Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

These four areas are among Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s loveliest:

Beaulieu-Sur-Mer

Sitting pretty between Nice and Monaco is the quaint village of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer. It is close to the Cap Ferrat peninsula and is the home base of many celebrities and the elite of the business world. The village is lovely architecturally and well-known for its beautiful gardens. It is an ideal place to enjoy water sports, go luxury shopping or gamble at the casino. Visitors can take a very pleasant walk along the Promenade des Fossettes next to the Mediterranean from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to get to Beaulieu-Sur-Mer.

Nice Old Town

With its distinctly old-Europe narrow streets lined with baroque churches, markets, busy squares and a healthy nightlife scene, Nice Old Town is a marriage of modern and historic. It has the beating heart of a modern French city with the elegance of the past. It is a charming visit on the way to the hustle and bustle of Nice.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most lovely places on the Mediterranean coast. Its peaceful setting, warm climate and privacy make it a favorite holiday destination of European aristocracy and international millionaires. The area is also known for its luxurious properties nestled amongst rich vegetation. Most of these homes include a private beach and locked gateways. Luxury travelers wishing for this serene kind of abode in which to spend their French Riviera vacations might consider staying at Villa O with its exceptional water view. Guests will enjoy the best amenities including a guest house, an outdoor infinity pool, cinema room, gym, indoor Jacuzzi and private elevator.

Villefranche Sur Mer

Villefranche Sur Mer is one of the most stunning harbor towns in France. Its deep, crystalline water beckons luxury yachts to drop anchor here so their owners can enjoy the balmy breezes. Visitors can treat themselves to a day exploring the winding streets dotted with colorful houses, shops and eateries. There are many sights for history buffs such as the citadel founded by the Duke of Savoy in 1554 to guard the harbor.

When vacationers want to step away from their Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat mansions for an elegant dinner, any of these five culinary gems would fit the bill:

Les Remparts

This gorgeous Michelin-starred restaurant makes its home in the equally gorgeous La Chevre D’Or hotel. Guests can sit on the terrace and let the balmy winds off the Mediterranean Sea soothe their souls as they dine on traditional Mediterranean fare created using the region’s finest products. Start off with the freshest ceviche using the catch of the day accompanied by tzatziki, followed by local perch with roasted tomato Provencal and Chimichurri sauce. End a delicious meal with a decadent dessert fashioned by the on-staff pastry chef.

La Table du Royal

Enjoy a dining experience in pure relaxation in a refined setting at Michelin-starred La Table du Royal in the Hotel Royal Riviera. Diners have a breathtaking view of the sea while dining on delectable Provençal inspired cuisine. Michelin describes the eatery as one of its most delightful places. Do not miss the sea bass with mussels and clams, young spinach shoots, served with butter and shellfish emulsion. The limoncello baba and the signature rich chocolate dessert, the royal, are guilty pleasures that offer just the right sweetness.

La Veranda

Inside the Four Seasons Hotel, La Veranda offers a sense of informality, yet has a distinct chicness. The menu will remind diners of a quaint French Riviera bistro. Influences come from the Mediterranean Sea and Italy. A must-try is the roasted sea bass filet and fennel with orange. The menu is enhanced by freshly baked breads, delicate pastries, homemade ice cream and other culinary specialties. For al fresco dining, the terrace is a tranquil sanctuary, shaded by 100-year-old Aleppo pines and magnificent Mediterranean views.

La Voile D’Or

La Voile D’Or is actually a hotel that offers three dining options: the Gastronomic, the Beach and the Bar restaurants. The Gastronomic restaurant is more formal and better suited to dinner, while the other two are more informal and offer lighter fare. Gastronomic prides itself on being a farm-to-table eatery and also uses freshly-landed seafood such as sea bass, john dory and sea bream in its dishes. Gastronomic’s chef has created a number of recipes highlighting the treasures of the Mediterranean and the wonders of the Nice countryside. Try the seared tuna and courgettes in a sunny vinaigrette or meat lovers can choose rack of lamb with fava beans and bacon stew, spring onion, and a thyme serpolet infused jus.

