Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap-Ferrat: the guide (Kérylos, Rothschild)
Between Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula form one of the most refined settings on the Côte d'Azur: Belle Époque villas, exceptional gardens and coastal paths right by the water. Here is what to see, and how to string the visits together without parking worries.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a Belle Époque resort
Sheltered from the wind by its hills, Beaulieu-sur-Mer enjoys a microclimate so mild that one of its districts earned the nickname 'Petite Afrique' — Little Africa. The resort has kept fine villas from its golden age, an elegant promenade and the Baie des Fourmis, perfect for a stroll.
It makes a peaceful base for exploring the Riviera, halfway between Nice and Monaco.
Villa Kérylos, a Greek villa by the water
On the Pointe des Fourmis, Villa Kérylos is a faithful reconstruction of a wealthy home of ancient Greece, conceived in the early 20th century by the archaeologist Théodore Reinach. Mosaics, marble, antiquity-inspired furniture and sea views take visitors two thousand years back in time.
It is one of the most unusual visits on the coast, best enjoyed outside peak hours.
Cap-Ferrat and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
On the isthmus of Cap-Ferrat, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a pink palace commissioned by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, overlooks the sea on both sides of the peninsula. It is famous for its nine themed gardens — French, Florentine, Japanese, exotic and more — and its musical fountains.
The view from the gardens, between the two bays, is among the finest on the coast.
The coastal paths
The peninsula is also best discovered on foot, along its coastal paths. The Pointe Saint-Hospice trail leads to its chapel and a large statue of the Virgin, with superb views and access to Paloma beach; on the western side, Passable beach looks back towards Villefranche.
These protected paths, mostly easy, offer the best of the Riviera's nature, between pines, coves and clear waters.
Getting there and combining visits
Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap-Ferrat lie about fifteen minutes from Nice, just past Villefranche-sur-Mer. Parking is very limited, especially near the villas and beaches. A private chauffeur drops you as close as possible to each site and builds a smooth day between Kérylos, Villa Ephrussi and the paths.