· Open -

1908

· 1st Owner -

The Compagnie Hotelière des Centres de Tourisme Automobile

· AKA -

The Bel-Air Cap Ferrat

· Stars - *****

· Guests -

Elizabeth Taylor / Winston Churchill / Charlie Chaplin / David Niven / Roger Moore / Tina Turner / Elton John / Liza Minelli / Diana Ross / Bill Clinton / George Bush / Boris Yeltsin / Aristotle Onassis / Robin Williams / Paul McCartney / Pablo Picasso

· History -

King Leopold II of Belgium famous for the atrocities he committed in the Congo was one of the first to buy up land on Cap Ferrat and build on it. Before this it was the domain of fishermen and the odd pirate.

In the early 1900's the Cap du Ferrat became a magnet for the rich and famous. The hotel was built for them to come and enjoy the mild winters.

In WWI the hotel was turned into a hospital. In WWII it was boarded up and remained closed. The Cap was riddled with land mines.

It has had numerous refurbishments and is in great condition retaining all the glitz and glamour of the past.

· Signature -

One of the World's most beautiful Swimming Pools which fortunately survived WWII

· Rooms -

74 rooms, suites and a villa @ $3,985 - $14,635

· Tales -

Somerset Maugham who lived down the road and often came in for a drink described the French Riviera as "a sunny place for shady people".

Noel Coward performed at the hotel. His song I went to a marvellous party was a parody of the local lifestyle.

The Gestapo used a local villa as their headquarters when the Nazis invaded France in WWII. In 1972 Keith Richards rented the villa and the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main Street in the basement. This may have been where sex and drugs and rock and roll were invented.

· Claim to Fame -

"Palace de France" certification

Winding staircase lined with pictures of famous guests

Royals, Aristocracy, Artists, Authors, Politicians, Hollywood A-listers, Rock Stars, Entertainers, Sports Stars and other Rich and Famous individuals have all stayed here for the past 100 years and still do today

The pool was in the Absolutely Fabulous movie

It is the most expensive real estate in the world after Monaco

· Innovations -

A glass funicular down to the pool

· Feature -

Villa Rose-Pierre - your own private villa with a full staff including private chef, 24 hour butler, swimming pool and rooftop terrace for sunset cocktails then private firework displays after dinner.

Stargazing with a World-renowned Planetary Scientist for two hours - concluded by a bespoke dinner under the stars cooked by the Michelin starred head chef

Fly by helicopter to a rare access estate - learn how to make Rose then have a bespoke picnic made by the Michelin chef looking out over the terraced vines then return to the hotel by a chauffeur driven Mercedes Benz with a limited edition vintage from the estate.

Have an aperitif with the Michelin starred chef and taste a few amuse-bouches

· View -

From Nice to Monaco - Pinewood and Sea views and the lighthouse at the end of the Cap

· High Tea -

Afternoon tea on your private terrace

· Facilities -

Beach Club - with heated salt water pool and cabanas

Le Spa - health and beauty treatments, massage, sauna, steam rooms, hydrotherapy circuit, sensorial shower, whirlpool bath and ice fountain

SUP / Sunrise Yoga / Bicycles / 2 Clay Tennis Courts / Running program / Cooking and Mixology lessons / Children's activities / Weddings and Honeymoons / 17 acres of Mediterranean gardens / Fitness centre / Flower bouquet workshop

· Unique -

Club Spritz - with secret recipe homemade bitters

Choice of 3 classic 1956 - 1960 convertibles (Mercedes, Porsche and Alpha Romeo) to go for a road trip to one of their sister hotels in Milan and Florence. A bespoke itinerary will be created for you by a dedicated concierge including all of the best shops and restaurants. Complete with follow up vehicle and driver contactable on 2 way radio to take care of any problems, give advice along the way as well as valet parking, washing the car and filling up the tank. The hotel chefs will provide you with a picnic basket and snacks for each leg of the trip.

· Restaurants -

Buffet breakfast - is a feast. Homemade treats and hot dishes will fill you up for most of the day. Try the Acai-berry Mousse and the Pain au Chocolate

Le Cap - Michelin starred Mediterranean and Provencal dishes. Ingredients from the hotel gardens and over 600 top French wines

La Veranda - bistro with an Italian influence

The French Riviera Private Dinner - Consult with the Michelin starred chef to customise your menu and dine with the best view in the Mediterranean

Dauphin Lounge - lunch at the poolside restaurant overlooking the Med with a private bar

Secret Garden - private dinner cooked by your Michelin starred chef

French Riviera Picnic - in a secret grotto

Mediterranean BBQ - on a private sea view terrace

· Bars -

Le Bar - in the library or the terrace - Single Malts and Champagne cocktails

· Sights -

• Monte Carlo Golf Club - spectacular

• Boat tour - to the Italian Riviera

• Sailboat - sunset cruise along the French Riviera

• Fragonard and Galimard - perfume factories in a medieval hilltop village

• Nice - Old Town

• Cours Saleya Market

• Monaco - 15 kms away

• Italy - 40 kms away

• Plate Forme Nudiste Beach - 750 metres away

• Under water eco-museum in Cannes

· Extra -

See France in 'Countries' and Rome 2 Rome in 'Journeys'.

Click here to go to the marker map.