Tour of Cap Ferrat Hiking Trail
The contrast between the lush green of Cap Ferrat and the blue of the Mediterranean makes this hike really special. Once a fishing village, the beach resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat lies on the eastern side of the spectacular wooded peninsula of Cap Ferrat. The tour of Cap Ferrat walking trail winds its way around the edge of the peninsula and alongside numerous millionnaires’ villas.
HIKING TRAIL NOTES | TRAIL MAP | ROUTE DESCRIPTION | ACCOMMODATION
A coastal hike round the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula
View over Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | © Active Azur
The Cap Ferrat peninsula covers about 200 hectares between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefrance-sur-Mer. This 6 km hike has to be one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the French Riviera coastline and excluding swims takes about 2 hours to complete.
Cap Ferrat Walking Trail Notes
- Departure point: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- Climb: 60 m
- Descent: 60 m
- Distance: 5.9 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time of year: Year round
Cap Ferrat Walking Trail Map
This map of the Cap Ferrat walking trail traces the 6.1 km route around the peninsula. Hike the trail from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in a clockwise direction and enjoy a swim at Passable beach at the end.
Hiking Trail Overview
The coastal path follows the limestone cliffs which protected the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula in the olden days. The lighthouse was built in 1827 but was destroyed in 1944 in the Second World War before being rebuilt in 1951.
The hike starts in Saint-Jean, a lovely little town which started as a small fishing port but has now become a tourist resort. The walk skirts the whole peninsula and ends back at the town beach. You’ll love the wildness of the coast which is only really interrupted by the Cap Ferrat hotel, although it is pretty discreet.
While you’re trekking, watch out for divers in search of underwater wonders in the sparkling waters and the fishermen patiently waiting for their big catch!
Route Description
Looking back along the trail from Plage de Passable
From the St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat harbour, walk up the shopping street and then turn left onto Avenue Claude Vignon. Continue along a large cement path to the end of the peninsula and you’ll see the gardens and swimming pool of the Grand Hotel of Cap Ferrat.
Follow the path which winds its way through the rocks before you come to a steep staircase which leads towards the lighthouse. Then follow the path above the waves along the western coast of the peninsula.
Take the path round a building which is built right by the sea and you’ll come to the beach, Plage de Passable. Take some stairs up from the beach and follow the path until you reach a short road section.
You’ll then cross the road D25 – be careful! Then take a pedestrian shortcut opposite the tourist office that will take you back down to the town centre and the harbour where you started.
Getting There
Driving directions to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice:
- From Promenade des Anglais follow the coast road east to Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Turn right onto Pont Saint-Jean/D25
- Continue to follow the D25 down through the peninsula
- Turn right onto Rue du Vallon and you have reached Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat where this hike starts.
Cap Ferrat Accommodation
Here’s a few recommendations for places to stay near the walking trails of the Cap Ferrat peninsula. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Nice are all ideally located with easy access to the hiking trails.
Hôtel Carlton – Beaulieu-sur-Mer
From 90 € per night
The Hotel Carlton is a great base for a holiday on the coast. The train station is 5 minutes walk away and Monaco, Cannes, Nice are all an easy train ride away – no car required. You can hike the Cap Ferrat peninsula and be back at the hotel in the late afternoon sipping a cold beer by the pool.
Check availability | Go >La Réserve de Beaulieu Hôtel & Spa
From 250 € per night
Right on the sea and 5 minutes walk to the beach, this has to be one of the finest Hotels in France. Expect top notch service but a relaxed atmosphere. Ok, it’s top dollar but nothing is too much trouble, so if you want to treat yourself Riviera style, La Réserve de Beaulieu is a great choice.
Check availability | Go >Hôtel du Petit Palais – Nice
From 145 € per night
Occupying a hilltop location walking distance from central Nice and just 5 km from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Hôtel du Petit Palais makes an ideal base for exploring the coast. The superb breakfast which includes eggs cooked to your liking sets you up for your Cap Ferrat peninsula hike.
Check availability | Go >Hotel Provencal – Villefranche
From 68 € per night
A friendly family-run hotel in a fantastic location, Hotel Provencal offers quick and easy access to the fine sandy beach and harbour. The narrow streets of the village are just a stroll away and it’s a pleasant walk along Promenade des Marinières to Cap Ferrat. WiFi is only available in the lobby.
Check availability | Go >Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your hiking trip to the Cap Ferrat peninsula, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this article. Bonnes vacances!
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