Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Gay Nude Hideaways

To step away from Cannes, Nice and other areas for a moment, I would like to mention one of my favorite places on Earth.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or also locally known as Cap Ferrat.

One thing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is known for being is as one of the most expensive peninsulas in the world to own property.  And lucky for us, you will also be able to find a couple of gay-friendly, nude, sun bathing areas there.

Now these two “gay areas” are not necessarily as popular as St. Laurent-Eze Beach (St. Laurent-Eze Gay Nude Beach) but they are still worth the trip as the locations are of the most picturesque imaginable.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is located between Nice and Monaco.  More directly, the peninsula starts between the towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

There are many ways to get to the gay sun bathing areas.  The main thing you are going to want to keep in mind is that the lighthouse (Phare du Cap Ferrat) at the tip of Cap Ferrat is the landmark you are going to want to go towards.

This massive lighthouse can be seen from many different directions, even from the beach in Nice.  The gay-friendly areas are located just below the lighthouse.  Before you go, I advise you to take enough food and water supplies as there are no stores near the sun bathing areas, and to also wear decent running shoes.

If you are driving, just look for the various signs for the turns between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer that will take you directly into Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.  And because it is a peninsula, all streets in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat tend to take you in the direction of the lighthouse.  You will also be able to park for free on the street close to the lighthouse, provided you can find a space.

If you decide to walk to the gay sunbathing areas, but are taking the train to get to Cap Ferrat, I would choose to get off at the Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station.  This way if you forgot to pick up a perishable item, you can then do that by walking through Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which will very quickly take you into Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where in the Saint-Jean village you can also pick up items.

I say this because if you come by way of Villefranche-sur-Mer train station, and follow the coastline trail that outlines the peninsula to the lighthouse, you are not going to find any stores along the way.  For this walk, no matter what time of year it is, you are going to need to keep yourself hydrated.

From Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the coastline trail is very easy to find.  Take a left when you exit the train station, and immediately you will see boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc ahead of you, turn left when you are on the boulevard.

Outside the Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station

Walk down boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc, past the quaint shops for about 2-3 blocks until you are at the intersection of avenue des Hellènes.  Cross the street (where there is a grocery store) and continue to your right for a couple of blocks until you are at the sea and beach by the casino.

 

Continue this way along the sea and you will easily find the start of the coastline trail directly in right front of the Hotel Royal Riviera.  Simply follow the trail and take in all the wonderful scenery, while being surrounded by some of the most opulent properties you have ever seen.

Before you know it, you will be in Saint-Jean village.

You will know when you have arrived at Saint-Jean village when the coastline trail you are on, (Promenade Maurice Rouvier) takes you to avenue Denis Semeria.  Stay on your left alongside the sea into the village until you see avenue Claude Vignon to your right.

Cross on to that street, but stay on your left hand side and follow it until it turns into what feels like a private lane called: Chemin de la Carrière.

Simply stay on that street, walking past the private estates as the street turns into a gravel path, open section of land.  Head towards the derelict building in the distance, once just past the building the gravel path will then turn back to being a sidewalk along the sea.  Here you will continue to the gay areas.

I realize this is a lot of direction, but for a first time visitor, I want to try to make it easy for you to find if you are walking.

I know there are buses you can take, but also as a first time visitor, if you want to really take in the beautiful scenery, I always feel walking is a great way to experience it all and meet the locals.

You will start to know you are close to the gay area when you are on the trail, passing the gated, private Hotel du Cap Ferrat pool section of land that leads to the sea.

Immediately, you will see the lighthouse in the distance, so just head towards it by following the coastline trail.

When you are near the lighthouse, instead of ascending the set of stairs in front of you to the lighthouse, look to your left as you will then see the unmarked gay sun bathing area.

There is plenty of room to set up your towel and belongings either on the rocks near the sea or tucked up on a landing closer to the bushes.  The rocks are so white from being bleached by the sun, and the area is so vast that you will not believe how easy it is to just set up out in the open and lie naked in the sun.  Of course be aware that there are other people walking along the trail, so don’t set up too close to it. 

To get to the other gay area, ascend the stairs to the top near the lighthouse.  When you arrive at the drinking fountain, stay on the trail to your left.

As you walk along the trail, very shortly you will see a small gated estate on your left hand side, after you walk past that, you are going to want to turn on to the first little trail that opens up to your left.   

Cautiously descend down the trail and you will see that it splinters off into many different directions leading towards the sea.  I personally prefer this area the most as it is lush with greenery amongst secluded landings.  It also seems to be more popular with other gay guys, yet you can still have your privacy if you desire.

If you have chosen to drive and were able to find the lighthouse and a parking spot, just follow these same directions to get to the gay locations, but take it from the water fountain area that is at the bottom of the stairs from the street level at the lighthouse.



When you reach this spot, either choose to go left or right.

Naturally in these gay sun bathing areas men seem to cruise each other, action happens, but there is also a sense of decorum about it all as well.  You can choose to wear your swimsuit or go nude.  Many sections here are very secluded.
 
Be safe and enjoy!