Once you decide to buy luxury property in Cap d’Ail, you’ll never look back. Life in this exclusive little seaside resort is the perfect combination of city style and beachside chic. Enjoy long lazy days at one of the private beaches, leisurely strolls along one of the many coastal paths, or an evening of music and laughter at one of the summer concerts. Go shopping in the modern town centre or stop for a coffee in one of the traditional French bistros along the main street, you’ll love discovering everything that Cap d’Ail has to offer.
If you’re after a little culture on the French Riviera, then Cap d’Ail is the place to be. The beautifully-renovated Château des Terrasses, a 19th-century chateau is at the heart of the town’s artistic and cultural programme. The castle is set in beautifully landscaped gardens and hosts lots of concerts, plays, exhibitions and conferences throughout the year. The Jean Cocteau Amphitheatre is another incredible location for concerts and shows in Cap d’Ail. Decorated by the great man himself, the space has a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean which is absolutely perfect for evening performances. The amphitheatre also hosts the yearly Jazz Festival ‘Cap Jazz’ which will definitely be one to put in your diary every August. Watch big names from the world of jazz perform under the stars accompanied by the sounds of the cicadas in the trees around the theatre, there’s no better way to enjoy live music.
Cap d’Ail also has its very own museum, La Villa les Camélias, one of the prettiest in the South of France. Set in a magnificent cream wedding cake of a villa, the museum hosts 2 floors of paintings, drawings and enamels by the celebrated Basque painter Ramiro Arrue. The ground floor is devoted to all things Cap d’Ail, with an impressively large collection of photos celebrating life in the town from the end of the nineteenth century to the 1950s. Learn more about life in a coastal town back in the day and discover which famous names called Cap d’Ail home during the winter months. The museum has a lovely little shop on site, but the real draw is the gorgeous garden set around the villa. Escape the heat of the day under the shady pine and palm trees and discover the well-stocked vegetable garden hidden amongst the rose bushes, there can’t be many museums set in such idyllic surroundings.
Sports fans will feel equally at home in Cap d’Ail. The beaches have an exciting range of watersports on offer with new toys every summer season. Cap d’Ail is also a great place for diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll love exploring the seabed under the Mediterranean and greeting some of the marine life that lives in the warm waters round Cap d’Ail. Back on dry land, the town also has a modern sports complex and tennis courts if you fancy challenging friends to a game. In September the town hosts what must surely be the triathlon with the best view in the world. Swim, run and bike your way through the surrounding countryside before indulging in a well-earned rest down on one of the private beaches for the rest of the day. And if that all sounds a bit too much like hard work, you could always book into one of the town’s spas for some relaxation and a luxurious treatment or two, far from the madding crowd.
When it comes to shopping, you’ll love the great selection of shops along the Basse Corniche in the town centre. Check out designer home stores, or buy locally-made gifts for family and friends. Or if you’re after something a little bit special, pop over to Monaco and spend a morning browsing the luxury boutiques in Monte Carlo. At less than 5 minutes drive away, you’ll always have time for a shopping spree in the principality!. And speaking of shopping, during the summer months the town’s nocturnal market is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain. Held on Saturday evenings during the month of August, you never know, you might just find the perfect piece for your new home on one of the pretty arts and craft stands.
Cap d’Ail is also the ideal place for a relaxing dinner with friends. Between the bistos in the town centre and the beachfront restaurants all along the bay, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. Go back to the glamorous 1930’s in local favourite Edmond’s which still looks exactly as it did back in the days when Greta Garbo used to pop in for cocktails. Or reserve a table at Le Cabanon which is precisely midway between Monaco and Cap d’Ail. The food is exceptional, but the real star here is the setting, sit between the sea and the sky on the Maritime Terrace and taste Mediterranean cuisine at its very finest. And if you fancy getting even closer to the ocean, then head straight to Mala Beach and eat at La Reserve de Mala. The most luxurious beachfront restaurant in town, you’ll love the elegant Champagne Bar and exclusive VIP tables out on the pontoon. With wild parties throughout the summer and live music well into the small hours, La Reserve is definitely the place to be seen when you’re in town.
Leading down from the town towards the coastline, there are several scenic trails to discover. Walk along the Sentier de la Pointe des Douaniers or the Chemin Romain and admire the views and lush Mediterranean plants and flowers in this natural park area. For an easy afternoon stroll, take the coastal path which stretches from Plage Mala to Plage Marquet before stopping off for a cool drink in one of the chic beachfront restaurants. And down at sea level, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the region just waiting to be explored. Dramatic cliffs lead down to a string of beaches surrounded by crystal clear water, Thailand has got nothing on Cap d’Ail! Swim in tiny sheltered coves or spend a luxurious afternoon reclining on the sunloungers at Mala Plage. With cocktails and massage available on tap throughout the day, we can guarantee you’ll never get tired of the sunshine and magnificent views in this particular little slice of paradise set in the heart of the French Riviera.