Beaches in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: a guide to Passable and Paloma
The beaches of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are very different from those elsewhere on the French Riviera. They are small pebble beaches rather than sand, and the atmosphere is far more relaxed, with no loud party restaurants. Cap Ferrat is above all a place of fine real estate and historic houses, and its beaches reflect that quieter character.
There are two beaches on the peninsula, Passable and Paloma. Both are similar in size and clientele, both are well suited to families, and each has a beach restaurant of the same name. In summer they become busy, as the area, including neighbouring Villefranche-sur-Mer and Eze, attracts many visitors.
Passable beach
Passable lies on the Villefranche side of the peninsula, overlooking the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Its beach restaurant, Passable, rents sunloungers and is open for lunch and in the evening during the season. Parking nearby is limited, but the restaurant offers a valet service.
Best for: families, and a relaxed day by the water with lunch or dinner on the beach.
Alexandra’s tip: take a moment to look around. Several beautiful properties can be seen from the beach, including Villa Radiana.
Villas within walking distance of Passable beach
Paloma beach
Paloma sits right next to Saint-Hospice, on the eastern side of the peninsula, facing Monaco and Italy. Its beach restaurant, Paloma, rents sunloungers and is open for lunch and in the evening during the season. Parking at the beach is limited, but the restaurant offers a valet service.
Best for: families, and those staying near the port or Saint-Hospice.
Alexandra’s tip: Paloma is very close to the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Park at the port and walk to the beach in around five minutes.
Villas within walking distance of Paloma beach
The beach below the Royal Riviera hotel
On the border between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a third beach area lies right below the Royal Riviera, a five-star hotel. The hotel has its own private beach, with a public beach right next to it. Like Passable, the area has a water sports centre.
Best for: water sports.
Club Dauphin
Club Dauphin is part of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, and is owned by the hotel. Unlike many hotel clubs, it is open to the public. There is no beach here: Club Dauphin has a swimming pool and direct access to the sea from the rocks. It is the most exclusive option on the peninsula, and the most expensive.
Best for: those who prefer a pool and swimming from the rocks to a pebble beach.
Villas within walking distance of Le Club Dauphin
Practical information
All beach restaurants are seasonal, opening from around April until October. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during the busiest period from mid-July to mid-August. Parking is limited at both beaches, so the restaurants’ valet service or a short walk from the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are the easiest options.
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