Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France

July 18, 2019

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat I wit & whimsy

Bienvenue (“welcome”) to my last post from June’s trip to France! It’s been so much fun to re-live my 10 days overseas with you and today I am saving one of my favorite days for last!

After we spent the early morning in Eze, we got an Uber to drive to the peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. I truthfully knew next to nothing about this part of Southern France and now I honestly can’t wait to return!

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

Our first stop in Cap Ferrat was the Villa et Jardins Ephrussi di Rothschild which is a stunning former private home and its gardens. This property is, in short, stunning. The pink-painted villa was built by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild shortly after her divorce and just as the French Riviera was being discovered. It served strictly as her winter home if you can believe it! It took seven years to complete the gardens and the home and the property has a fascinating history. If you have time, watch the film that plays in the upper level of the home – it was so insightful!

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

The views at the entrance of the villa may have just been one of my favorite parts!

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

We spent a long time exploring the grounds, taking in the sweeping views and even enjoying the water show accompanied by classic music that happens on the main back lawn every twenty minutes. So many sights to behold at this beautiful spot!

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

The gardens at the property vary – there is the rose garden, the Japanese garden, the Spanish garden, the exotic garden…they are vast and each amazing to take in particularly as you account for the sweeping sea views seen from throughout the property. I heard Béatrice wanted it to feel like being on a cruise ship – sea views from every angle.

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

Can you imagine waking up to this view every morning?

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

Villa Rothschild I wit & whimsy

After we left the villa, we were starving so we took a 20 minute walk down to the main town of Cap Ferrat in search of salads and rosé. There are a number of restaurants that dot along the harbor with plenty of umbrellas to keep you in the shade and away from the hot French sun while you refuel. After lunch we set out for Paloma Plage which I had read was a beautiful beach. The little cove did not disappoint.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat I wit & whimsy

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat I wit & whimsy

Just before Paloma Plage we came across Plage des Fossettes which was being hit by the sun in just the most breathtaking way. I made a point of taking it all in and expressing gratitude in that moment for the life I get to lead.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat I wit & whimsy

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat I wit & whimsy

After our day of exploring, it was time to head back to our Airbnb in Nice and get ready for dinner. On Merritt’s bucket list was having dinner at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc which is actually a bit out of the way but we braved the traffic and headed out for Antibes.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

This glamorous hotel is famous for many a reason but probably most for its pool scene set against the glittering sea. We arrived shortly before 6:30 and it was truly majestic to see this sight I had only ever witnessed on Instagram and in movies.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

After walking around the property, we had a drink at the Grill while we awaited the main restaurant to open for our 7pm dinner reservation. Truth be told, dinner was utterly disappointing. It is extremely expensive and I have had many a better meal for far less in my life. (Case in point the prix fixe at Verjus which I had the following night in Paris for 1/3 of the price of my Cap du Roc dinner). You certainly pay for the setting and the all-glass views at the restaurant are breathtaking indeed, but I would say skip dining there and go for a celebratory, treat-yourself cocktail only at the Grill. If it’s nice weather you can sit outside and listen to the ocean and it’s pretty magical. Or visit the rooftop champagne lounge for a drink.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc I wit & whimsy

I hope you’ve enjoyed all my posts from my June trip to France – thank you for following along here and on Instagram.

As always, France…I cannot wait to return <3.

. . .

What I wore:

Red Jumpsuit (size 6 – also comes in black. I LOVE this jumpsuit and also spotted thisthis and this by the same brand) // Talbots Bow Sandals (no majorly on sale! So comfy & come in 3 colors) // Staud Cage Bucket Bag // Gingham Jumpsuit (such a chic piece! I loved wearing this! Only $48 and wearing a US8) // Espadrille Wedges (also seen here, here) // Staud Bag

p.s. my wanderlust list and my favorite day in Provence.

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