To get to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat by bus you have two choices: take the Bus #100 and get off at the start of the cape for a gorgeous 15 minute walk to town along the seaside, or take Bus #81 that will take you right to the village of Saint Jean.
Both the Bus #81 Port de Saint Jean and the Bus #100 (Monaco/Menton) leave every from the main bus hub off Place Massena (bottom center of the map). Both buses leave every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, but Sundays and French holidays it’s every 20 minutes for the #100 and every half-hour for the #81. Like all bus routes in Nice, it will only cost 1 euro, and you pay as you board.
If you want to do an easy flat seaside walk, on either bus, after about 15-20 minutes and just after the bay of Villefranche, you will see the Hotel Royal Riviera on your right: that’s when you push the red button to request the next stop if you want to walk into town. Now walk back to the Royal Riviera and take the paved beach path in front of the hotel, walk 15 minutes past stunning views and luxury villas and you will find yourself the the hamlet of Saint Jean. If you prefer to ride into town, just stay on the bus #81 until the end, another 5 minutes.
From the town you can you can do one of the most magnificent walks on the Riviera: an easy loop around the point that takes about 35 minutes. Pass through the town, stay to your left, and when you arrive at the end of the road, go down to the beach where the paved trail continues on the other side. After about 30 fabulous minutes you will see a sign to return to Saint Jean. This entire loop takes around 35 minutes and is easy walking.
If you choose to continue the rest of the way around, the paving stops and the trail gets a bit more rugged. This final portion will take an additional hour at least, and you will end up back near where the bus 100 dropped you off.
Getting back: If you are tired walking, just take the bus #81 back from town which takes 30 minutes, and leaves every 15-20 minutes on weekdays and every half-hour on Sunday. In fact, even if you are not tired this is the best way to get back, as the bus #100 is often full for the return trip and will just blow by you if there is no more room. Note that both buses stop running at 8pm.
Photo Credit: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat courtesy of The Blue Walk European Walking Vacations
- Back up to Main Bus Page: Everything you need to know about taking the Bus in Nice
