After much research on where to go for a “taste” of the Côte d’Azur—while wanting to avoid the crowds—we resolved that Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was what we were looking for. After all, it is apparently a place for millionaires and European aristocracy, according to one source. Sounded good to us!
As we made our way to the village along a corniche road, passing Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, we caught glimpses of sparkling blue sea with yachts scattered about and private gardens nestled in the hillside. Something told us that this was a place we could get use to. There was an old-world elegance from the days of Grace Kelly and Cary Grant, and not much had changed.
Upon arrival, we started out on the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, in the village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and made our way to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild for our first stop. (More about Villa Ephrussi next time.)
From the villa, we proceeded on to Paloma Beach, with its stunning view of the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze. After a dip in the Mediterranean, we continued on the beautiful walkway that goes around the peninsula. We stuck to the Plage de la Paloma loop trail, which takes about 45 minutes. If you have time, the entire walk around Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat takes about two hours on the Tour du Cap trail. There is also a walk called the Promenade de Saint-Hospice, which starts around the port and takes you past Paloma Beach, circling back to the port in about an hour and a half.
In the month of September, the Côte d’Azur was really quite peaceful. But now, after a wonderful day getting a taste of the Côte, it’s time to make our journey back to our rental in Bonnieux.
À bientôt!
One of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. Love those walks!
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My wife and I like to have a coffee in the afternoon. When we are traveling, often we will go to the best hotel in town and have one in their bar or coffee area. You pay a little more but not much–after all, it’s just a coffee. But you get to hang out in some really nice places. I remember doing this in the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat…what a view! Definitely a place to go back to.
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I so wanted to go to that hotel while we were there, but we didn’t have time that day. I love going to those fancy places too just for a drink.
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One of my favorite places. I stayed in the small town at a tiny hotel for a week one time and used it as a base to explore. So much fun!
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Oh, I would love to stay there for a week! How wonderful!
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How stunningly beautiful! What a lovely spot to wander and dream in. 🙂
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Just amazing! Can’t wait to visit and thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
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