12 Best Things to Do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

From beautiful beaches to an iconic villa, here's how to make the most of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

1. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Whether you're stopping by on a day trip or staying a few nights, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is an absolute must.

I think of it as a kind of Barbie Dreamhouse, French Riviera style. Not only does it have a soft pink façade, but also the tale of its fabulously rich owner makes that comparison strangely apt.

This villa was built by one of the richest women in Europe, the Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, later known as Ephrussi, who married Maurice Ephrussi. Regrettably, the marriage turned out to be sad, and when his gambling debts began to threaten her fortune, the two divorced. After this, Béatrice received a gigantic inheritance due to the death of her father.

What did she do next? Constructed a Venetian villa, complete with breathtaking gardens that sat perfectly atop the peninsula. Today, the house and its themed gardens can be toured to help bring to life this most fascinating heiress of Europe.

Scenic views in and of themselves merit the visit-you get a clear view of both sides

2. Explore the Port

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is both a charming town and a peninsula, and its port area perfectly reflects its relaxed elegance.

What sets it apart from places like Saint-Tropez is its laid-back atmosphere. While undeniably upscale, it feels calmer, less flashy, and far less crowded.

The port is lined with inviting restaurants, small shops, and art installations, including sculptures like Banc Balaena and Grand Venus Bleue. There’s also a gallery and even a seashell museum—though it’s currently closed.

It’s a lovely area to stroll, especially at sunrise or sunset. Right next to the port is Plage Cros Dei Pin, a convenient beach spot right in town

3. Relax at Plage Paloma Plage Paloma is arguably the most famous beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat—and for good reason. This picturesque pebble beach sits in a sheltered cove with calm, crystal-clear water, making it perfect for swimming between sunbathing sessions. The Mediterranean views are stunning, and umbrellas provide a bit of shade on hot days. Fans of Emily in Paris may recognize it too—several “Saint-Tropez” scenes were actually filmed here, including the beach visit to Laurent G.’s club

4. Visit Plage des Fossettes Just a five-minute walk from Plage Paloma, Plage des Fossettes is a smaller, quieter pebble beach. With its serene atmosphere and charming stone-reinforced wall, it’s a peaceful spot to swim and unwind. This was one of the first beaches I visited here—and it made a great first impression

5. Spend Time at Plage de la Fosse Plage de la Fosse ended up being my favorite beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Slightly larger than nearby beaches, it sits in a tucked-away cove that feels almost enclosed by the surrounding land. The setting is peaceful, and the water is especially beautiful thanks to sea grass and rocky reefs just offshore. One of the best things about Cap Ferrat is how close these beaches are to each other—you can easily spend a day beach hopping. But overall, this destination is about slowing down, relaxing, and soaking up the coastal beauty. Unlike larger Riviera towns such as Nice or Cannes, the beaches here feel more remote, with fewer hotels and high-rise buildings in the background

6. Go Snorkeling Yes, I brought my own snorkel—and yes, it was worth it. One of the reasons I loved Plage de la Fosse so much was the snorkeling. While it may not rival places like Corsica, the underwater scenery is still enjoyable, with plenty of fish to spot as you swim along the rocks. If you enjoy exploring below the surface, be sure to pack your snorkel gear

7. Rent a Boat But if you’re marking a special celebration or just a little bit bougie, a boating trip for the day is a phenomenal way to experience Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Rent a boat, go off to explore the coastline by cruising around, discover some of the secret coves of the coast, and enjoy the views that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. If you cannot manage the boating license that is considered the norm in Europe, then there’s no need to worry because the rental of the boat includes the service of the captain. Nautal.com definitely is a good platform where the search for small motorboats and luxury yachts and the idea of a memorable day in the Mediterranean can become a reality.

### 8. Hike the Coastal Path of Saint- Jean- Cap- F There's also the ** Sentier du Littoral ** that's an cultural littoral path that skirts around Cap- Ferrat and has some of the most beautiful views in the area. " You may choose to hike as far as you’d like, and return the way you came or continue on the trail. Completing the whole route is roughly ** 7.8 long hauls( 12.6 km) ** and takes about ** 3 – 4 hours **. The hike is fairly easy with only about ** 685 bases( 209 m) ** of ascent." Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea, insulated strands, as well as lodestones similar as the major lighthouse there. There's also a roadway to visit ** Chapelle Saint- Hospice **, a literal stopping point that further enriches the experience of going for a walk there. Since the trail boasts a number of strands along the way, this can come a full- day excursion if you decide to stop and swim and relax along the trail. It's a good idea, thus, to prepare duly. Bring lots of water, some snacks, a sufficient force of sun protection, and a handy pack. This will be especially helpful as you need to drink plenitude

9. Feast on Seafood When you are living on a peninsula like this, with three sides of it being the Mediterranean Sea, then you absolutely have to eat the fresh seafood. In the evening, a possible dining location might be in the area around the port; in this part of the town, the cuisine combined with the views of the ocean is relatively excellent. In this context, the reason why **Diva Restaurant** impressed me is its no less memorable scenery of the surrounding mountains and the ocean in addition to its perfectly cooked octopus and bream. The other very good ones are **Le Quai 28**, **Equinoxe**, and **Restaurant Le Pirate**, of which offer seafood-based menus. It is always best to book, especially if it’s peak season, usually summer.

10. Luxury Hotel Stay If you want to reward yourself with that dream holiday or celebrate some other extraordinary event such as engagement or honeymoon, definitely the most amazing place to treat yourself would be Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. “The most upscale choice would be the Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, which is a Four Seasons property that embodies the style of the Riviera. Fans of the genre will surely remember it from where it appeared as the hotel in the Emily in Paris series, where it doubled as the hotel in Saint Tropez. Rumors are also that it will be the setting for the White Lotus S4.” However, if one were to strip away their screen use, this hotel also contains all that one would hope to discover at a five-star hotel that is world class, having an amazing spa, and an infinite pool bar and grill with an infinity pool gazing out at the Mediterranean. Whether it's an anniversary or just a treat, a stay at this property definitely ranks among the most memorable on which to enjoy the French Riviera experience. 11. Take a Day Trip One of the advantages of vacationing in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is that it is situated on the French Riviera, which is well-connected and allows tourists to easily explore it within a day. Although the peninsula does not have any train station, it's easy to move around. You can take a short bus ride to the neighboring Beaulieu-sur-Mer, from which trains are available to and from nearby attractions like Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and others. It’s an easy way to discover more of the Riviera while still being able to enjoy the peacefulness that being based in Cap Ferrat has to offer. 12. Slow Down and Relax Doing this is perhaps the most crucial activity to be conducted at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It's not a place for hurrying from one point to the next—and trust me, there are plenty to see—but a destination for unwinding and truly enjoying the experience. Relax on a beach, take a nap under an umbrella, drink wines lining the harbor, or take a sunset walk along the shore. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is all about relaxation and taking pleasure in the simplest things in life. Leave the to-see list behind, the rhythm, and the pleasure of this little seaside retreat.