Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat sits on a peninsula along the French Riviera with pastel-colored villas, beach coves for swimming and stunning views of the coastline. The once small town with a rugged landscape has evolved to now claim some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

While the seaside escape has been a vacation destination for the well-heeled for decades, travelers can easily experience the best things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on a day trip as well. If you’re looking to enjoy its beauty for a little longer, you’ll find there’s only a handful of hotel options.
In this guide, I’ll share details on where to stay, when to visit and the best things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Where to STay
Saint Jean
- Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat: Iconic 5-star Four Seasons Property
- Hôtel Brise Marine: Family-run hotel with good value seaview rooms
- Hotel Royal Riviera: Luxury stay bordering Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Welcome Hotel: Nice option in neighboring Villefranche Sur Mer

Where to Stay in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat
The iconic Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat is the epitome of luxury on the French Riviera. Part of the Four Seasons Hotel group since 2015, the property is complete with 74 rooms and suites, a spa (I am really regretting not getting a Biolgique Recherché facial), pool club and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Originally situated on the estate of King Leopold II of Belgium, the land was bought and developed into a hotel in 1908. Over the decades, it evolved with the world around it: a hospital in WWI, a winter only destination for the wealthy and European royalty, a dormant building during WWII, and now the legendary hotel it is today.
I especially love the story of the late swim instructor Pierre Gruneberg who worked there into his 90s teaching the rich and famous and their children how to swim.

Hôtel Brise Marine
For a more modest budget in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, look to Hôtel Brise Marine. I booked a couple of nights to see a few spots along the French Riviera and visit Paloma Beach.
While this hotel isn’t the most trendy hotel I’ve ever stayed at, you can’t beat the price for an ocean view in Saint Jean. Underground parking for a fee available (my rental car was parked across from an Aston Martin and Rolls Royce).
I had read that parking was challenging (accurate) to visit Paloma Beach and I didn’t want to be at the mercy of a bus schedule with a toddler. So, staying in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrart at Hôtel Brise Marine was the solution that worked for us. Although, nearby towns of Villefranche Sur Mer and Nice offer many more options.
When to Visit Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
I went in mid-September seeking the illusive “shoulder season,” but truth be told, it was not quite warm enough for me to swim. If you want to secure that proper summer day, I’d recommend visiting in late June, July or August.
It is popular advice to avoid these months due to crowds and higher prices, but there’s something to be said for that classic summer feeling where the warmth wraps all around you. An ice cold rosé just doesn’t hit the same at 70 degrees and partially cloudy, you know?
There was a total downpour one day too that led us to cut our stay short. However, if you’re not discouraged by the potential of rain, nothing was overly crowded and we never had to wait to eat at restaurants. I wasn’t dripping in sweat after walking to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and there was just a short line to purchase our entry ticket.
Things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The main thing to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The former home of Béatrice de Rothschild was built between 1907 and 1912. The villa is filled with beautiful art, antique furniture and a stunning porcelain collection, not to mention the architecture and views.
The expansive gardens with varying themes match the beauty of the interiors. Interesting fact: the villa was originally yellow and was painted pink after WWII. You can also enjoy a meal with an incredible view in the tea room that was once the dining room.


Parking was limited and I’m glad we were able to walk there. I didn’t buy tickets in advance and found a short line to enter on a mid-September late afternoon. Advance ticket purchase available (18 euro per adult).
Paloma Beach
Probably the second attraction drawing visitors to Saint Jean is Paloma Beach. The small beach boasts crystal blue water and stunning views right along side villas perched up on the coast. Paloma beach is known for its upscale restaurant and club providing lounge chairs and umbrellas. There’s also room on the public portion of the beach to bring your own towel.
With limited parking, the club offer a shuttle from the marina during the day or valet for the dinner service. Clientele at the restaurant range from European families on vacation to the super wealthy that just came in from their yacht for lunch.

There’s also a fair share of Emily in Paris fans. Paloma Beach was the filming location of the fictional Laurent G nightclub in Season 2.
We enjoyed having lunch and relaxing on the beach afterward. No reservations available for lunch from 12-5, but booking is required for dinner. Reserve lounge chairs or a table for dinner.
Fossettes Beach
This is also a popular beach and I swear, when I walked by the sun was just right and the water was actually sparkling. This one is south facing, so it gets more hours of direct sunlight. There’s also a small stand perched near one end selling food and drink.
Stroll around the Marina
The town center near the marina has a row of shops and restaurants. You can find fine dining options and small cafes alike. We stopped at Restaurant le Saint Jean for a quick pizza, and I was happy with the friendly service, price point (12 euro for a Saint Germain Spritz), and location.

Be sure to see the bright orange Saint Jean Baptiste Church and the war monument in front complete with cannons.
Villa Santo Sospir
Villa Santo Sospir has been closed for several years for renovations, but in the event they begin to accept visitors again by the time you travel there it would definitely be worth setting up an appointment.
With wall murals painted by Jean Cocteau (Francine Weisweiller’s most famous houseguest), the villa is part Cocteau museum, part family vacation home. See interior photos and read more about the history of Villa Santo Sospir in this fascinating Town & Country article.

Hiking Trail
Le Sentier du Littoral is the hiking trail that runs along the water all the way around the peninsula. From town, you can reach the lighthouse on the tip of Saint Jean in about 40 minutes.
The coastal path lacks railings with some steep drop offs, so I thought it was best to pass on this with a young toddler. I’ll leave that and a facial at the Four Seasons for next time.
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