Passable beach, facing the Bay of Villefranche-sur-mer, which takes about 2 hours. The viewing points between the rocks, vegetation and beautiful houses are simply amazing. Stop off for a swim or a rest at one of the many unspoilt coves with crystal clear water in one of the loveliest parts of the Côte d’Azur – sheer bliss !
Another marvellous walk is along the « Promenade Maurice Rouvier » from Saint Jean to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (near Plage des Fourmis beach) with the Villa Kérylos in the background. Stop off on the way at the delightful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild to admire the stunning architecture, furniture, paintings, china, themed gardens and fountains in a magnificent setting.
Villefranche sur Mer and the medieval village of Eze
On the way to or from Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, wander around the narrow streets of Villefranche sur Mer, admire the sunrise or sunset from Plage des Marinières beach with its splendid view of the whole bay and slip into the Chapelle de Saint-Pierre-des-Pêcheurs so magnificently decorated by Jean Cocteau. Inquisitive visitors can continue on to La Darse, a traditional little harbour with a beach used by locals…but keep it to yourself, it’s a secret !
The medieval village of Eze is perched like an eagle’s nest on the top of a hill. It’s a stiff climb up to the top, but the view when you get there is absolutely breathtaking ! Within the village walls, narrow streets and flights of steps intermingle with tiny craft workshops. And as for the botanical gardens… an absolute gem !
From Nice, go along the Basse Corniche or the Moyenne Corniche ; from Italy, take autoroute A8 exit Eze-Monaco. Arriving by air, different bus services run from the airport (N° 98/99/81) or take the train to Villefranche sur Mer or Beaulieu sur Mer.
In theory, car parking is free in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat between 1 October and 30 April.
