At the end of the 19th century, the peninsula started to draw rich English, Russian, and Belgian families who would go on to make it a well-known holiday spot. The 1950s saw a rise in summer tourism, and Saint-Jean transformed into a chic seaside destination that attracted politicians and celebrities from all over the world. There were some notable painters who stayed there, notably Matisse. The building of villas, more opulent homes apart from one another, interspersed among beautiful Alpes-Maritimes greenery, brings this rich heritage to life.
Fair Range
West-facing Passage Beach offers views of Cap de Nice and Villefranche sur Mer Bay. This ensures that you will have sunshine during the day. A private beach where stand-up paddleboards are available for rent takes up a portion of the area. It’s quite boisterous at Passable Beach because so many families with children visit there, and the kids spend their time leaping into the water from the pontoon (yes, it smells of experience). This is absolutely not the place to go if you’re searching for peace and quiet (or during the week outside school holidays).
Maurice Rouvier walk to Beaulieu sur Mer
From the small community of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, you may travel a lovely, flat path that is suitable for strollers and persons with limited mobility. Beaulieu sur Mer is located in this area. The starting point is at the level of the Town Hall on Av. Denis Semeria (locate the white sign “coastal path”). The path crosses Port Beach before continuing along the peninsula’s east coast in the direction of the north and Beaulieu sur Mer, a seaside resort. You will find numerous lovely swimming coves after the beach. We encountered sea urchin fisherman there in the winter. The Fourmis beach in Beaulieu may be reached in 25 minutes.
Visit Beaulieu-Sur-Mer
Beaulieu sur Mer, a small beach community, bordering Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. By walking along the Maurice Rouvier promenade, you may easily get there as well (see above). The beach at Baie des Fourmis, the casino, the Belle Époque-style retonde, and the villa Kérylos are just a few of the things to see and do in Beaulieu sur Mer, which is not a popular travel destination on the Côte d’Azur.
Villa Kerylos
The Villa Kérylos, a mansion modeled like ancient Greece and constructed between 1902 and 1908, is the principal tourist attraction in Beaulieu sur Mer. The interior is lavishly designed to mimic the opulent feel of a Greek villa. This is one of the things to do if you travel to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The Maurice Rouvier promenade leads to Villa Kérylos, which is a 50-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can drive there and try to find parking close to the Beaulieu casino (which is mission impossible in summer). For additional information about events at Villa Kérylos or other villas for rent around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, see the website.
Sunset Cruise
A 1.5-hour sunset cruise leaving from Nice is an option for a unique experience and a different perspective of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The Boat will travel all the way around the cape to Beaulieu sur Mer before sailing in the direction of the peninsula. Swim from the boat directly, go snorkeling (bring your gear), or just take in the view of the coast from your charter boat.
