History: Fishing village to charming small resort:
Originally a small fishing community, St. Jean - Cap Ferrat has been famous since the 'Belle Epoque' in the 1890's, when King Leopold II of Belgium and Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild built holiday mansions here. In the century since, famous writers and actors such as Somerset Maugham and David Niven made their homes here, and today the Grand Marnier family and Andrew Lloyd Weber own homes on the peninsular.
Having managed to escape the excesses of the 1960's building craze, the entire peninsular is now under preservation order, with beautiful villas set in lush gardens, some of which can be glimpsed from the coastal path. The village itself curves around the harbour, and has retained its provençal charm: house façades in warm terracotta and ochre shades with wooden shutters.
The main street and sunny village square overlooking the yachts has a bakery, butcher and small supermarket, as well cafés, restaurants, stylish boutiques and real estate agents, selling slices of paradise!
Local activities: sports, sightseeing & nightlife :
Sports:
Beaches: 4 small coves, sheltered by cliffs and Mediterranean pines, within 5 minutes walk of the apartment. Water sports: learn sailing and scuba diving, hire a 'pointu' (traditional wooden fishing boat). Walking: enjoy the magnificent views along the coastal path all around the peninsular, passing the mediaeval chapel of St. Hospice and the lighthouse. Sightseeing: Ephrussi de Rothschild mansion: 'Belle Epoque' architecture, themed gardens and salon de the with water views. Villa Kerylos: archaeologist's 1890 recreation of a waterside Greek nobleman's villa. Mediaeval citadelle, harbour and Old Town of Villefranche: former naval garrison of the Kings of Savoy and Sardinia. Nightlife: Quayside piano bars and restaurants, including Le Sloop, Andrew Lloyd Weber's favourite small restaurant (€25 for 3 courses!). Summer concert series in the chapel of St. Hospice, Rothschild mansion and the Grand Hotel du Cap. Venetian Nights: costume parade, music and fireworks.
Excursions & day trips:
Regular bus connections from St. Jean, and the scenic waterside train line from nearby Beaulieu offer many attractive day outings, without the need for a car:
Nice: Stroll along the waterfront Promenade des Anglais, or through the narrow lanes of the mediaeval Old Town, with its art galleries, restaurants and flower market. Visit the famous Chagall and Matisse galleries.
Monaco: Watch the Changing of the Guard, and visit the State Apartments of the Grimaldi Palace. Try your luck at the Monte Carlo casino, or celebrity spotting while enjoying a cocktail at the Art Nouveau Café de Paris. Window shop for luxury fashion items: enter if you dare!
Cannes: Stroll along the Croisette Esplanade, and past the Palais des Congrès, home of the famous Film Festival. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the stepped streets of the mediaeval quarter of Le Suquet. Catch a boat out to the beautiful Lerins Islands.
Hinterland: Explore some of the charming perched and walled villages, such as nearby Eze.
Other Activities:
stately homes, museums, art galleries, harbourside restaurants, concerts, provençal markets
