
Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
Small village surrounded by luxury villas
Sitting on a beautiful rocky peninsula of pine trees and palms just to the east of Nice is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This area is the epitome of elegance and old Riviera glamour: from the small, chic harbour to the palatial gated villas and magnificent gardens of celebrities, oligarchs and famous family dynasties.
The village itself is quite small and the shopping district is pretty much just one petite, but lovely, street. Drop down to the port area though and you’ll find more shops and boutiques, restaurants, cafés and a small market place, while the beaches offer cool beach clubs.
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
A date for the diary if you are planning a wedding. Here you will find a collection of marriage and wedding companies all under one roof.
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
It would be rather difficult to come up with a more glittering, swanky address than Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Once just a rocky, scrubby headland used for grazing sheep and goats, the Cap was forever transformed by the arrival of Belgium's King Leopold, whose numerous grand villas and tropical gardens triggered an influx of the rich and famous, including Somerset Maugham and the Rothschilds, whose sumptuous villa and exceptional gardens are open to the public. Today, the Cap has many beautiful villas (often hiding behind huge gates), and is relatively unspoilt with forest and rocky coastal paths offering spectacular views.
Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Tom Cruise, Roger Moore and many others have all holidayed here. If it’s good enough for James Bond...
The main attraction at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a very grand villa built in the the early 20th century by Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild. Crammed with sculptures, paintings, antique furniture and rare porcelain and it's now a museum with an impressive art collection. Its gardens alone are worth a look with seven different styles including traditional French, Spanish and Japanese. The villa hosts regular events such as the annual Painters’ Day in June and a summer opera festival.
At the edge of the sea, facing the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the villa is a magic place that takes you back in time. Discover this French Riviera seaside palazzo, a luxurious recreation of an Ancient Greek villa.
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has several lovely beaches and coves, Paloma, Passable and Cro de Peï Pin are the main ones. All have calm clear water and stunning views, and tend to be quite quiet as they are all a bit tucked away and off the beaten track (parking can be tricky and no public transport runs here). Paloma Beach was named after Picasso's daughter as the artist loved bringing his family here. There's also the famous Paloma Beach Club on this stretch, a perfect place to stretch out on a deckchair with a glass of rose and look out at the superyachts and sheer cliffs rising up over the coast towards Monaco. Have a look at our beach guide to find out more.
Plages Fosses and Plage Fossettes are neighbouring beaches that are amongst the easiest to access in Cap Ferrat.
Plage des Fossettes is just a stone’s throw from its neighbour, Plage des Fosses; they are both great family beaches with enclosed waters that are always fairly calm.
Tucked away in a little niche on the north-west side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Plage de Passable is a glorious secluded sun trap with shallow crystal clear water.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Port, Paloma Beach is a delightful little haven with more than a touch of 1950’s Riviera glamour.
Plage des Fourmis is the long stretch of sand that runs along the main bus route; backed by a shady promenade lined with palm trees and tropical plants, the beach is very easy to find.
The main beach at Villefranche is one of the best located for easy access and convenient facilities. Situated right next to the charming old port area and just a few minutes walk from the old town, there are both bus and train stops nearby.
There is a terrace overlooking the port that has some lovely restaurants and is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the view. In fact, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat seems to have more restaurants than anything else, so you certainly won’t struggle to find somewhere to enjoy dinner.
Even if you can’t stretch to one of their palatal suites then call in at Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat for an evening drink and a stroll around the beautiful gardens, or book a table at their Michelin starred restaurant. The hotel was built in 1908 and has been attracting aristocracy, royalty and anyone who’s anyone ever since. They also serve a traditional afternoon tea with cakes on the veranda from 15:00-18:00.
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
Chef Bruno Le Bolch takes you on a journey of the senses that is a delight to the eye and the taste buds.
Captain Cook is a friendly, family place, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, between Monaco and Nice. It is a traditional French restaurant where the seafood and Mediterranean flavours are prominent.
