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 | © Ultimate France

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

If you’re on public transport, take the train to Beaulieu sur Mer station and take bus n°15 (direction Port de Saint-Jean).

If you’re travelling by car, here are the driving directions to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice:

1. From Promenade des Anglais follow the coast road east to Villefranche-sur-Mer
2. Turn right onto Pont Saint-Jean/D25
3. Continue to follow the D25 down through the peninsula
4. Turn right onto Rue du Vallon and you have reached Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat where this hike starts.

Cap Ferrat Accommodation

There’s lots of good accommodation for hikers on and around the Cap Ferrat peninsula.

Here’s a few of our recommended 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. You’ll find everything from boutique hotels to homely B&Bs, apartments and villas to rent:

Hotel Carlton

From 120 € per night
The Hotel Carlton is a great base for a holiday on the Cote d’Azur. The train station is 5 minutes walk away and Monaco, Cannes and Nice are all an easy train ride away – no car required. You can hike the Cap Ferrat peninsula and by late afternoon you can be back at the hotel sipping a cold beer by the pool.

Sea View Apartment

From 224 € per night
Nestled between Nice and Monaco, this sea view apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Boasting stunning 180-degree views of the Cote d’Azur, the apartment features a modern kitchen and spacious living areas with access to a private balcony. There’s free WiFi, private parking, and an electric vehicle charging station. The serene surroundings provide a peaceful retreat after a day of hiking the Cap Ferrat peninsula.

Welcome Hotel

From 158 € per night
The Welcome Hotel in Villefranche-sur-Mer is in a top location with rooms overlooking Cap Ferrat bay. The hotel offers a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms and a diving club right out front, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel rates highly for the friendly staff, comfortable beds, and delicious breakfast.

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!