Every year, tourists flock to the hidden gems of the South of France. Families rent villas in Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer houses, or hotels to drive to all the nearby cities. Continue reading to find out more about the most well-known spots:
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a 6,000-person resort town on the French Riviera, 6 kilometers east of Nice and 10 kilometers southwest of Monaco. The bay of Villefranche is one of the Mediterranean’s deepest harbors. Between Cape Nice and Cap Ferrat, it reaches a depth of 95m and extends south for 500m, forming the Villefranche Canyon about 1 nautical mile from the coast. Large Mediterranean cruise ships regularly dock here due to the bay’s depth, and thousands of passengers disembark for excursions to the nearby town of Eze.
If you walk along the steep streets, you can see the old town of Villefranche in half a day. As shown on the map below, the perpendicular streets connecting the roughly parallel streets running along the coast are all made up of stairs.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has hosted royalty, heads of state, stars, and celebrities since the early nineteenth century, making it one of the most opulent destinations in the South of France. Throughout history, it has retained its distinct, unspoiled charms. The city and its port exude sophistication, style, and high living standards. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, located just a few kilometers from Nice, Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, and Monaco, entices visitors with the allure of a unique and preserved environment. In the heart of the Côte d’Azur, a green oasis. Beaches, restaurants, magnificent gardens, and sumptuous villas adorn this magnificent natural corniche. Edith Piaf, Charlie Chaplin, Elisabeth Taylor, Romy Schneider, David Niven, Jen-Paul Belmondo, The Rolling Stones, and, more recently, Tina Turner, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Johnny Depp, and Vanessa Paradis have all passed through the gates. Politicians and artists such as Henri Matisse and Jean Cocteau have all resided here. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a world-famous, exclusive, and fashionable seaside resort, but it is so much more.
Before having lunch or dinner at the Grand Hotel, we recommend visiting the estates and historic museums.
Beauleu-sur-Mer
Beaulieu-sur-Mer means “beautiful place” in French. This city has existed since the beginning of time. The inhabitants were subjected to numerous wars due to the beauty of the setting until Napoleon Bonaparte annexed the city to France, retaining its name. He only translated it from Italian to French as “Belloloco.” With a mild Mediterranean climate, sunny weather, picturesque landscapes, and azure sea waters, this is an excellent place to unwind. The beauty of these locations has drawn a diverse range of celebrities, including royal family members, business titans, and artists. After visiting Beaulieu-sur-Mer, you will remember the azure sea bathed in the sun’s rays, romantic rocks, golden beaches, and tropical gardens with graceful palm trees.
We recommend paying a visit to the Rotunda and the casino. Try the food at African Queen, a well-known French restaurant that has been in operation for over 20 years and has maintained its impeccable reputation year after year.
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