Tour description – Hiking around Cap-Ferrat
This scenic hike is suitable for all ages and can be customized in length depending on where you choose to start and end.
The full route of approximately 15 km begins in the center of Villefranche-sur-Mer, while the shorter version of around 4.5 km starts at the Phare du Cap-Ferrat lighthouse and takes you halfway around the peninsula before returning.
We chose to take the classic 6.5 km route from the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and all the way around back to the starting point.
The tour offers a varied and beautiful coastal path where you can enjoy the French Riviera’s dramatic rocky coastline, hidden coves and incomparable views of the Mediterranean.
The walk begins on a wide path that almost resembles a boulevard before gradually narrowing into a more classic and intimate coastal path.
- Length: 6.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time required: 1.5-2 hours
- Elevation: +/- 75 m
Tour start – Hiking around Cap-Ferrat
The hike starts at the harbor of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, right by the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. You can choose to visit the church either before or after the tour.
From the port, follow the road for about 100 meters until you see the small Passage des Fosses on your right. This passage leads you to Avenue Claude Vignon, where you turn right. After about 150 meters, the coastal path starts on your left along Chemin de la Carrière.
Shortly after, about 100 meters ahead, you’ll pass Anse des Fossés cove and Plage de la Fosse, one of the two beaches on this side of the peninsula.
From here you simply follow the path all the way to Plage Passable which you’ll reach after about 5 km.
Along the way, the landscape changes character – from the raw, almost moon-like terrain at the tip of Cap-Ferrat to small, colorful rocky coves where you can sunbathe and take a dip in the clear water.
Once you reach Plage Passable, you can follow the cozy residential streets back to the port. We highly recommend making a stop along the way and visiting the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild which features a unique villa and nine beautiful themed gardens.
It is one of the most impressive mansions on the Riviera, where you can also enjoy lunch on the charming garden terrace in the garden.
Highlights of the hike around Cap-Ferrat
The hike offers many wonderful experiences along the way – here are some of the greatest:
- Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- The charming Saint-Jean-Baptiste church
- The sun cabins at the exclusive Hotel Cap Ferrat
- The scenic and dramatic coastline
- Fantastic views towards Villefranche-sur-Mer
- The elegant Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Relaxing lunch in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat after the tour
By Tommy Sverre – updated 2025
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