Le Cap

Le Cap is also part of the Four Seasons Hotel. Its understated elegance and maritime-influenced cuisine is a favorite among luxury diners. Many of the ingredients used in the dishes come from the hotel’s on-site gardens. Appetizers include choices like razor clams and cockles with fresh seaweed and citrus fruits and fennel, while mains include dishes like sea bass filet cooked in kombu seaweed, steamed peas in a special oyster butter. End things off with puff pastry with pine nuts delicately flavored with orange blossom. The menu is likely to change according to the seasons and availability of fresh products. \ \ A veritable mecca of fine dining, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat keeps the wine flowing, the pairing options limitless and the gastronomic options kaleidoscopic.

The arts are taken very seriously by the French people. A visit to these three venues would be enjoyable:

Musee Volti

This museum pays homage to artist Antoniucci Volti who lived in the area and who donated his voluptuous sculptures to the museum located in the Citadelle Saint-Elme. Sculptures of the female form in bronze, copper, and terracotta almost ask for the visitor’s touch, which is fine since touching these sculptures is actually encouraged. These works stand out beautifully against ancient backgrounds rich in texture and patina. A lover of women, Volti's work glorifies the female body, combining sculptures and military architecture, the curves and grace of the female form were an infinite source of inspiration for the artist.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

One of the most beautiful palaces on the French Riviera, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was built at the turn of the 20th century by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. The home became a museum in 1938 after the baroness died. She bequeathed her property to the Institut de France. The drawing rooms and apartments are open to visitors and contain porcelain, tapestries and unique paintings. These sumptuous interiors are matched by equally stunning exteriors. The formal garden is the highlight of nine landscaped areas. All these exquisite gardens are a treat for the senses.

Villa Kerylos

The Villa Kérylos was born of a meeting between an erudite patron of the arts, Théodore Reinach, and architect, Emmanuel Pontremoli. A dream of ancient times gave rise to this atypical villa. Visitors are invited to take a trip back in time to ancient Greece. Everything, from the arrangements of rooms to the refined décor, was designed to recreate a luxurious Greek villa. Built in the style of Mediterranean houses, Villa Kérylos is arranged around the peristyle, a large central courtyard surrounded by 12 monolithic white marble columns. The décor of ancient Greek palaces has been recreated down to the finest details. And the property is surrounded by lush vegetation including olive, pomegranate, and carob trees; acanthus and myrtle; rosebay and iris; pines, cypresses, palms, and papyrus.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is not a party mecca, but there are places to enjoy quiet moments in the evenings. Here are three of them:

Bar Cape Town

This upscale bar in the Royal Riviera Hotel, is elegant, yet cozy. Guests will feel welcome in the laid-back ambiance. The bar opens onto a terrace on the garden side of the hotel where the sweetness of flowers carries on the balmy breezes. The bartenders here are always experimenting with new and exciting products to create delicious cocktails. They use the freshest fruits, herbs and spices and all syrups and infusions are homemade. Mixologists will even create a cocktail designed specially for a guest! For refreshing sipping, try the Royal Cap Julep: Citadelle gin, Chartreuse liquor, basil leaves, fresh cucumber juice, lemon juice, and Mediterranean tonic water.

La Grande Cave

This sweet little wine bar is located amidst the hustle and bustle of restaurants. It’s the ideal place to sit and have a glass of wine and snacks – which are delicious. The atmosphere and décor are conducive to relaxation and the wine selection is superb. There is also an outstanding cheese selection which can be paired with different vintages. The service is friendly and attentive.

Passable Beach Sunset Lounge

Enjoy divine sunsets while sipping on delicious cocktails cozying up right on the beach. This is an intimate space where guests can enjoy house music with a live DJ. The relaxed vibe of the lounge inspired the chef to create an inventive and refined tapas menu to go with those cool beverages.

