Paloma Beach, St Jean Cap Ferrat

Although the summers of my youth were full of trips to Europe with an educational focus on history and art, the summer trips to Europe of my adult life have looked very different.  For me, now, summer in Europe is all about being on the coast enjoying slow morning coastline strolls, quick dips in the deep blue cobalt waters of the Mediterranean to cool off, long lunches with wine and cocktails at the beach club, and late afternoon scoops of gelato. 

Late last spring, over a “one two many cocktails and dinner” my good friend divulged his proposal plans to his boyfriend in the South of France later in the summer with a group of their friends. Never one to miss an opportunity for a trip, I quickly pulled out my phone to assess my airline miles and credit card points to begin booking a longish weekend in St Jean Cap Ferrat to celebrate their engagement. 

An exclusive quiet enclave in the South of France, just a stone’s throw from Monaco, St Jean Cap Ferrat is the epitome of summer in Europe.   But what makes St Jean Cap Ferrat such a worthwhile destination is Paloma Beach.   Paloma Beach is St Jean Cap Ferrat.  

The beach was named after Pablo Picasso’s daughter, Paloma.  Paloma Beach was where Pablo would spend time with his family and friends away from the busy-ness of the French Riviera.  Since then the beach club has grown to iconic status.  An old fashioned feel comes paired with the sophisticated casualness of the South of France.  Arrive early and order a cold glass of Sancerre at the bar and smile.  It doesn’t get much better than this.