Chartering a Yacht in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Yacht CharterAbout St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | Getting There | Climate | History of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | Things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | Restaurants | Our Charter YachtsAbout Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a jagged peninsula jutting into the sea just north of Villefranche - the most famous of the "Caps" in the French Riviera, and home to exclusive villas, a Rothschild estate, the renowned Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, and a nice Zoo. This stunning peninsula features a picturesque port, and has a delightful stone path that allows you to hike the entire peninsula by the sea, drinking in view after stunning view. There's a small beach near the port, but Cap-Ferrat is famously rocky and jagged, making for excellent views and picture taking. Getting ThereIf you're going to start your charter at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, it is just a short drive from the Nice airport. If you'll be arriving by yacht, it is an easy cruise or sail from Cannes, Nice or Monaco (less than 1 hour by motorboat), and should be on any itinerary that includes these large port towns. Climate and WeatherSaint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has a mild, delightful Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures range from 9°C/48°F in January to 23°C/73°F in the summer. There is very little rainfall in the summer, making it ideal for holidays and charters. Although occasionally the Mistral winds arrive, it is more sheltered by the mountains than for example St Tropez, so the winds are not as strong. History of Saint-Jean-Cap-FerratLike all strategic ports lining the Mediterranean, Saint-Jean has a history that has seen it bounced back and forth between the conquering powers stretching back to ancient times. It was first settled by Celto-ligurian tribes, then by the Lombards at the end of the 6th Century. The Saracens occupied the region in the 8th century, using it as a pirate base until the 11th Century. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was given by treaty to the Dukes of Savoy in 1388, who held on to it for several hundred years and constructed a fort to secure the coastline from invaders. The fort could not hold out the Duke of Berwick and the Cap was occupied by the French Army under King Louis XIV in 1706. It became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1814 after Napoleon's abdication, but reverted permanently through treaty to become part of France in 1860. In the early 1900's Cap-Ferrat became a magnet for the rich and famous. King Léopold II of Belgium built several residences and an artificial lake. Amongst other luminaries, Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild built the Palazzo in 1905, now known as Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and renowned for its sculpted gardens. To this day, Cap-Ferrat continues to attract the super rich and famous. Things to do in St-Jean-Cap-FerratTwo of the major pursuits in Cap-Ferrat are strolling along the peninsula on the beautiful rocky path admiring the views and the villas, and having a relaxing meal in the restaurants lining the port or just above in the town. For animal lovers, and kids especially, there is a very cute Zoo in easy walking distance from the port. If you like mingling with the rich and famous, Cap-Ferrat is one of the best places in the world to do so. On top of the hill behind the town you can see the houses of both Microsoft founders - Bill Gates and Paul Allen (and you might get a view of one of Paul Allen's famous yachts as well). You can walk beneath the sail house of Sir Norman Foster, and lunch at the Grand Hotel du Cap, to see who else of note might be there. And don't forget to check out the yachts anchored just outside the port - some of the most expensive yachts in the world pull up here on a regular basis during high season. If you have the time to explore a bit further, and have access to a car, we highly recommend the drive to the hilltop medieval town of Eze, to see the amazing views down the cliffs to the water. You will also want to explore the quaint seaside towns of Eze-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. RestaurantsYou have any number of restaurants to choose from lining the port or just above in the town - a leisurely lunch enjoying the view, the boats and people watching is very easy to come by in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. If you're looking for something more upscale (and maybe hoping to bump into someone famous) you can try one of these gourmet restaurants: Our Charter YachtsExcited about going to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat? Boatbookings.com can find you the ideal charter yacht. Click here to see our St Jean Cap Ferrat Charter Yachts or simply contact us and we'll recommend the best boat for you.
Other French Destinations: the French Riviera | Cannes | Antibes | St Tropez | Monaco | Cannes to Monaco Itinerary | Corsica Photos courtesy of Boatbookings.com Staff
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