One of the most delightful ways to experience the beauty of the French Riviera coastline is to spend a few hours strolling the coastal paths of Cap Ferrat. There are 14 kilometres of pathways winding around and through the peninsula and the scenery is ever-changing. As you can see from the map below you have a choice of three routes.

The shortest and easiest path is the 35-minute walk to Beaulieu-sur-Mer along the promenade Maurice Rouvier in the upper right. As there are no steps and the path is flat this is a good route for the elderly or for those with toddlers in strollers.

Next up in difficulty is the promenade de Saint-Hospice which starts around the port, takes you past Paloma beach and circles back to the port in about 1 1/2 hours. This walk is relatively flat.

The longest walk is the tour du cap also leaving from the port which takes you all around Cap Ferrat. Passing the Grand Hotel, you walk around the lighthouse and past several smaller beaches before finishing near Passable beach and then returning to the village. There are stairs and hilly portions of this walk, making it a nice workout. It takes about two hours.

Questions about the Cap Ferrat Walks

Do I need a map?
Although you could pick up a map at the tourist office, the walks are well-signposted. It's impossible to get lost.

What about refreshments?
Bring food and water. Except for beach showers and beach restaurants (if open), you won't be able to get food or water along the way. There are plenty of benches to enjoy a sandwich though.

What about toilets?
There are facilities at Paloma Plage beach but they are open only from June to September. The walks are very exposed and there are very few places to duck into the bushes.

What is the best season?
For the tour de cap and promenade Saint-Hospice I recommend going from autumn through spring. The walk is exposed to the sun and can be quite hot in summer. Nothing stops you from refreshing yourself at a beach though! The promenade Maurice-Rouvier is sunnier in the morning as it faces east.