Cap Ferrat Phare

The Cap-Ferrat lighthouse stands at the tip of the rocky Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, right at the heart of the French Riviera in the Alpes-Maritimes department. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area — a white tower rising above the Mediterranean that has guided sailors along this stretch of coast for centuries.

Where is the lighthouse and how do you get there?

The lighthouse sits on the chemin du Phare, at the very tip of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, a short distance from the town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Its coordinates are 43.6753 N, 7.32694 E. The easiest way to reach it is on foot, following the coastal path that hugs the shoreline — a walk through pine trees and rocky coves that ranks among the most popular outdoor activities on this part of the Riviera. From the viewpoint next to the lighthouse, the panorama stretches from the Estérel massif all the way to the Italian coast, making it one of the best lookout spots on the entire Riviera.

What is the history of the Cap-Ferrat lighthouse?

The current lighthouse was built in 1732, replacing a much older 16th-century fire tower that had previously warned ships away from the peninsula's dangerous rocks. The structure served for more than two centuries until the Second World War, when it was destroyed in 1944 amid fighting along the coast. After the war it was rebuilt close to its original form, restoring its role in guiding ships along this section of the Mediterranean. In 2012 the lighthouse was granted historic monument status, recognising both its architectural value and its place in the region's maritime heritage.

Can visitors go inside the lighthouse?

The interior is not open for casual visits — the building remains closed to the public and continues to operate purely as a working navigation aid. That said, reaching the lighthouse itself is entirely possible and is a popular goal for walks around the peninsula. The grounds around the tower, including the paths and viewpoints, are freely accessible, and the sweeping view over the sea and rocky coastline is the main reason visitors come here.

What else is worth seeing near the lighthouse?

Cap-Ferrat is one of the most exclusive corners of the French Riviera, known for its villas surrounded by gardens and its coastal walking paths. Near the lighthouse, it's worth following a stretch of the sentier du littoral, the coastal trail that circles the entire peninsula, passing rocky coves, small beaches and green stretches along the way. The town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with its marina and narrow streets, lies a short walk from the lighthouse and makes a natural base for exploring the rest of the peninsula.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cap-Ferrat lighthouse open to visitors? No, the interior is not open to the public. You can, however, walk right up to its base and enjoy the surrounding viewpoints and paths.

When was the Cap-Ferrat lighthouse built? The current tower dates from 1732 and replaced an older 16th-century structure that warned sailors of the peninsula's rocks.

Was the lighthouse destroyed during the war? Yes, it was destroyed in 1944 during the Second World War and later rebuilt close to its original design.

How do you walk to the lighthouse from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat? The best route is on foot along the sentier du littoral, the coastal path that runs around the whole peninsula and passes several scenic viewpoints.