Cap Ferrat – a sunshine walk on the French Riviera
Sharing Alexandra’s experiences in the south of France is such a pleasure! She absolutely transports me to the coast through her writing and photos. If you missed her previous post, you can still read about the Corniche d’Or as well as experiencing it through her video. Thanks, Alexandra!
Situated between Nice and Monaco, Cap Ferrat is one of the sunniest places on the Côte d’Azur. The charming little peninsula is known for its beaches, hiking trails and cultural heritage. Luxury villas and numerous clear blue sea sights will leave you with a lasting impression. Not only do I wish to share this adventure with you but also I want to reveal my personal tip for a special picture spot!
You can access Cap Ferrat by taking bus N° 81 from Nice. I recommend getting off at stop “Passable / Rothschild” as from there you can directly walk up to one of the most beautiful villas I’ve ever seen. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a richly decorated villa with a great view over the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises multiple gardens in different styles and dancing fountains.
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The interior of this magnificent villa displays in great detail the eccentric lifestyle of Béatrice de Rothschild. Wouldn’t it be lovely to enjoy a cup of tea in the “Grand Salon” with this breathtaking view?
Plage de Passable
After this journey to the glamorous past you might want to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Cap Ferrat. “Plage de Passable” is a great way to start! Take the path down to the beach where you can either go for a swim or start your picturesque hike around the Cap.
The hike will take about two hours and is full of amazing sights. The path is mostly flat but gets rocky part of the way. Since there will be no shade, I suggest bringing enough water and sunscreen.
From time to time you will see people sunbathing on giant rocks reaching into the water. I can’t imagine it being comfortable but the coastal scenery for sure makes up for it.
After almost an hour of walking under blazing sun you will get to a junction from which you can decide to walk inland. I didn’t know what to expect staying on the coastal path but it was definitely worth it! When continuing on the “Chemin des Douaniers” I had to pass a narrow gate. A biker approaching me at the gate asked, “Qu’est-ce que vous faites seule ici?” (“What are you doing here by yourself?”) and I wondered if taking that path was going to be a bad idea. It wasn’t!
One of the Best Sights of Cap Ferrat
What was going to come was one of the best sights of Cap Ferrat! Besides a beautiful lighthouse, you will see a gorgeous walking path next to great waves and spiky rocks. You get to admire bright sunshine combined with blue water and white rocks. The best thing in addition was that it was a completely undisturbed site! I didn’t meet a single person while walking on this beautiful coastal footpath around the south tip of Cap Ferrat. My favorite picture spot!
Once your path leads back to more frequented beaches, you are back on “Chemin de la Carrière”. Soon you will experience the small town feeling of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Little restaurants and cafés will serve you food and drinks after this sunny journey.
What A Fascinating Mix of Fancy and Adventurous Travel
Cap Ferrat offers a fascinating mix. No matter if you prefer fancy or adventurous travel, this place will spark your interest. After the littoral path around the cape, not only will you have gotten a golden tan, but also you will have seen the best picture spots that the peninsula has to offer! The grandiose Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild as well as the coast provide a great setting for photographers. My personal tip: Try “Chemin des Douaniers” around the South tip of the Cape for an undisturbed picture scenery! And if you feel brave enough, try the beautiful rocky bathing spots for an unforgettable spiky beach experience.
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