Luxury real estate in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Stretching across the Mediterranean, from the Italian border town of Menton to the glamorous port city of Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera is one of the world’s most luxurious playgrounds. Here, sumptuous mansions shine as brightly as the region’s azure waters, and there is an abundance of outdoor activities, Michelin-starred restaurants, and much more.
With its peaceful atmosphere and warm climate year-round, Cap Ferrat is a popular destination in southeastern France. Some even describe it as the French Riviera’s best-kept secret.
In more recent times, Elizabeth Taylor, David Niven, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham, and Gregory Peck all enjoyed the glamorous lifestyle that this retreat has to offer; former presidents of France also favored this destination over its more well-known neighbors along the coast, in order to enjoy its peaceful character—a haven of tranquility, far from the stress of political offices.
One of the most glamorous hotels in Cap Ferrat, and indeed in the world, is the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. It was built around 1908; this imposing building resembles a grand white palace, towering over everything in its shadow. Its guest list includes George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, resided there for many seasons and was regularly joined by her brother, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, who lived in the region for more than twenty years.
The way Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is best known is as the “Pearl of the French Riviera.” Two of the main activities in Cap Ferrat are simply strolling along the magnificent paths surrounding the peninsula, admiring the breathtaking views and luxurious villas in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and enjoying the gastronomic delights offered by its many restaurants. Cap Ferrat is blessed with exceptional beaches. Paloma Beach, to the south of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, has been ranked among the ten best beaches on the French Riviera. The largest beach in Cap Ferrat is Cro de Pei Pin, located just north of the bay, between the main peninsula and the smaller Saint-Hospice peninsula. Set back from the coast are discreet yet imposing private residences. Properties in these areas are prestigious and highly sought-after, featuring large villas hidden—much to most people’s taste—within the depths of sumptuous tropical gardens.
ACTIVITIES
Villa and Gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild.
The villa was built on the narrower part of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula and may be one of the finest examples of architecture on the French Riviera. The building evokes an Italian palace, and its exterior is often used as a reference in design schools in Florence and Venice. There are seven different themed gardens where you can explore the grandeur of the formal French garden, the lush opulence of the Spanish garden, and the exotic brilliance of the Japanese gardens. It is said that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild considered the Villa Île-de-France to be like an ocean liner and employed twenty gardeners to maintain the grounds, all dressed in full sailor uniforms.
David Niven’s Villa.
You can take a walk along the path leading to Beaulieu Beach, known as the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, where you will find some of the oldest villas in the region. The residence, built in 1880, was previously known as Lo Scoglietto, meaning “Little Rock,” and even has its own private harbor. The house has been inhabited by many wealthy and famous people; in the 1920s, it was rented by the Duchess of Marlborough. It was later expanded in the 1950s, when it was rented by none other than Leopold III, King of the Belgians. Years later, the villa was lived in by the legendary Charlie Chaplin, who sold it to the renowned actor David Niven in 1960. The house itself is famous for its appearance in the 1983 film The Pink Panther, in which Niven starred. The square in front of the villa is now known as Place David Niven, a tribute to the actor after his death. The villa has since been renamed and is now known as “Fleur du Cap.”
Soc Fermière Port Nouveau.
Port Nouveau is a small harbor, yet it hosts a wide selection of excellent restaurants and cafés where you can eat, drink, and relax. It was once a small fishing port, but has since evolved into a larger marina.
Chapelle Saint-Hospice.
If you take the time to walk uphill from the port, you will come across the Chapelle Saint-Hospice, which has a statue of the Virgin Mary located just outside. It is said that Saint Hospice lived there around the year 580; he is believed to have chained himself with an iron chain and survived on a diet of bread, dates, and water. People say he was blessed with the gift of performing miracles and prophesied many events. Inside the chapel, you can see a painting depicting the death of Saint Hospice. There is also a book in which visitors and residents of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat can write their wishes and aspirations in the hope that they will be fulfilled. Many people visit the chapel just to write in this book.
SCHOOLS
International House Nice.
You’ll need about a 20-minute drive to get there, but it is an excellent school that teaches French and is one of the few of its kind on the French Riviera. The school is located on the first floor of IPAG, one of the most prestigious business schools in Nice. It’s an ideal setting for students, who can easily meet other French students and make use of all the facilities the university has to offer.
ABC School.
ABC School is located in Nice and is also about a 20-minute drive from the town. It is a private, bilingual institution that suits both local residents and expatriates on the French Riviera. The school includes nursery, primary, and secondary levels in its educational program, and allows students aged 2 to 9 to take Cambridge ESOL exams according to their level.
École Privée Michelet.
This school is about a 30-minute drive from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.