Cap Ferrat

Cap-Ferrat (Cape-Ferrat) is situated in Alpes-Maritmes department, in southeastern France. It is located in the commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Saint Hospitius lived here as a recluse during the sixth century. Thus, the cape is sometimes called Cap-Saint-Hospice or Cap-Saint-Sospis.
Once the domain of King Leopold II of Belgium, Cap-Ferrat is now graced with a number of magnificent villas. Current famous residents include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in Villa Maryland and theatrical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an exceptional site and one of the most loveliest places on the Mediterranean coast. The peninsula is situated next to Nice and to Villefranche sur Merand extends out to Cap-Ferrat. Its tranquillity and warm climate make it a favorite holiday destination amongst European aristocracy and international millionaires.

In order to better appreciate the beauty of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, you can visit on foot by taking the coastal path.
It is signposted for 14 km and divided into 3 parts : the tour of Cap-Ferrat, the pine-forest and the Maurice Rouvier walk which links Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Beaulieu. At the tip of Cap-Ferrat, you will find one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, the "Grand Hôtel du Cap" which is set amidst a stunning garden. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has a zoological park which houses 300 animals which live in semi-freedom amongst the Mediterranean and tropical vegetation. You will discover crocodiles, big-cats, exotic birds... amongst others.

Visitors can also wander along the port, opposite the wharf where a number of restaurants have shady terraces.

You can visit one of the most beautiful villas on the peninsula which is open to the public and is like a palace from "One Thousand and One Nights" : the Villa Ile de France. This mansion is decorated with the treasures of the baronness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild.
More than 5000 works of art are displayed, together with an impressive collection of furniture, lamps and carpets.

The visit continues in the gardens of the villa surrounded by the sea. The Baronness Ephrussi de Rothschild was inspired by her travels to create 7 gardens designed around several themes... Spanish, Florentine or Japanese...garden of the Muses, garden of the Lapidary, the rose garden... impeccable walk-ways, palm-trees and rare fragrances surround this paradise.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is also known for the luxurious properties nestled amongst lush vegetation. Discretely built and protected from prying eyes, they often include a private beach and locked gate-ways.

Sites to see

  • Ephrussi de Rothschild Foundation
  • Museums and gardens of the Villa Ile de France
  • Chapelle St Hospice
  • Tour St Hospice
  • Cap-Ferrat lighthouse
  • Cap-Ferrat Zoo

Leisure activities

  • Hiking and walks along the 14 km coastal walk-way
  • Port de St Jean. Water sports
  • 3 beaches (Paloma, Passable et Cro deï Pin)
  • Varied cultural events throughout the summer