The Millionaires playground of Cap Ferrat is reportedly one of the richest areas of Europe. It rivals Monaco for more millionaires per hectare. Cap Ferrat, South France first became the destination of the rich and famous just after the First World War. King Leopold II of Belgium, started the trend for building magnificent villas.

The writer W. Somerset Maugham bought Villa Mauresque in 1928 and lived there before and after World War II. Current famous residents include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in Villa Maryland and musical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The town was also visited by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. The actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor regularly spent vacations here in a villa owned by David Niven. The former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, also spent time here painting the landscapes.

 

However, before the arrival of Royalty and famous writers and Painters, the area around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, was not particularly inviting. It was just a small fishing village, with a derelict castle and a small church (Chapelle Saint-Hospice). This stretch of coastline was for much of its history, just a barren wasteland. It wasn't until the local municipal authorities built a large reservoir in 1876, that coastline here was transformed into a lush, green haven.

It is amazing that given its humble beginnings, today St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is officially the second most expensive place to buy real estate in the World, after Monaco. The town has a permanent population of around 1500 people. 

 

Cap Ferrat beach, South France

What originally drew visitors to the headland of coast was the marvellous views and the beautiful sandy beach. South France has many fine beaches, but the beaches around Cap Ferrat are reportedly amongst the best on the French Riviera. Just below the classy village of Saint-Jean you will find a tree lined stretch of sand with a shallow bay. The water is crystal clear and you can get a wonderful view of the palatial mansions by swimming out into the bay.

The Cap Ferrat beach of Paloma Plage is popular with divers (on account of the clear water). The public stretch of Cap Ferrat beach at Paloma Plage can be found by heading towards Paloma point and walking down the short footpath to the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

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Where to next . . . ?

If you are visiting the South of France this summer, then get the inside track on the best Places to see & visit in the South of France in 2026 (written by people who live in Southern France all year around). Read about the best restaurants to eat at, get local information on the best beaches to visit and discover the best tourist sites, markets and festivals to see during your stay.

 

Best beach bars in South France Find the best beach bars & restaurants in South France to visit during 2026. From glitzy private beach clubs on the French Riviera to Oyster shacks on the Languedoc coast	Best restaurants South France Discover our favourite restaurants to eat at in South France from Michelin star restaurants to beach restaurants and local restaurants where you can still enjoy a Plat de Jour for €13 euros.
Best festivals in South France  The summer comes alive in the South of France with crazy festivals. Discover everything from large music festivals to local festivals celebrating the humble apricot and Water Jousting!	Best markets in South of France Search out the best local markets to visit during your stay in the South of France this summer. We cover everything from local village markets to antique fairs and truffle markets in Provence.
Villas with private pools in South France Book a villa in the South of France for this summer through Go Languedoc and avoid all the hefty additional bookings fees of Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.	Best tourist sites to visit in South France in 2026 Read about the best tourist sites to visit during 2026. Our articles cover Provence, the French Riviera and the old Languedoc region of Southern France.

 

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