THE TRAVEL EDIT - SAINT JEAN CAP FERRAT

September 15, 2021

cap ferrat & BEAULIEU

LUXE long-weekend getway

Dreamy Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and neighbouring Beaulieu-Sur-Mer have been holiday retreats for the well-heeled since the 1800s. Henri Matisse, Churchill, Virginia Woolf, Richard Burton and the Rolling Stones, are amongst a roll call of nobility and celebrity that have whiled away long summer days here.

Home to some of the world’s most exclusive villas, Cap Ferrat, a former fishing village now known as ‘The Peninsular of Billionaires’, was the place to be and be seen long before St Tropez became St Tropez! While over at Beaulieu the hills are filled with soft pink and pastel coloured Belle-Époque villas, and the streets are lined with citrus and olive trees. Its charm today is that it has largely resisted commercialisation and retains the atmosphere and authenticity of a traditional and relaxed French seaside town.

With sunshine and blue sky through to late October, and a mere 20-minute drive from Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu offer the perfect option for a luxe long-weekend getaway.

Inspired by Stuart’s Riviera Dreaming collection we list our favourite places in the area to eat, stay and play.

STAY- La Reserve de Beaulieu

Affectionally known as The Pink Palace, La Reserve de Beaulieu is an icon of the French Riviera.

A beloved holiday haven for Queen Victoria, this Florentine-style villa – and notably its infamous Gordon Bennett Bar - has hosted the best of 1950’s and 60’s Hollywood: Rita Hayworth, Liz Taylor, Steve McQueen and Paul Newman to name a few.

Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, La Reserve is the place to stay if you crave old-school French Riviera luxury and impeccable service. Your stay will ignite a lifelong love affair with the dreamy pool setting – peachy-pink loungers and parasols surrounding the heated sea water pool with far reaching views across the Bay of Beaulieu.

BEACH CLUB - Paloma Beach

A favourite of Pablo Picasso and named after his daughter, Paloma, this idyllic beach club set a in secluded, picturesque bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Elegantly chic and a place where - in true French Rivera style - discretion is favoured over bold displays of wealth. White sun loungers and parasols line the pebbled beach, which offers views across to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the rock of Monaco. You will also catch a glimpse of the world’s most exclusive properties set either side of the beach club.

The famed restaurant, which opened in 1948, offers first class Mediterranean fare and a relaxed atmosphere. And for those who get itchy feet spending the entire day lunching or sun lounging, there’s an array of water sports available, including paddle boarding and parasailing.

Paloma Beach is open from May to the end of September. You can arrive by car with valet parking available (10 minutes from La Reserve de Beaulieu) or, of course, arrange for the Club to tender you in from the yacht.

EXPLORE - Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Home of Côte d’Azur’s most elite and elaborate parties in the 1930s, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is set in the heights of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat overlooking the Bay of Villefranche and the Bay of Beaulieu.

A perfect shade of candy pink, the villa was built between 1905 and 1912 for Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild and is inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The villa is surrounded by 4 acres of exquisite, tiered gardens comprising 9 different themed areas: including French, Spanish, Japanese, French Provencal, and the enviable the Rose Garden. Spend a day or early evening exploring the grounds, and meander through the villa to view Beatrice’s collection of fine art, porcelain, and furniture.

If you can squeeze it in, set aside an afternoon to explore Eze; one of France’s most beautiful medieval villages which sits on the south-east Provence hills above Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Enter the 14th Century village gate and weave your way around the narrow streets and stone buildings to find a smattering of charming ships and cafes, and some of the best views back across the Mediterranean.

And finally, pack your trainers and explore the 14kms of scenic coastal pathway that winds around the Cap Ferrat peninsular. You can can walk from Beaulieu to Cap Ferrat, and the enthusiastic runners amongst us can wizz on further to Villefranche.

DINE - Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Scoot around to the picturesque fishing village of Villefranche-Sur-Mer. Here the streets are lined with provincial-pastel-coloured buildings dating back to the 12th century, and being historically inhabited by Italians, you will find the ideal marriage of French meets Italian atmosphere.

Take early evening aperitifs at Achill’s casual rooftop bar which overlooks the bustling port. Then head into the historic oldtown and work your way around the maze of alleyways. You will stumble across myriad of quaint French restaurants to dine at – we loved Les Garcons for a chic alfresco candle lit-dinner or try the legendary La Mere Germaine on the harbour for some of the best seafood and bouillabaisse in town.

TREAT - La Cave de Beaulieu

Champagne, of course! Secure a perch at La Cave de Beaulieu – a short walk from La Reserve – make friends with the bar tender who will introduce you bubbles from exceptional yet otherwise-unknown boutique Champagne Houses and a selection of the region’s best Rose. Sante!

shop - Le MARCHE

When in France – le marche! Saturday or Sunday mornings calls for café-au-lait, a freshly baked croissant and a stroll through one of the areas Provincial Markets. You can stock up on the region’s world-class cheese and wine, and you may be lucky enough to find that unique French antique that you’ll treasure forever. Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Eze and Villefranche-Sur-Mer all have wander-worthy weekend markets, with the Villefranche hosting a fabulous antique market each Sunday.

Also in News

STUART CANTOR X EDEN ROCK ST BARTHS EXHIBITION

June 02, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the launch Stuart's latest exhibition at Eden Rock, St Barths. Titled 'St Barths Magique' the exhibition showcases images from Stuart's St Barths Series which capture the natural beauty and allure of Eden Rock, the social epicentre of the magical island.

THE TRAVEL EDIT - VENICE

May 21, 2024

Inspired by Stuart Cantor's THE VENICE SERIES in this TRAVEL EDIT we list our favourite places in Venice to stay, take aperitivo, dine, shop and explore.

ST BARTHS MAGIQUE SERIES LAUNCH

December 08, 2023

"I wanted to capture the natural splendour and relaxed party spirit that has been drawing the international jet-set for decades.."

Item		Price	Qty	Total
		Subtotal	$0.00
		Shipping
		Total