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!

Le Night

Le Night is yet another fun club in Cannes that you must check out.

Le Night

The atmosphere is ever changing and very social.   You won’t find many wallflowers here.

Le Night caters to a mixed crowd, but is fortunately more favorably on the gay-friendly side.   The place has a young feel to it and the party goes all night long.

The staff is so much fun and up for anything new and of the moment, they like to change things up every once in a while with the events, such as: techno/electro nights, hip-hop and of course straight up dance music, which to me is a good thing.  It keeps the visits to the club fresh and with an edge.

But what I really like about Le Night is that they are open to promoting other businesses in the LGBT Community such as when Rendezvous Underwear held a fashion show in the club one evening: RenDezVous Underwear

This isn’t one of those clubs that caters to the same demographic, with the same music tastes every weekend.   You’ll notice on their website that the music and events change weekly so if you don’t check first, you won’t know what to expect.  Personally, I like to go with the element of surprise and have never been disappointed.

Le Night is located at: 52, rue Jean Jaurès, only a couple of blocks away from the train station and is literally within walking distance of all the major hotels.

Many nights they have free entry or you might have to pay approximately 10 euros to get in but that includes a conso.

The hours of operation are from Wednesday – Sunday, from 9:30pm until 5am.

Head down there and have fun!

June 2013: From my understanding, this nightclub caters more to a straight crowd now, no longer having any gay or gay-friendly events.

Le Sept Cabaret Nightclub

Le Sept, Disco 7, Le 7…people seem to call it by any of those names, I just call it a great night out.

If this is your first time in the Cote d’Azur and your first time in Cannes, you really have to experience the Cannes nightlife brought to you in part by Le Sept.

You'll be thoroughly entertained and made to feel at one with the party.
We all like a bit of shine in our lives and I’d say Cannes wouldn’t have the extent of glitz and glam if it weren’t for Le Sept helping to make it feel “star” worthy.

Le Sept is a cabaret-style nightclub, meaning you are going to see some of the best shows performed by amazing drag queens.  Yet I really hesitate in using the words “drag queens” because that almost sounds down market compared to these people.
Here you will see some of the most beautiful entertainers in your life.

Yes, you will witness the most engaging man dressed as a woman, but you will also see the sexiest transsexuals ever, along with some of the hottest men I’ve ever seen dressed androgynous…or just as hot men.   And then there are the women…

Seriously, I am envious and totally intrigued!   I am dying to get to know these performers better.

Just wait until you experience the effort they have put in for their shows.  Incredible!  The YouTube videos I have attached do not do justice.  Being there in person brings on a whole new feeling to it all and in the best of surroundings.  The shows are full of entertainment; singing, dancing, comedy and there is plenty of crowd participation so get ready to be a part of the show.

And unlike the regular routine at some other clubs, Le Sept is a breeze to get into, you might have to wait a short while if it’s super busy but it is worth it, plus it’s usually free to enter and without the bouncer attitude.

What you will notice about the inside of Le Sept is that it isn’t a massive space, yet it is set up perfectly, not only for cabaret shows but also for a great night out at the club.

When entering Le Sept, you will find the main bar near the front entrance with a lounge area set up in the middle.   The shows are performed at the stage visible at the end of the club space, which also doubles as a dance floor.

What it comes down to is Le Sept is comfortably set up and in such a way that you can’t help but meet the people on either side of you.

Drinks are moderately priced and served by the best staff.  The music ranges from techno to classic disco with plenty of house in between.

Finding the club is very easy and within walking distance of the major hotels.  Le Sept is located at 7 rue Rouguière that is a pedestrian type street close to the Port.  Basically, go to rue du Maréchal Joffre and head towards the Port, when you see the Crédit Mutuel just take a look to your right and you will see the signage for Le Sept just a building away on rue Rouguière.

Their website is not available at the moment but I do have a number in which you can contact: +33 04 93 39 10 36.  Le Sept is open 7 nights a week from 11pm-7am.

Le Sept is not only a cabaret-style nightclub but also a gathering place for many in the LGBT community, everyone is welcome.  I'm hoping the performers start up Facebook fan pages. I’ll be the first to “like” them.