Drive along the cost from Nice towards Monaco, following the the sun-kissed shore line of the French Riviera, and there lies a hidden gem of unparalleled beauty and luxury: Paloma Beach Club. As a British expat photographer fortunate enough to call France home, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the exquisite charm of Paloma Beach Club firsthand many times. Join me on a journey to this iconic destination, where the azure waters of the Mediterranean meet the rugged coastline of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. From its storied history to its renowned hospitality, Paloma Beach Club, with it’s old money ambiance is the epitome of seaside elegance and sophistication.

I have the privilege of frequenting the French Riviera, often on travel photography assignments or brand shoots. Due to the “exhausting” nature of this work (which can be quite inconvenient at times 😉 I make it a point to conclude my stays with a rejuvenating day at the beach before returning home to Nimes.

While I adore numerous beaches and beach clubs for relaxation, without a doubt, securing a spot at Paloma Beach is my top priority. This hidden gem offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera, making it my ultimate Riviera retreat.

About Paloma Beach

Once a cherished spot of Pablo Picasso and named in honor of his daughter Paloma, this serene beach club nestles in the secluded, picturesque bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Exuding an elegant chicness, it epitomises the essence of the French Riviera, favouring discretion over ostentation. Wide sun loungers and parasols adorn the pebbled beach, offering unparalleled vistas of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the Rock of Monaco. Here, you’ll catch glimpses of some of the world’s most exclusive properties lining the shores adjacent to the beach club.

With the gentle murmur of waves and crystal-clear waters, Paloma Beach becomes a haven—a timeless sanctuary where beauty, warmth, and Dolce farniente reign supreme since its inception in 1948.

Through the years, a loyal clientele has savored the delights of Paloma Beach—be it weddings, engagement parties, or birthdays—each moment etching its own story in the sands. And year after year, cherished memories are rekindled as patrons return, seeking the nostalgia of bygone days. Paloma Beach remains an icon, unwavering in its promise to deliver unforgettable experiences.

”Paloma Beach is like coming home after a long voyage”

Here’s your comprehensive guide to experiencing Paloma Beach in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The Iconic Location:

The Cap Ferrat peninsula boasts some of the most magnificent villas on the Cote d’Azur, including the illustrious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the famed Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat. During the summer months, the sea surrounding the peninsula becomes a playground for luxury yachts from around the globe.

Paloma Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking vistas. Overlooking the glistening bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the neighboring mountain range, it offers a truly unique setting along this coastline. Undoubtedly, it boasts one of the most spectacular views of any beach club in the south of France.

Paloma Beach Club Restaurant:

The restaurant at Paloma Beach is a culinary gem, open every day from Easter to the end of September. Specialising in mouthwatering grilled fish, fresh from the day, our menu also boasts a delightful array of local delicacies and traditional cuisine.

Unlike some establishments that rely solely on their stunning views, Paloma Beach restaurant prides itself on exceptional food and service. With an upscale yet relaxed ambiance, the menu features Mediterranean delights like fresh seafood, salads, and pastas. Additionally, premium items like fresh truffle are available as add-ons.

Among my favourite menu selections are the goat cheese salad (Salade de Chêvre Chaud), risotto, and ceviche. Each dish showcases the freshest ingredients, resulting in a symphony of delicious flavours that never disappoints.

Beach Club:

At Paloma Beach, guests can enjoy sun loungers, beds, towels, and umbrellas on a section of private beach. The beach itself features a rocky terrain with both a public area and the Paloma Beach club and restaurant. MY Tip: Consider packing water shoes as the sharp pebbles can ruin the swimming experience and get quite hot in the summer months.

While lounging at the beach club, guests have the convenience of ordering food and drinks directly to their sun loungers from the restaurant. Indulge in the BEST Pina Colada on the Riviera or sip on a refreshing glass of rosé as you soak up the sun.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, the beach club offers stand-up paddle board rentals for €15/half hour or €25/hour. For those seeking more adventure, water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, or hydro-foil can be arranged through their partner, Cap Ferrat WaterSport. 

Paloma Beach Club: Old Money Ambiance.

Getting there:

For guests with reservations at Paloma Beach Club, coordinating the shuttle service is a breeze. Their iconic Piaggio or Classic VW van picks you up from the port at Saint Jean Cap de Ferrat and navigates through the winding streets, delivering you to the beach club in style.

Additionally, for those arriving by yacht, Paloma Beach Club offers a fabulous boat tender service. It’s quite the spectacle to witness the affluent clientele being ferried back and forth from their yachts to the shore line throughout the day.

Open times and Reservations:

Open every day during the high season from May through the end of September, Paloma Beach is the perfect summer destination.

Pricing:

Is Paloma Beach free? Oui! The small public area of the beach is open to all visitors. Feel free to bring your own beach essentials like towels and umbrellas for a perfect seaside picnic. However, please note that beach space is extremely limited. Here is the Google Maps Pin for you – HERE

Alternatively, Paloma Beach Club provides sun loungers at €50 per day, umbrellas at €7, and towels at €8. Private cabins are also available at €15 for the day. Plus, you can conveniently pay with your credit card, so no need to worry about carrying cash!

In Summary: Paloma Beach Club: Old Money Ambiance.

Paloma Beach exudes a chic yet relaxed atmosphere, less pretentious than many of the Riviera beach clubs found on this stretch of the Cote d’Azur, solidifying its status as one of the premier beach clubs in the region. Reserving loungers in advance is crucial, especially during the bustling summer months and weekends. And when I say in advance, I mean MONTHS ahead! Unless you’re a regular patron or a notable figure, securing a bed sans reservation is highly unlikely.

That’s all for now! Hope to see you soon!

Bisous, Claire M xoxo

All photos by Claire Macintyre