SAINT JEAN-CAP-FERRAT
Perfectly unique
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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is best known for its magnificent coastal scenery, sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
It is also renowned for its luxurious villas and exotic gardens, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat is located in the heart of the Côte d'Azur, between Nice and Monaco.
This peninsula is a veritable jewel case of greenery, an exceptional, unspoilt site. Discover the rich cultural heritage of this ancient fishing village.
Between sea and nature, let yourself be seduced by its footpaths and turquoise beaches. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as diving, jet skiing, sailing and paddle boarding.
Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a privileged destination
The Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula became a popular holiday resort in the late 19th century.
An arid, rocky land, it was originally home to just a few small fishermen's and farmers' houses, grouped around the church and harbor under the name of the hamlet of Saint-Jean, and was part of the commune of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
In 1876, the Compagnie Générale des Eaux created a 6800 m3 artificial lake in the middle of a wooded park, fed by the Vésubie river and enhanced by an island and a waterfall.
It is thanks to this water that the peninsula is covered with a denser and more diversified vegetation.
From then on, Cap-Ferrat became a privileged place of excursion for the families of Nice who came by horse-drawn carriage to picnic under the pines and olive trees or to have lunch in one of the restaurants that appeared near the port.
The port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Recommended routes
From the village to the Point Saint Hospice :
Duration - 2 hours
Discover the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, its marina and shops.
The large dike at the end of the old port offers a pleasant walk and a unique view of the village and the cliffs of the canton.
Extend your discovery of the peninsula with a stroll along the Pointe Saint Hospice path.
A slight detour will allow you to admire the Saint Hospice chapel and its imposing statue of the "Virgin and Child".
Below, you'll find the Belgian military cemetery, a reminder of the soldiers who died in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat during the 1st World War, and the marine cemetery.
Return to the village along the coves of Les Fossettes and Les Fosses.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild & Sentier :
Duration - half a day
Come to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild for a unique visit!
Let yourself be seduced by the wonderful world of this Belle Époque palace.
Allow around two hours for a tour of the Villa and gardens.
Round off your discovery of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with a walk around the Pointe Saint Hospice or the Promenade Maurice Rouvier.
The interior of La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Culture & Nature :
Duration - One day
Start your morning by discovering Pointe Saint Hospice, its footpath, chapel and "Vierge à l'enfant" (Virgin and Child).
Discover the Belgian military and marine cemeteries.
Return to the village to visit the shell museum on the Quai Lindbergh.
Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in the village and port before heading off on the Tour du Cap-Ferrat trail.
End your day with a visit to the Villa Rothschild and its magnificent gardens.
The tattooed villa, Santo Sospir
Villa Santo Sospir was built in the 1930s and owes its name to the numerous murals that adorn its exterior and interior walls. The drawings made by the artist Jean Cocteau, gave the nickname "The tattooed villa" to the villa.
Discover Cocteau's murals and admire the villa's architecture, which combines classical and modern elements.
The villa is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, offering a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Photo Credit Santo sospir
The museum of shells
The shellfish museum houses an impressive collection of shells and mollusks from all over the world, discovering more than 7,000 different species, including 400 world record holders!
The shells are displayed in showcases and in thematic exhibitions you can learn more about the diversity of marine life.
Museum of shellfish on the port of Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The villa was built in the early 20th century by Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy heiress who was passionate about art, architecture and gardens.
Visit the Ephrussi villa and its Belle Époque architecture, admire its sumptuous interiors decorated with precious furniture and art objects.
The villa's gardens are equally impressive, with nine different gardens inspired by different styles, ranging from French to Japanese.
Nocturnes Villa Ephrussi © Culturespaces E. Spiller
Other must-see places to visit
- The Saint Hospice chapel, once an important place of pilgrimage
- The lighthouse and semaphore, for a unique panorama.
- The marine cemetery
- The COEXIST fountains
- The Saint Jean-Baptiste church
- The old port...
Walking trails
On land
- LA PROMENADE MAURICE ROUVIER: From Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Village) to Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Duration 20 min.
- LE TOUR DE LA POINTE SAINT-HOSPICE du Centenaire or plage Cros deï Pin - Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Village) Pointe Saint-Hospice Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Village) Duration 40 min
Sea side
- LE TOUR DU CAP FERRAT LEVEL: Chemin de la Carrière The lighthouse Plage de Passable Return to the village - Duration 2h
Exterior photo of St jean Cap ferrat
©ville-de-sjcf
The beaches and the underwater path are not to be missed
The beaches of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are a call to peace and relaxation.
Nestled all around the peninsula, they offer varied panoramas of the open sea, the bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the cliffs ofÈze or the famous harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
It's not uncommon to find bathers along the paths, at the bend of a cove or large flat rocks.
Photo of St Jean cap ferrat ©THIERRYBBOSTUDIO
© : ThierryBBOstudio
Artistic path SOSNO - © Ophelie Seban
Artistic path SOSNO - © Ville de SJCF
