Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice
The billionaires' peninsula is also the walkers' one: Villa Ephrussi and its nine gardens, an almost flat cap loop between villas and pine groves, and coves with turquoise water. 20 minutes from Nice on bus 15.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat concentrates the Riviera's imagery: dream villas set on a two-kilometre peninsula, translucent water, and one of the most beautiful houses in France open to the public. The good news: everything can be visited on foot, almost flat, for the price of a bus ticket.
How to get there from Nice
Bus 15 connects the Masséna high school to the port of Saint-Jean via Villefranche, allow about twenty minutes. Another option: TER to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (a few minutes) then connect with bus 15 at the station. By car, parking is free from mid-October to April, complicated in summer.
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Built in the early 20th century on the highest point of the peninsula, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a pink Venetian palace surrounded by nine themed gardens: French-style garden, rose garden, exotic garden, temple of love…
The full visit (villa + gardens) takes about 2 hours. Price: €18 (€12 for ages 7-17, free under 7), open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm (7 pm in July-August). The combined ticket with the Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu (€24) is worth it for a full day.
The tour of Cap-Ferrat
The tour of the peninsula is one of the most beautiful walks on the coast: 4.8 km, barely hilly (40 m elevation gain), between the sea, the pine forests and the gates of the villas. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours at a photo-taking pace. The trail runs along Passable beach and leads to Pointe Saint-Hospice, where a 1.8 km loop (40 min) reaches the 11th-century chapel and its 1903 bronze Virgin, facing Italy.
The beaches and turquoise water
The peninsula has six beaches, including the famous Paloma and Passable beach (public and private). The water is exceptionally clear, and the seabed attracts divers and snorkellers; clubs (Cap Ferrat Diving, CVM) organise outings for all levels.
Where to eat
At the port of Saint-Jean: Le Pirate, La Goélette or Sea Side Restaurant for a table facing the boats. For something special, Le Cap (1 Michelin star 2026) at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.
Combining with the surroundings
The ideal day: Cap-Ferrat in the morning, then Beaulieu and the Villa Kérylos (€15) or Villefranche in the afternoon, along the same bus line. Walkers can link it all to the coastal trail.
FAQ
How do I get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice?
By bus 15 (about 20 minutes from the Masséna high school) or by TER to Beaulieu then bus 15.
How much does the Villa Ephrussi cost?
€18 full price, €12 for ages 7-17, free under 7. Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm (7 pm in July-August).
Is the tour of Cap-Ferrat difficult?
No: 4.8 km almost flat (40 m elevation gain), 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail runs along the sea between villas and pine forests.
Are there beaches at Cap-Ferrat?
Yes, six beaches including Paloma and Passable, with very clear water, ideal for diving and snorkelling.
Can you visit the Villa Kérylos as well?
Yes: €15 alone, or a combined Ephrussi + Kérylos ticket at €24 for a full day of Beaulieu + Cap-Ferrat.
How much time should I plan for Cap-Ferrat?
Half a day (Ephrussi 2h + tour of the cape 1.5-2h). A full day with Beaulieu and Villefranche is ideal.
The dedicated guide
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: tickets, hours, gardens and access from Nice.
Just opposite, Beaulieu-sur-Mer: beaches, coastal trail and picnic ideas in where to picnic in Nice.
