Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

A destination unto itself, the Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is perhaps the most iconic and opulent hotel in the South of France. Opened in 1908—Gustave Eiffel designed its grand rotunda—the Belle Epoque monument was extensively renovated and restored in 2009 by beloved French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon; it is now managed by Four Seasons. The common spaces and 73 rooms are all cream and white, with black framed paintings and fresh flowers. Huge windows and French doors open to the sparkling Mediterranean or the immaculate gardens. The furniture is mostly traditional, but not forbiddingly so, and the marble bathrooms are huge and luxurious. Michelin-starred Le Cap also conveys a modern sensibility, with its updated French-Mediterranean cuisine and a 600-plus bottle wine cellar. The 8,000-square-foot spa, reached through a subterranean passage, offers a long, luxurious list of treatments.

The classic French Riviera experience.

A buzzing party scene with paparazzi—despite the high-profile guests.

You crave the South of France of Picasso and the Kennedys. Pure seaside elegance and serene glamour.

Brought down the hillside by a glass funicular, you step up to the dazzling Olympic-sized, heated saltwater infinity pool, ready for your lesson with legendary coach Pierre Gruneberg, who taught Picasso and Paul McCartney to swim.

Restaurant Le Cap - Mediterranean food, one-star Michelin restaurant Restaurant La Veranda - Classic Mediterranean cuisine Restaurant le Club Dauphin - Lunch only, sea side dining The Dauphin Lounge - Swimming pool restaurant roof top bar Le Bar