Roquebrun-Cap-Martin [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/villederoquebrunecapmartin]
The pretty French Riviera vacations resort of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, is one of the most picturesque places to visit on the Côte d'Azur. Roquebrune enjoys spectacular views of the bay of Menton and the Italian Riviera. The beaches around the Roquebrun Cap Martin are stylish and chic, offering visitors a true taste of the French Riviera lifestyle. Roquebrun Cap Martin's proximity to Monaco ensures that it is very popular with visitors throughout the tourist season.
Roquebrun Cap Martin is also famous for hosting the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters at the the Monte Carlo Country Club is located on the outskirts of the village.
There are actually two parts to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. There is a lovely medieval village of Roquebrune, which is perched on rocky cliffs high above the Mediterranean. Its location provides some amazing views over the coastline. In the heart of the old town, there is a Medieval castle and an impressive 12th century church and its picturesque narrow stepped-streets are great to stroll around. There are also lovely little squares and fountains and charming buildings with wrought-iron balconies. The main square of Roquebrune is tucked in between the chateau and the cliffs and provides great views. In the evening this is a great place for people-watching whilst you wait for the sun setting over nearby Monaco.
Cap-Martin, is a beautiful wooded peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, just below the village of Roquebrune. Cap Martin has some of the most expensive real estate along the French Riviera and you will find plenty of sumptuous villas here, some dating back to the late 19th century. Cap Martin has it's own train station that runs along the French Riviera coast between Menton, Monaco and Nice.
French Riviera vacations: the Belle Epoque
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has been one of the most sought-after locations on the French Riviera, by both artists and the aristocracy. The 'Belle Epoque' era, or golden age of Europe (from 1871 to World War 1) witnessed significant development of the French Riviera coast. The peace and prosperity in Paris spilled over into the South of France, as many artists and wealthy citizens discovered the French Riviera and took winter vacations in newly built hotels and villas.
During the 1920's, the French fashion designer, Coco Chanel, bought the five acre plot in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, on which she built Villa La Pausa. The plot had formerly been part of the hunting grounds of the ruling family of Monaco, the Grimaldis, and contained wild olive and orange groves. The villa was designed by the architect Robert Streitz and built in less than a year later. The final cost of the villa was 6 million francs (it is not clear whether Chanel or her lover, Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster financed the building). Either way, this French Riviera villa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, has witnessed an impressive list of guests. Winston Churchill often stayed at La Pausa villa, as the guest of Wendy Russell, the wife of a wealthy publisher (who bought La Pausa from the proceeds of the foreign-language rights to Churchill's book on the Second World War). Other notable guests hosted included the aristocrats Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the actors Greta Garbo, Errol Flynn and Clark Gable.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France beaches
The two most famous beaches in Cap Martin, France, are Plage de Buse and Plage du Golfe Bleu, both of which are public beaches. Roquebrun-Cap-Martin beach is situated on the Eastern side of Cap Martin, long Promenade Cap Martin and Promenade Robert Schuman.
One alternative to the public beaches is the Monte Carlo private beach club. This is situated in a stunning location, looking out over a beautiful Côte d'Azur bay on Cap Martin. This luxurious beach is family friendly, offering a kids' club, an ice-cream bar, beach volleyball, ping pong, baby foot and WIFI access. There are 200 tents, 120 cabanas and 30 solariums for those wanting additional privacy. It is a luxurious spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon on the French Riviera. The Monte Carlo beach club is about a 20 minute walk to the centre of Monaco, or alternatively there is a shuttle bus operated by the hotel.
Le Corbusier and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
The famous Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, lived and died in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. He was famous for designing the United Nations headquarters building in New York, Villa Savoye on the outskirts of Paris and his trademark house in Zurich (now simply referred to as the Le Corbusier House). The log cabin in Roquebrune (Le Cabanon), which he designed and built as his own holiday home and where he spent his last few years, is now a small museum which you can visit.
Located on Promenade Le Corbusier, the small wooden cabin is hidden amongst the trees and you could easily pass it by without realising is architectural significance. Built between 1951-1952, it is the site where Le Corbusier preferred to spend time in the summers months of August and September. Le Corbusier was famously quoted as saying:
"I have a castle on the Riviera which is 3.66 meters by 3.66 meters. I did it for my wife and is an extravagant place of comfort and kindness".
This is a slight exaggeration. Designed as a prototype for the "minimum habitat model" or low-cost housing in modern-speak, this small unit has a tiny door and access within the cabin is based on the 'Modulor scale' (basically fitting the internal dimensions perfectly to the height of the inhabitant).
Where to next . . . ?
Read our article on Villefranche beaches South France.- See our reviews on the Best beach restaurants in South France to visit.
- Read our articles on the Best beaches in South of France.
- Planning a trip to the South of France? Check out our Beach houses in South France to rent.
Read our article on Contact Iain by Email if you have any particular questions you would like to ask about visiting the South of France. If you liked the article then please share it with others using the Instagram and Facebook button. I wish you a wonderful stay in the South of France.
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.
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Contact us by Email if you have any particular questions you would like to ask about visiting the South of France. If you liked the article then please share it with others using the Instagram and Facebook buttons. I wish you a wonderful stay in the South of France.
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