Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Three Potential Activities
Located between Nice and Monaco, the peninsula is a protected natural setting between land and sea. It’s one of my favorite places to go in the Côte d’Azur, therefore we go there often, both in the summer and winter. In addition to its stunning beaches and blue waters, the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat also features magnificent walking pathways along its shore.
This spot on the French Riviera is one of my absolute must-sees whenever I’m in the region, and that’s despite the fact that it’s not as well-known as the likes of Nice, Cannes, Monaco, or the villages of Eze and Saint Paul de Vence. the trip to the French Riviera. Of these 14 ideas for things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 12 are completely free.
Fosses Beach
Every year in the summer, my family and I visit this beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for some R&R in the sand and surf. We love it so much that it’s our go-to. The long, narrow beach is in a picturesque setting, backed by a forest of towering pine trees. You can see all of Anse des Fosses from here, and the southern orientation guarantees some sunshine. Because it is less popular than other beaches, it is also less noisy. The Bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is best experienced by boat, therefore I recommend renting one.
Cap Ferrat
This brief hike around Cap Ferrat can provide you some insight into the peninsula’s geology, animals, and flora. Along the trip, you may see the island’s lighthouse, which was constructed in 1732, and stunning views of Nice, Pointe Saint-Hospice, and Villefranche sur Mer Bay. The western part of the peninsula features several swimming coves. Just 200 meters separate Fosses Beach from the old stone quarry where the hike begins and ends. Villas atop the cap are among the most interesting you’ll find anywhere.
Snorkling
It’s a rare and free way to spend a summer day in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Underwater trail in Baie des Fossettes was a joint effort between the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council, the municipal government, and the SOS Grand Bleu organization. In operation during the summer months of July and August, it provides a window into the Mediterranean region’s vegetation and fauna.
This underwater trail may only be accessed from the Fossettes beach (mentioned above) with the aid of a mask and snorkel. Five buoys have been put at depths between zero and three meters along this 200-meter circuit. Underwater, you can read an explanation panel that gives more detail about the different habitats, such as Posidonia seagrass beds, stony bottoms, and sandy bottoms. The plates make it possible to identify the fish that have made the crossing in the water.