Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Its Paloma Beach

When we publish articles about French beaches, we sometimes receive comments on the beauty of our Brazilian coastline. These comments carry the underlying assumption: no one crosses the Atlantic to visit European beaches.

I agree that most travelers are not looking for sand, sun, beer, and coconut water, especially since here sand is rare, beer is warm, and coconut water is an imported and expensive product.

But I disagree with the argument itself. Visiting French beaches is experiencing an aspect of local culture. Visiting the beaches of Normandy and Brittany, for example, is to immerse oneself in a completely different maritime universe than our own. For a good part of the summer, temperatures are not very high, the water is cold, and a light sweater is part of daily life. In this case, the beach is enjoyed with high rubber boots, and the main activity for both children and adults is searching for shells and seafood during low tide.

I have many friends who love this Norman and Brittany summer, which contrasts with the tropical summer. They do not like the scorching heat, appreciate fresh air filled with iodine, enjoy water sports, and long walks along the coastal trails.

Others, however, choose the Mediterranean beaches because they are in search of real sun, warmer waters, and more festive and cosmopolitan environments where the social buzz accompanies the effervescence of champagne. This group appreciates wealth, contemporary comfort, and the beautiful beaches where cold wines are served alongside the chaise longue.

And so we arrive at the subject of this article, the beach Paloma Beach.

When I come across lists like "the most beautiful beaches in France," I always find the same ones: Palombaggia in Corsica, Pampelonne in Saint Tropez... and Paloma Beach in Saint Jean de Cap Ferrat.

For those who may not know, Saint Jean de Cap Ferrat is one of the most beautiful and elegant addresses on the Côte d'Azur, and Paloma Beach is its most beautiful beach. It's an iconic beach frequented for years by well-known names such as Matisse, Cocteau, Churchill, Roger Moore, Sean Connery, Elton John...

It is semi-private, meaning a restaurant occupies the central part of the small beach with its sun loungers, but the two sides are public. It has no sand, only galets (small round pebbles), and is next to a beautiful forest. From the beach, we have a privileged view of the bay of Beaulieu sur Mer, the mansions in the area, and the cliffs of Eze.

Access is only possible by sea or on foot via a trail called Sentier de la Pointe Saint Hospice. That's its secret. Since it is not visible and difficult to access, the beach is an almost confidential spot (if you are anchored in the bay, call the restaurant and they will pick you up by zodiac).

The trick is to reserve a table or a table + chaise longue or just a chaise longue at the restaurant and spend the day at the beach. But beware, the Côte d'Azur is crowded in July and August with all the well-known inconveniences. In June or September, however, the Côte becomes an elegant place.

The Paloma Beach restaurant operates from May until the end of September. It also offers opportunities for jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking...

Another tip is that if you take the coastal trails, you will find tiny and empty beaches. Just lay down your towel and enjoy the best that the region has to offer.

Click here to visit the Paloma Beach website and make your reservations.

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