The 'Peninsula of Billionaires' - Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is located between Nice and the Principality of Monaco. It is a peninsula that has attracted aristocrats for centuries. The former humble fishing village with natural beauty and stunning landscapes transitioned to a high-value residential area. It was the world's second most expensive residential location (after Monaco) in 2012.

The presence of high-profile residents and its popularity as a vacation spot among the wealthy earned Cap-Ferrat the nickname the 'Peninsula of Billionaires'. It has hosted famous artists, including Mark Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and fresco artist Jean Cocteau, who decorated the walls of Villa Santo Sospir.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is best known as the location of Villa Les Cèdres (Villa Les Oiseaux). Les Cèdres is a 19th-century villa that was once the most expensive residence in the world. It was built in 1830 and once belonged to King Leopold II of Belgium. The 14-bedroom villa was sold to Ukrainian Billionaire Rinat Akhmetov by Campari Group in 2019.

Things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Villa Ephrussi de Rothchild is the best-known attraction on the peninsula. Unlike the other villas, the Italian Renaissance building is open for tours.

History, and art lovers should consider visiting this stunning villa-turned-museum. It is home to many historical artifacts, and nine gardens.

Address:   1 Av. Ephrussi de Rothschild 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 

Stroll through Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The Marina of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat has numerous eateries and galleries. However, the stunning views surrounding the port are the best reasons to visit it. If you like seashells, stop by Muséum du Coquillage (the Seashell Museum) to explore its collection. You could also start a yacht cruise here to other destinations along the Mediterranean coast.

While you're at the port, look out for the beautiful blue sculpture, La Venus Bleue by Alexandre Joseph Sosnowsky (Sacha Sosno).

Visit the beaches.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has numerous beaches with panoramic views of the landscape and the Mediterranean Sea. Popular beach activities include paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Plage Cros deï Pin is the largest beach on the peninsula. It’s a good option for families, as it has a play area for kids.

Others include Plage des Fossettes, located close to Fontaine Coexisit (‘Coexist Fountain’). The fountain was erected to promote coexistence between people practicing different religions. Snorkeling is a popular activity here as the waters offer a variety of marine life to explore.

Plage de la Fosses is in the southern part of the peninsula. It is famous for the panoramic views of villas on the peninsula and the old Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat quarry.

Plage de Passable is on the west side of the peninsula. It has beautiful views of Rade de Villefranche-sur-Mer (Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer). It’s popular for its waterfront restaurant, where you can enjoy good Mediterranean cuisine.

Walk along Chemin des Douaniers

If you're up for a challenging hike, walk along Chemin des Douaniers (customs officers' path). Starting from the east end of the path, it takes you around the perimeter of the peninsula's south side. It winds through different beaches and ends on the west side.

There's no shortage of interesting stops along the path. The best is below Phare du Cap Ferrat (Cap Ferrat lighthouse). It offers an opportunity to get a close-up view of the 18th-century lighthouse, which isn't directly accessible to the public. It's also a good place to relax as it has another 'Coexist Fountain'.

Once you arrive on the west side of the peninsular, you're rewarded with a great view of Rade de Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Explore the nearby towns and villages

Anyone visiting Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat should explore the popular neighboring towns and villages, which include:

1. Villefranche-sur-Mer - A resort town that's popular among movie producers. Popular movies with scenes shot in the town include Killers, starring Aston Kutcher, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, starring Michael Caine.

2. Èze - An enchanting hilltop village with classic architecture and cobbled streets overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

3. Beaulieu-sur-Mer - A seaside village that's also home to Villa Kerylos, an Ancient Greek Revival-styled villa built by French archaeologist Theodore Reinach.

Where to Stay

Staying on the Peninsula of Billionaires ensures the very best accommodation with no compromises. You can choose from one of two 5-star hotels on the peninsula:

Hotel Royal Riviera

Hotel Royal Riviera is a well-known 5-star hotel and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. It is close to the starting point of the peninsula. It boasts stunning views of the Provençal Gardens and the Mediterranean Sea.

The hotel has various tastefully furnished rooms that guarantee comfort. Select the one-bedroom suite within Villa l'Orangerie if you want to spoil yourself. It offers more privacy and a 188 square meter living area. If that isn't enough, you can expand the suite to include two additional bedrooms.

Address:   3, avenue Jean Monnet,06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat  

Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat

Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat is a Four Seasons hotel with 6 hectares of gardens. In 2011, the hotel obtained the "Palace de France" distinction, a mark of excellence in service and a clear sign that the hotel is a place you must try out.

You can choose from numerous rooms and suites in the hotel. These include the Grand Hotel and Penthouse suites. You can also select one of the three villas available. These have as much as 550 square meters of living space, four bedrooms, and two staff rooms. There can't be a better way to enjoy the Peninsula of Billionaires.

Address:   71, Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 

Fine Dining on the Peninsula

When it's time for good cuisine, you'll find wonderful options for French, Mediterranean, and international dishes on the peninsula.

La Table du Royal

Located within Hotel Royal Riviera, La Table Du Royal focuses on French cuisine under the care of Chef Geoffroy Szamburski. This is also the perfect spot for dessert lovers, thanks to Pastry Chef Lucas Simoncini. Sommeliers are also present to ensure each meal is paired with the finest wines.

Address:   3, avenue Jean Monnet,06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 

Le Cap

Le Cap is a Michelin-star restaurant located within Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat. With Chef Yoric Tièche in charge, guests can enjoy a wide range of Provençal and Mediterranean dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from the hotel's gardens.

Address:   71, Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 

Le Quai 28

Located at Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Le Quai 28 is perfect for a fine dining experience by the waterfront. This delightful seafood restaurant boasts a friendly atmosphere and a dynamic menu. The menu has many flawlessly prepared dishes from high-quality fresh seafood from local fishermen. Also available is a carefully curated wine list to complete the delightful experience.

Address:   Quai Virgile Allari, Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 06230 

Jasmin Grill and Lounge

Hotel Royal Riviera's Jasmin Grill and Lounge is one of the highest-rated restaurants on the peninsula. Specializing in traditional French cuisine and international dishes, the poolside restaurant overlooks Baie des Fourmis in Beaulieu Sur Mer. It offers spectacular views while enjoying your meal. The outdoor kitchen also has an authentic tandoori oven for the delivery of delightful Indian cuisine.

Address:   3, avenue Jean Monnet,06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 

While the Peninsula of Billionaires isn't quite as famous as the Nice or Monaco, with no shortage of things to do, luxury accommodation, and fine dining experiences, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a very worthy French Riviera destination.