Even though the village is small, it still has a number of festivals locals and visitors enjoy. These four look like fun:

Saint Jazz Cap Ferrat Festival

A must in the Riviera jazz festivals, every year in August, the Saint Jazz Cap Ferrat Festival welcomes internationally renowned artists. The stage is set up in the tiny Jardin de la Paix, a little wedge of land perched high above the Plage des Fosses, with a commanding view of the deep blue sea, towering pines overhead, and the sound of waves lapping below when the music stops. The festival is a true collaboration of locals and French jazz lovers. Spectators include local residents, but also many people from Nice, and other nearby cities. If visitors want to meet friendly residents while listening to some top-notch live jazz, this festival is the ideal place.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige

Classic car aficionados who want to be surrounded by incredible vehicles – like a Ferrari 275 GTB which used to be owned by Bulgari, a 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider PininFarina which is one of the last remaining untouched sport Ferraris in the world, or a unique Porsche 917 LH Longue Queue Psychedelique n°3 that raced in the Le Mans – must attend the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige annual concours d’elegance. Walk along the port looking at these beautiful classics, try to choose one to add to a collection one day, perhaps a classic Renault Alpine A110!

Saint-Jean Festivities

For several days in June, the village is adorned with blue and yellow. The peninsula comes alive with traditional parades, a funfair, concerts and children's games. Each June 24, the Saint-Jean procession takes place in the streets of the village to reach the old port. A mass is celebrated in Saint-Jean Baptist church and a traditional bonfire is set on the church square. Bonfires apparently represent a variety of things, with various people claiming the fire is used to burn demons away to bring good luck. Others claim the bonfires represent the light that summer brings. Either way, it’s an enchanting night for vacationers to see.

The Venetian Night

This popular festival has been celebrated at the beginning of August every year since the post-war years. At nightfall, a torch-lit parade begins with Venetian masks and costumes, flag throwers and carnival groups. A great fireworks display follows the parades which end with an evening of dancing. It’s magical fun for locals as well as visitors.

There is so much to do and to see in and around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. These four ideas sound especially photo-worthy:

Gorges du Loup

The Canyon des Gorges du Loup is one of the most beautiful in the Alpes Maritimes. Accompanied by a private guide, hikers can follow descents, jumps (not mandatory) and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the canyon. Gorges du Loup is a combination of perilously perched villages, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, densely wooded slopes and gushing rivers. It’s a scenic, unspoiled part of the world, known for spectacular drives and walking trails. The highlight of the gorge's western side is the fortified village of Gourdon, teetering on a rocky summit. From Place Victoria at the top of the souvenir-shop-riddled village, a magnificent coastal panorama sweeps 50 miles from Nice to Théoule-sur-Mer.

Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze Tour

Travel by a luxury vehicle to explore Eze Village and Monaco Monte-Carlo with a private guide. See panoramic views of the Mediterranean from the medieval hilltop fortress in Eze, overlooking the cape of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Then it’s on to Monaco to soak up the grandeur and luxury that abounds there. Watch the changing of the guard at Monaco’s Royal Palace, shoot the dice at the famous casino, do a lap of the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. This day trip is one that will always be remembered.

Private Riviera Boat Cruise

Take a memorable private boat cruise of the Riviera and understand why artists, politicians and celebrities all flocked to this area. Cruise the Mediterranean Sea and stop for swimming, snorkeling and even cliff jumping for adventurous guests. Sail by the Port of Monaco, the famous Monte Carlo casino and the old town with the Palace and museums. After a sublime day on the water, disembark for an early evening beach picnic, sipping a cold beverage while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Then it’s back to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat villa for more rest and relaxation around the pool.

Day Trip to the Mountains Near Nice

Discover the Alps only 20 minutes outside of Nice with a private guide. Firstly, guests will explore the lovely “eagle’s nest village” of Saint Paul de Vence. Enjoy walking in the small streets of this fortress town and visiting its many art galleries. The next stop will be the small village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, “the city of violets,” with its many arts and crafts shops. The drive continues along the Loup Valley River, arriving in Gourdon, a mountain-top feudal village. Visit the famous castle and garden designed by Le Notre, who also designed the gardens at Versailles.