Looking for a change of scenery or simply for adventure and greenery? This article presents one of the most famous walks on the French Riviera: the coastal path of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. In fact, there are not only one but two walks: the tour of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and the Pointe de Sainte Hospice whose landscapes and natural environment are breathtaking. Thus, hiking, immersions in the luxuriant nature, view on the Mediterranean Sea and strolls on fine sandy beaches will punctuate your stroll. So, get your trainers ready and set off to discover the peninsula nestled just 20 minutes from Nice.
View of the coastal paths of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
1. Cross the tour of Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat
The sumptuous villas, the lush green flora and the luxuriant gardens make the tour of Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat famous, but not only. As soon as the sunny days arrive, we go for a dip in the creeks and natural pools near the path where the water is turquoise blue. A perfect spot for snorkelling enthusiasts where you can explore the stunningly beautiful sea bed! In short, you will have understood that Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat is a real little corner of paradise as much for its coastal path as for its snorkelling spots on the French Riviera.
Coastal paths of saint jean cap ferrat
Practical information
- Distance : 6km
- Difference in height: 60 metres
- Duration : 2 hours
- Level : Easy
- Period : all year round except in summer because of the high temperatures
A hike from Beaulieu-Sur-Mer
There are several starting points, it all depends on the time you have in front of you.
- Generally, I start from the fair beach but if you have more time, you can start from the beach of Beaulieu.
- The trail starts precisely at the beach of Les Fourmis, in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer.
- Go past the Salons de la Rotonde Lenôtre and reach the Villa Kerylos, a sumptuous building that resembles the houses of ancient Greece.
- With the help of the signs, walk along the Maurice Rouvier promenade without taking your eyes off the Mediterranean sea, which offers a panoramic view of the cliffs of Beaulieu sur mer.
- The Saint Jean Cap Ferrat coastal path ends at the marina, which is a former fishing port.
A stopover in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Restaurants and shops adorn the harbour quay, while boats, yachts and sailboats charge the turquoise water. It’s nice to stop either in the middle or at the end of your walk for a drink and a view. Once you’re ready, off you go again.
- Take the path back to the quarry where you will find the famous Faben bunker, a rather amazing ruin on which the Nice artist painted images full of colour and positivity.
Bunker Faben
- Finally, join the “sentier des Douaniers” which is really the starting point of the peninsula of Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat.
- Then head towards the Baie des Fosses and take a break to capture some images. The landscape will provide a magnificent backdrop.
- Continue towards Pointe Causinière and Pointe Malalongue. They lead to the south of the peninsula.
To the west is a water fountain. If you go deep into the water, you will come across a paradisiacal corner of Cap Ferrat. Between land and sea, the place is an invitation to swim.
Reaching the beach of Passable
2 km further on, the coastal path crosses a tarmac road: the Chemin du Lido, which leads to Passable beach. Dip your feet in the clear water or sunbathe on the fine sand. The beach offers a breathtaking view of Villefranche-sur-Mer. You have the possibility to start the walk from the beach of Passable to the path of the quarry.
2. Walk to the Pointe de Saint-Hospice
For those who are looking for a short but easy and scenic walk, the Saint-Hospice walk is ideal! It is smaller but just as spectacular as the Tour du Cap de Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat. This time it starts (or ends, depending on where you start) at one of the most famous private beaches on the French Riviera, Paloma Beach. The panorama is incredible!
Walk to the Pointe de Sainte-Hospice
Practical information
- Distance: 4km
- Difference in height: 100 metres
- Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes
- Level : Easy
- Period : all year round except in summer because of the high temperatures
Start the walk in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- The walk starts at the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Follow the quay to reach the Fossettes beach.
- Turn right and walk along the paved path. It cuts off at a road leading down to the beach of La Paloma (possibility to start the walk at the plage des fossettes.
- The beach faces east. At the end of the afternoon, it is hidden behind the shadow of the imposing reliefs. If you want to enjoy the sun and the good weather, plan your walk in the morning. A walk by the sea on a sunny day calls for some precautions. Sunglasses and sun cream are essential.
- Return to Saint-Jean via Avenue CI. Then head for the beach at Les Fosses. If you are lucky, you will come across various species of seabirds: migratory birds, gulls, the great cormorant or the torda penguin (if you are travelling in winter).
Stop at the Pointe de Saint-Hospice
The journey continues along the coast. About 400m from the beach, you will come to the junction that climbs up to the Pointe de Saint-Hospice. Climb the steps to the Saint-Hospice chapel, which is still open to visitors.
After a little culture, return to the path around the Pointe de Saint-Hospice. It leads you to the beach of Les Fossettes. If you continue along the path, you will find yourself at the beach of Les Fosses, then at Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat.
So, has this made you want to explore the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat coastal path?