Set in the room that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s used as a dining room, the tea room/restaurant's terrace overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. All day, you can break for a delicious snack in this calm oasis with an unrestricted view of the bay.
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
The best way to appreciate the local area is by following one of the marked coastal paths that take you around the Cap, there are a couple of different routes taking you via various beaches and past local landmarks such as the lighthouse; see our hiking guide for photos and a description of one of the walks.
There is also a very pleasant (and easy) walk from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Beaulieu-sur-Mer via the Promenade Maurice Bouvier. Leave your hiking gear at home as it is smooth strolling all way, as befits a promenade that has a section named in honour of David Niven.
Whichever excursion you choose, you will be closer to discovering the many secrets of the underwater world.
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
This rugged coastal footpath runs from Villefranche-Sur-Mer all the way to Nice, providing excellent views of the harbour and lots of opportunities for secluded swimming and sunbathing along the way.
This is the shortest and most easily accessible of the Sentier Littoral walks; making it easy to fit into a quiet afternoon when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice town.
This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
Whichever excursion you choose, you will be closer to discovering the many secrets of the underwater world.
For rent in Nice Mont-Boron, on the heights, a villa of about 200 m², benefiting from a nice sea view with terraces and garden.
Set on the hillside of Nice, overhanging the Méditerranean sea and located into the most beautiful residential quarter of the town, this 400m2 villa is planted in a 3000 m2 enclosed garden and surrounded by a natural parc.
On the heights of Nice, beautiful stone house of around 500m² with swimming pool benefiting from a beautiful hills view.
Villefranche-sur-mer, for rent, nice 2 bedroom duplex apartment of 85 m² floor space located on the heights of Villefranche with panoramic sea view.
Set on the hillside of Nice, overhanging the Méditerranean sea and located into the most beautiful residential quarter of the town, this 400m2 villa is planted in a 3000 m2 enclosed garden and surrounded by a natural parc.
On the heights of Nice, beautiful stone house of around 500m² with swimming pool benefiting from a beautiful hills view.
Beautiful and bright 40m² apartment with a modern decor close to shops , beach and restaurants.
For rent in Nice Mont-Boron, on the heights, a villa of about 200 m², benefiting from a nice sea view with terraces and garden.
In a prestigious residence with swimming pool and park beautiful duplex apartment of about 140m2 profiting from terraces and from a little private garden.
The very grand Cap Ferrat Grand Hotel is located at the tip of the peninsula and is one of the Riviera's top luxury hotels. There are a couple of other hotels to choose from on the headland, all offering wonderful views and a tranquil stay.
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
Getting there from Nice airport is easiest by car or taxi along the Corniche Andre de Joly; the nearest train stop is quite a walk away at Beaulieu-sur-Mer. By bus, you can take the number 81 right to the village, or if you fancy a beautiful and untaxing 15 minute walk, you can take the 100 bus and get off at the Hotel Royal Riviera at the start of the Cap.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Ideally located in a smart residence in the heart of the town with it's own swimming pool, this two bedroom apartment offers sea views over the Beaulieu bay and St Jean Cap Ferrat.
Located in the sought-after area of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, discover this beautiful 47 sq m apartment, ideally positioned on the first floor of a well-maintained small building, without an elevator. Enjoy a bright and peaceful living environment thanks to its cross-layout.
Facing Villefranche harbour, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, this exceptional 1,200 sq m development is set in a rare and sought-after location. The result of an architectural project combining the elegance of the past with modernity, this property has planning permission to create a prestigious villa, incorporating a listed building.
Exceptional apartment in a residence with a swimming pool.
Overlooking the Mediterranean and enjoying a southwest exposure, this exceptional villa benefits from a privileged location, just steps away from the prestigious Grand-Hôtel Four Seasons in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Ideally located in the picturesque coastal town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, along the glittering French Riviera, this newly renovated building invites you to experience the perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and contemporary comfort.
Find out all about what is happening in Nice and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this cosmopolitan city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.
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