Let’s say it’s a sunny day outside of summer (or any season!) in the French Riviera and the sea is calling your name. A light hike is the perfect way to immerse yourself into the coastal beauty of the French Riviera while the beach clubs are closed; it can even be relaxing. Take the Promenade des Fossettes in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for example: it’s easy, breezy, and definitely beautiful!
I found myself in this exact predicament on a warm October day, which I refused to spend in the Nice city center. Hiking the stunning coastal Promenade des Fossettes loop (or Pointe Saint-Hospice trail) jutting out from ritzy Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was the perfect alternative. I got to watch the waves splash gently against the rocky coast while letting the sun hit my skin.
Are you ready to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean while hardly breaking a sweat? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this very doable coastal path, from how to get there to what to wear.
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Guide to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s Promenade des Fossettes
Quick Facts
- Length: 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy. I saw people of all ages doing this hike, including many children.
- Time: 45 minutes
- Terrain: Mostly flat with some narrow sections (any inclines are very mild). Path is paved and well-maintained.
- Scenery: Coastal cliffs, the Mediterranean sea, olive trees, & boats galore. A stone wall runs along the inland side of the path for almost the entire walk. The other side is open to the water, save for some low-lying vegetation. Note that there isn’t a whole lot of shade.
Good to Know: The Promenade des Fossettes is dog friendly and I saw several canine friends hiking in tandem with their humans. Just be sure to keep all pets on a leash.
What to Bring
Here are some items you’ll want to pack when walking the Promenade des Fossettes in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a carefree, comfortable experience:
- Athletic apparel: I was out of place wearing yoga pants on the trail. The French tend to wear more neutral, subdued shades of loose-fitting hiking shorts or breathable pants.
- Sunscreen: There isn’t a whole lot of shade on this trail, so remember your SPF! Here’s a wonderful French brand that I really like.
- Footwear: You don’t need clunky hiking shoes for this trail. I wore tennis shoes and was totally fine. You could probably also get away with a sturdy sandal. What I don’t recommend (for obvious reasons and yes I did see this) is wearing chunky wedges or any sort of heel.
- Hat: To protect from the sun.
- Water Bottle: Even when the weather report calls for mild temperatures, know that the sun can feel quite warm in Nice. Definitely have some water with you when doing any sort of physical activity. Since I didn’t have my insulated water bottle with me this time, I purchased some from the little Tabac store in town. There is a fountain where you can fill your bottle at the start of the trail.
- Camera: To capture the stunning scenery. I’ve been using the Sony A6000 for years and I’ve always been happy enough with the photo quality that I cannot justify springing for an upgrade.
- Cell phone: For photos, navigation, to call an Uber, to look up bus schedules, or in case of emergency.
Related: What to Pack for the South of France
How to Stroll the Promenade des Fossettes in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Hiking the stunning Promenade des Fossettes is completely free of charge. I have mapped the trail for you at this link. All you have to do is get there, which we’ll cover next.
Conditions will most likely be lovely, as the French Riviera is said to be sunny 300 days a year. However, be sure to constantly monitor the ever-changing maritime weather to ensure you don’t go out on one of the 65 rainy days (fall has the wettest months).
I felt totally comfortable hiking this trail alone during my solo trip, as its popularity ensures there are plenty of other people around.
1. Navigate to the Village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
From Nice’s Port Lympia, take the 15 bus (€1.70). If you find that the bus is full (which does happen) and you do not want to wait 20 minutes for the next one, it’s very easy to grab an Uber instead. After missing one, I didn’t want to chance encountering another full bus, so I opted for the Uber (about $23).
If you wish to drive, there are many parking options in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, from street parking to car parks. Oh and good news – parking is free from October 1st through April 30th! Pay any parking fees on your smartphone using the Flowbird app or bring coins for the meters.
You will find several car park options near the Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Related: Guide to Hiking the Stunning Cap d’Antibes
2. Stroll to the Jardin de la Paix
From the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat town center, continue walking to the Jardin de la Paix to find the trailhead. This should only take about ten minutes, as you stroll along the waterfront towards Plage les Fossettes (Fossettes Beach). Eventually, you’ll come upon a small park on your right with a sculpture of a jazzy mouse holding some sort of musical instrument to the left of the entrance.
This small park, which hosts Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrats’s annual jazz festival, is where you’ll encounter the entrance to Promenade des Fossettes. First, don’t forget to peer over the low wall ahead of you to admire the smooth turquoise waters of Plage les Fossettes.
3. Commence the Coastal Loop
When you are ready, find the trailhead to Promenade des Fossettes to your left. The flat stone path starts out with plenty of pines and other shade-giving trees, with the shimmering sea peaking through in between. While the shade won’t last, rest assured that the best views are yet to come!
4. Soak in the Scenery
The first half of the loop will bring you all the way out to the edge of this small peninsula to Pointe de Saint-Hospice. From that vantage point, you will have a fabulous view down the French Riviera towards Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d’Ail.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to super dreamy coastal scenery, so be prepared to take plenty of photos. It could also be a good idea to pack a picnic lunch, as there are plenty of serene spots to linger at along the path.
5. Use all Five Senses
Although this trail is short and rather easy, there is still a lot to notice. Feel the cool sea breezes, which carry the smell of pine and jasmine. Listen for the waves, as they wash up onto the rugged coast.
Look out for the olive trees and the plump green fruit that they bear. As far as taste, a glass of water to rehydrate from hiking in the sun and a subsequent lovely seaside lunch in town should hit the spot.
Besides other people for company, you may also see butterflies and the occasional boat easing on by.
6. End at Plage de la Paloma
The last stop on the Promenade des Fossettes before heading back into town is Plage de la Paloma. Feel free to rest in these gorgeous surroundings for a second or even take a swim if you want.
Although this beach is pebbly, the water is clear and calm. A number of boats anchored just off shore adds to the laidback beachy atmosphere. It’ll take about fifteen minutes to walk back to the port from Plage de la Paloma, whenever you’re ready (no rush!).
Have More Time? What to do Next:
- Visit the Chapelle de Saint-Hospice, which was built in the 11th century
- Take a dip in the sea at one of the area’s many beaches
- Grab lunch in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Explore neighboring Villefranche-sur-Mer
• • •
Now you are all set for a dreamy afternoon taking a lazy walk on the peninsular Promenade des Fossettes. It’s the perfect excuse to visit the luxurious albeit relaxed town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat during your French Riviera vacation.
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