© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
Sentier Littoral : Tour du Cap Ferrat
A stroll around one of the most exclusive areas of the Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
The lighthouse that dominates the tip of the peninsula was originally built by the Sardinians in 1827 but was destroyed during the second world war and then rebuilt in the 1950’s. It’s not the most picturesque of lighthouses but has an interesting past and you can visit it on certain days when they do heritage tours, ask at the Tourist Office in the port for details.
Directions
From the port you head up the small shopping street of Avenue Jean Mermoz, to turn left onto Avenue Claude Vignon. Follow the road round to the left and continue along past the no entry signs until you come to a large metal gate, shielding a small enclave of exclusive villas from the riff-raff. You’ll start to pick up hiking signs for the “Sentier Littoral”, this route is also known as “Tour de la Presqu’île”.
A small passage to the left of the gate allows entry on foot and from here the road opens out into a large gravelled area scattered with driftwood and a few trees. This was once a quarry that supplied much of the stone used in the the building of the port of Monaco.
The first half of this walk is very arid with jagged limestone rocks, bleached white from the sun, contrasting against the bright blue of the sea. Uneven steps lead to little platforms at the water’s edge, where you’ll often see bronzed locals fishing of an evening.
The footpath gently meanders around the headland, not gaining much altitude other than the occasional staircase leading up or down to the next section.
To the left are gorgeous views of rocky coves, sparkling blue waves and the occasional sailboat whereas on the right are some of the Riviera’s most sought-after villas. Look up and all you’ll see is the odd balcony of a grand Belle Epoque mansion jutting out from the seclusion of the dense pine forest. How the other half live…
It’s not such a chore though, being down on the public footpath; it’s one of the more peaceful ones and there are dozens of secluded little nooks and hidden beaches where you can go for a dip. This does make it popular with naturists though, so don’t be surprised if you see more than you bargained for!
The second half of the loop is more shaded with lush foliage and pine trees spilling over from either side of the path. The views as you wind around the last few bends are lovely, you can see across to the bright pink bougainvillea of Villefranche-Sur-Mer and into the pretty bay of Plage de Passable. From the beach you simply climb the staircase up to the main road and either make your way back to the port or pick up the #81 bus from the Passable/Rothschild stop.
