Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat, French Riviera, France
Nestled between Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a jewel of the French Riviera, offering a perfect blend of Belle Époque charm and Mediterranean glamour. This tranquil seaside town sits adjacent to the exclusive Cap Ferrat peninsula, home to the spectacular Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and luxurious celebrity villas. With its sheltered bay, palm-lined promenades, and stunning architecture, Beaulieu-sur-Mer provides a more relaxed alternative to its bustling neighbors while maintaining easy access to the region's highlights.
How to get there
Reaching Beaulieu-sur-Mer by car requires strategic planning to avoid Nice's notorious traffic. The most efficient route is to exit the A8 highway at exit 56 (signposted for Monaco, Cap d'Ail, Beausoleil), then follow the scenic D6007 and D6098 coastal roads through Costa Plana and Saint-Laurent-d'Eze. This approach offers breathtaking sea views and avoids urban congestion.
For a stress-free alternative, consider taking the TER train from Nice (15-minute ride) or Monaco (10-minute ride) - the Beaulieu-sur-Mer station is just 500m from the town center. During peak season (June-August), parking becomes extremely limited, making public transport the smarter choice. Electric bike rentals are also available from Nice for a pleasant 40-minute coastal ride.
Parking in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Parking options include:
- Hôtel La Réserve parking (1; GPS: 43.706298, 7.335552) - Convenient for visiting Villa Kerylos (€3/hour)
- Av. Fernand Dunan street parking (2; GPS: 43.704094, 7.331733) - Free but limited to 2 hours
- Marina parking lot (GPS: 43.6905, 7.3308) - Best for Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat access (€2.50/hour)
The Hôtel La Réserve parking is our top recommendation for its central location and security. From here, it's a pleasant 10-minute stroll along the waterfront to Villa Kerylos, passing luxury yachts and Belle Époque villas. Note that parking spaces shrink dramatically from June-September - arriving before 10 AM greatly improves your chances.
Villa Kerylos
The stunning Villa Kerylos (A; GPS: 43.703159, 7.333892) is a meticulous reconstruction of an ancient Greek villa, built in 1902-1908. This architectural masterpiece features:
- Authentic Hellenistic mosaics and frescoes
- Breathtaking sea views from its cliffside perch
- Lush Mediterranean gardens with rare plants
Admission costs €11.50 (€9 reduced). The €24 combo ticket with Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild offers excellent value. Open daily 10 AM-6 PM (until 7 PM July-August). Allow 1-1.5 hours to fully appreciate the villa's extraordinary details, from its marble atrium to the reconstructed ancient library.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The pink-hued Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (C; GPS: 43.696389, 7.328948) is Cap Ferrat's crown jewel. Built 1905-1912 for Baroness Béatrice, this seaside palace features:
- Nine themed gardens (French, Spanish, Japanese, etc.)
- Exceptional collections of porcelain and fine art
- Musical fountain shows every 20 minutes
Entry costs €16 (€13 reduced). The €24 combo ticket with Villa Kerylos is highly recommended. For €34, add the Exotic Garden in Èze - perfect for those continuing to this medieval village. Arrive early to enjoy the gardens at their tranquil best before crowds arrive.
Promenade Maurice Rouvier
This breathtaking coastal path connects Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, passing:
- The ultra-exclusive Maryland estate (B; GPS: 43.693508, 7.331829)
- Hidden coves with crystal-clear waters
- Panoramic views across the Mediterranean
The 30-minute walk is mostly flat with benches for rest stops. Early morning offers the best light for photography and the chance to spot yachts returning to port. While Maryland itself is private, the views from the path are spectacular.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The charming fishing village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers:
- Picturesque marina parking (3; GPS: 43.691424, 7.333199)
- Paloma Beach (D; GPS: 43.686238, 7.341798) with its famous views
- Historic sites featured in Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief"
The marina area boasts excellent seafood restaurants like Le Provençal, perfect for lunch with a view. Paloma Beach's turquoise waters make it ideal for a refreshing swim after sightseeing.
Walking trail around the peninsula
The Sentier du Bord de Mer is a must-do 3km loop offering:
- Start at Jardin de la Paix near Les Fossettes beach (E; GPS: 43.6864747, 7.3398186)
- Option to shorten via Sentier Edmund Davis (F; GPS: 43.6848842, 7.3452689)
- Finish at stunning Paloma Beach (G; GPS: 43.6861025, 7.3420717)
This easy, wheelchair-accessible path takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. Morning walks reward visitors with calm seas and optimal photography conditions. Don't forget sunscreen and water - shade is limited along the route.
Local Tips
For the best experience:
- Visit villas early (opening time) to avoid crowds
- Wednesday mornings feature a charming local market
- Try socca (chickpea pancake) at Chez René in Beaulieu
- Sunset at Paloma Beach is unforgettable
The Beaulieu-sur-Mer tourist office offers excellent free maps and guided walk schedules. Between April-October, evening villa visits with special illuminations create magical atmospheres.
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