12 fun facts we bet you didn't know about Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat - French Riviera

The Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera holds the highly esteemed ‘Palace De France’ distinction, which was granted by the French government in 2011. This coveted award is bestowed to the finest five-star hotels in the country – currently only 25 hold that position – marking areas of excellence and ensuring that they uphold the image and high standards of France on the world stage. A meticulous investigation and evaluation into the hotel’s services and amenities take place before the accolade can be granted.

The hotel features its own beautiful villa onsite, the Villa Rose-Pierre, which is designed with larger groups in mind. Relaxation and privacy are paramount for guests lucky enough to book this sought-after accommodation; there is a large, secluded pool and uninterrupted views out towards the Mediterranean, as well as the opportunity to enjoy spa treatments right in the comfort of your own villa. To top it off, your stay will be overseen by your very own personal villa assistant who will take care of everything from laying out breakfast in the morning to organising elegant dinner parties and unique local experiences during your stay.

In its heyday in the 1950s – after reopening at the end of the second world war – the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat was the darling of the French Riviera and frequented by a host of celebrity guests, including world-famous actors Elizabeth Taylor and Charlie Chaplin, prime minister Winston Churchill, and shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Just think, you could be sat gazing out of your room at the exact same view as an A-List movie star!

Despite being a luxurious and highly romantic resort destination, the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat also features a wealth of family-friendly amenities and services. Kids can enjoy their own pool and swimming lessons, spa treatments, scavenger hunts and even a driving experience, plus there is babysitting available as well as dedicated children’s menus. The concierge will also tailor-make excursions and events specifically with the children in mind. Everything has been considered here to ensure that families have the trip of a lifetime and that kids get to make their own unforgettable memories.

The hotel features a chic and contemporary restaurant, Le Cap, headed up by Michelin-starred French executive chef Yoric Tièche, who uses only the freshest ingredients - often from the hotel’s own gardens – and takes inspiration from Provençal and Mediterranean flavours, adding his own modern twist to the menu. Dishes include delicious, sophisticated signatures like razor clams and cockles ‘au naturel’ and grilled white asparagus in thyme jelly.

Alongside its world-class cuisine, the hotel is home to a well-documented vintage wine collection by a grand cru, in fact there are over 600 wines to choose from and the hotel’s expert sommelier is there to help pick the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

The Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat provides one of Four Seasons’ ‘extraordinary experiences’, a one-of-a-kind stargazing evening taking advantage of the hotel’s position in one of the best spots along the French Riviera. Guests will receive a mini astronomy lesson with a leading scientist in the field, followed by a private dinner under the starry sky. Speak with one of our travel managers for more information on these incredible experiences and more Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat offers.
 

The hotel has an exclusive partnership with a luxury rental car company and provides a wide selection of classic vintage and super cars for guests to hire and explore the scenery of Monaco, Nice and the rest of the beautiful Côte D’Azur, a region immortalised in legendary films such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (actually filmed at the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat), Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, And God Created Woman featuring the incomparable Brigitte Bardot, several James Bond titles and many more.

Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat as a destination has long been the pinnacle of unforgettable weddings and the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat ensures that your day will be spectacular from start to finish. Book at the Grand-Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat and every detail is taken care of by the hotel’s consummate and scrupulous staff, from the food and drink menus to the grand location within the hotel's perfectly manicured grounds for up to 250 guests.
 

If a more chilled out getaway is on the agenda, the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat has a wealth of experience in creating tailored wellness itineraries for guests. Utilising its 17 acres of verdant landscape, guests can embrace a slower pace of life and concentrate on nurturing their body and mind with a range of holistic activities. Wellness experts are on-hand to guide you in yoga, sports, hiking, cycling, running, as well as aromatherapy treatments and relaxing workshops like pottery making, cooking classes and flower arranging.

The Club Dauphin pool is arguably in the best location in the world, resting above the rugged shoreline of the sparkling Mediterranean waters, this infinity-style, seawater pool has been the focal point of the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat for more than 80 years. For an extra special touch of glamour, book one of the recently added private cabanas for two to four people either for the day or the whole season and enjoy luxurious comforts right by the water.

The balmy summer season at the Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat is full of wonderful events within the resort itself. Enchanting nights include a weekly sushi night at Le Bar, live musical performances each Friday and Saturday evening and a more casual barbecue night each Sunday at the Le Véranda bistro on its panoramic terraces. Speak with one of our travel managers for a full list of what’s on.