Please follow this link to search for luxury property for sale on the Cote d’Azur from the Prestige Property Group.
The French Riviera is one of the most renowned stretches of coastline throughout the whole Mediterranean. Famed for its turquoise waters, endless summer days and beautiful quaint villages this stunning area can count St Tropez, Cannes and Monaco amongst its most well loved and documented destinations. Equally as synonymous with luxury and glamour are the three famous Caps: Cap d’Ail, Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes. Read on to discover what makes these three destinations some of the best feathers in the French Riviera’s cap.
Peaceful Cap d’Ail
Starting our journey from the north, Cap d’Ail is the first of our French Riviera destinations. Somewhat strangely named as the Garlic Cape, you’ll be pleased to hear that there is far more flora and fauna on offer in the way of pines, cacti and palms as opposed to rather pungent garlic.
Listed as a health resort since 1921, Cap d’Ail stretches for 4km from the border of Monaco along a peaceful coastal path. The seaside walks are glorious and on the right day and from the right spot, you can even enjoy panoramic views which incorporate not only France’s own Var coastline, but also stretch across to Italy.
Stunning 19th century Belle-Epoque villas line the way, many of which have been home to royalty, financiers and famous artists. Other former and predominantly seasonal residents of this little French community include Greta Garbo, Winston Churchill and Sacha Guitry.
The three beaches all boast the prestigious Blue Flag for water quality with its La Mala beach being one of the finest throughout the whole Cote D’Azur. Accessible by descending approximately 100 steep steps from the town centre, the trek is well worth it as this stunning beach is enveloped by steep cliffs and fringed by palm trees creating a dramatically perfect backdrop. The water is incredibly inviting and waves are rare, making this a very family friendly beach despite its more tricky approach.
The Exclusive Cap Ferrat
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive addresses not just in France, but the whole of Europe. In fact, some would even argue the world. This woody indented peninsula is dotted with idyllic coves which offer quiet sandy beaches and gentle calm waters.
Exploring by foot is a must and starting from the port, the promenade allows you to discover the entire 11km stretch of coastline. The port itself was once just a small fishing harbour but has now completely transformed and is today home to large yachts with millionaire owners.
The village is rather small and heavily residential with the very expensive homes hidden amongst tropical gardens and high fences. There are three local beaches to discover, Paloma, Passable, and Cro de Peï Pin. Although not the largest, Paloma Plage is certainly the place to go for complete relaxation. There is a private beach restaurant simply called Paloma Beach which is extremely popular in the summer months so booking is a must.
No visit to Cap Ferrat is complete without seeing the world famous Rothschild villa, or Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild to give it its full title. This distinctive rose coloured villa was built between 1905-1912 for Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild of the Rothchild banking family. The Baroness furnished this incredible mansion with antique furniture, master paintings, sculptures and rare porcelain and upon her passing in 1934, bequeathed the property and its possessions to the French Academy of Fine Arts and today it is open to the public.
The stunning grounds, classified as one of the Notable Gardens of France by the French Ministry of Culture, comprise of nine distinct gardens divided into different themes: Florentine, Spanish, French, Exotic, Japanese, Rosa Provencal, a stone garden and a garden de Sevres. Be sure to allow time to fully explore and immerse yourself in the lavish pleasures synonymous with the Belle Époque Côte d’Azur.
Star Studded Cap d’Antibes
Since the 19th Century Cap d’Antibes has been the location of choice for many aristocrats, artists and literati including Claude Monet, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Still popular with the rich and famous, Cap d’Antibes sees a particular surge in its well known visitors once year when the annual Cannes Film Festival comes to town.
The famous Hotel Eden Roc is the place to see and be seen as it is packed with A Listers during the film festival. If you’re lucky enough to be able to reserve a table you are sure to find yourself surrounded by Hollywood’s finest but remember, if you want to blend in and look like you belong, act natural, be sure to wear sunglasses at all times and resist the urge to take photos!
For us normal folk, there are many ways to while away the hours in Cap D’Antibes including a visit to the magnificent La Garoupe beach. Calm and protected, this beautiful white sandy beach and sparkling bay is a haven for sun worshippers looking to catch the best of the day’s rays. Parts are managed by private beach restaurants so visitors need to rent a lounger for the day but there are still some parts of the beach that are open to the public.
La Garoupe beach also happens to be the starting point for the spectacular Sentier du Littoral trail, a full circle 5km walk which borders the local glitzy hotels and awe inspiring estates, perfect to satisfy your inner curiosity. Do be careful though as what begins as a nice paved promenade walk does turn into rocky paths on cliff sides 50 foot up which can be very dangerous in the wrong weather. The round walk takes around two hours to complete and will undoubtedly be a highlight of your stay, especially if you time it for sunset when the dazzling bay views are even more breathtaking.
Further Information
For more information on any of the properties featured in this article, please follow the appropriate link or click on the relevant image(s) to complete an enquiry form. Alternatively, please follow this link to search for more luxury property for sale on the Cote d’Azur from the Prestige Property Group.
For any other enquiries, please contact us here.