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 imagination: dream villas on a two-kilometre peninsula, translucent sea, and one of France's most beautiful homes 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 links Lycée Masséna to Saint-Jean port via Villefranche — about twenty minutes. Another option: the TER to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (a few minutes) then the connection with bus 15 at the station. By car, parking is free from mid-October to April, tricky in summer.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Built in the early 20th century on the peninsula's highest point, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a pink Venetian palace surrounded by nine themed gardens: French 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 before), open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm (7 pm in July-August). The combined ticket with Beaulieu's Villa Kérylos (€24) is worth it for a full day.
The Cap-Ferrat loop
The peninsula loop is one of the coast's most beautiful walks: 4.8 km, barely hilly (40 m of gain), between the sea, pine groves and villa gates. Allow 1h30 to 2h at photo pace. The path 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.
Beaches and turquoise water
The peninsula has six beaches, including the famous Paloma and Passable beach (public and private). The water is remarkably clear, and the seabed attracts divers and snorkellers — clubs (Cap Ferrat Diving, CVM) run outings for all levels.
Where to eat
At Saint-Jean port: Le Pirate, La Goélette or Sea Side Restaurant for a table facing the boats. For the exceptional, the 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 Villa Kérylos (€15) or Villefranche in the afternoon, along the same bus line. Walkers can link it all to the coastal path.
FAQ
How do I get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice?
By bus 15 (about 20 minutes from Lycée Masséna) or by TER to Beaulieu then bus 15.
How much does 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 Cap-Ferrat loop difficult?
No: 4.8 km almost flat (40 m of gain), 1h30 to 2h. The path runs along the sea between villas and pine groves.
Are there beaches at Cap-Ferrat?
Yes, six beaches including Paloma and Passable, with very clear water, ideal for diving and snorkelling.
Can you also visit Villa Kérylos?
Yes: €15 alone, or a combined Ephrussi + Kérylos ticket at €24 for a full Beaulieu + Cap-Ferrat day.
How long should I allow for Cap-Ferrat?
Half a day (Ephrussi 2h + cap loop 1h30-2h). The full day with Beaulieu and Villefranche is ideal.
