Discover the millionaire's paradise

The Cap-Ferrat peninsula, east of Nice, is truly a millionaire's paradise. Known for its spectacular beauty, this breathtaking location attracts the very wealthy who live in their impressive luxury villas, which are carefully protected behind high hedges and solid gates that testify to privacy and exclusivity. An excellent way to get a taste of this world is to follow the ‘Circuit du Cap-Ferrat’, a scenic route that takes you past the charming little town at the tip of the peninsula, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This town is almost like a large residential neighbourhood that bears the mark of its aristocratic history. However, in the early 1900s, the area was known as a fishing village where local tuna fishermen returned home every evening with their catch, which today feels like a distant memory of a simpler time.

It was King Léopold of Belgium who in the 19th century initiated the development of Cap-Ferrat as an attractive holiday destination when he built the magnificent ‘Villa Les Cèdres ’ facing Villefranche on the west side of the peninsula. The villa, which today stands as a symbol of the region's glamour, is surrounded by a large park that is now open to the public and invites visitors to explore its beauty. Many famous personalities have been associated with the peninsula, including icons such as Greta Garbo, David Niven, Charlie Chaplin, Edith Piaf, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and author Somerset Maugham, whose villas still grace the area and add an extra dimension to its history.

One of the peninsula's finest treasures is the ‘Musée Ephrussi de Rothschild’, a magnificent pink and white belle époque style villa that stands as a monument to elegance and wealth. Ideally located in the centre of the peninsula with views of the sparkling sea on both sides, the museum offers an extensive collection of fabulous art treasures and antiques. Here you can admire antique furniture, paintings, porcelain, carpets and tapestries from the 18th century that are enveloped in an atmosphere of history and luxury. In addition to the indoor treasures, the museum is also surrounded by a magnificent 7-hectare subtropical garden, making it an ideal place for art lovers and nature lovers alike.

From the ‘Plage de Passable ’ at the southern tip of the island starts a small path that winds along the entire coastline and invites you for a wonderful walk. This affordable stroll, which can be adapted in length to suit your needs, is particularly recommended and offers excellent views, including the idyllic Villefranche-sur-Mer on the other side of the bay. It's a great idea to bring some food and drink along for the ride, as there are several good opportunities to take a little rest on the soft rocks by the water. On a hot summer's day, it's also wise to bring a swimsuit and a towel as the crystal clear waves invite you to take a refreshing dip. For those who don't fancy jumping right off the rocks, there are several convenient spots where you can easily take a quick dip in the blue sea, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

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