Cap Estel is a five‑star boutique hotel perched on a private peninsula between Monaco and Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat, known for its secluded beach and a table that holds one Michelin star. In July 2025, LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault acquired the property for an estimated €200 million through his holding company Financière Agache, cementing its status as one of the most exclusive addresses on the Côte d’Azur. This guide draws on official tourism data, the Michelin Guide, and regional news reports to answer the most common questions about Cap Estel’s ownership, amenities, and location.
Last checked: 2026-07-21
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property: Cap Estel – 5-star luxury hotel on a private peninsula · Location: Èze-Bord-de-Mer, French Riviera, France · Owner: Bernard Arnault (LVMH CEO) acquired in 2024 for €200 million · Notable amenities: Private beach, infinity pool, Michelin-starred restaurant (La Table du Cap Estel), spa, tennis court, indoor/outdoor pools
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-21.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, Michelin Guide hotel listing, Forbes Travel Guide, Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur Tourism portal, Monaco Life news article, Meet & Match investment report, The Telegraph Travel, Traveller Made partner profile, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com listing.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification beyond published rates.
Snapshot: Cap Estel at a glance
- Two‑hectare (nearly five‑acre) private peninsula at Èze‑Bord‑de‑Mer, offering 360° Mediterranean views (Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur Tourism)
- Rated five stars; about 20 suites and rooms, maximum capacity ~60 guests (Monaco Life)
- Acquired by Bernard Arnault via Financière Agache on 17 July 2025 for ~€200 million (Meet & Match)
- La Table du Cap Estel holds one Michelin star; private beach reserved for guests (MICHELIN Guide Hotel)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property | Cap Estel – 5‑star luxury hotel on a private peninsula |
| Location | Èze‑Bord‑de‑Mer, French Riviera, France |
| Owner | Bernard Arnault (LVMH CEO) acquired in 2025 for €200 million |
| Notable amenities | Private beach, infinity pool, Michelin‑starred restaurant (La Table du Cap Estel), spa, tennis court, indoor/outdoor pools |
Who owns Cap Estel?
Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, now owns Cap Estel. His holding company Financière Agache completed the acquisition on 17 July 2025 in an off‑market transaction valued at roughly €200 million, according to both Monaco Life and Meet & Match. The deal added the intimate Riviera property to Arnault’s personal portfolio, separate from the LVMH group’s hotel interests.
Bernard Arnault’s 2024 – 2025 acquisition
Regional news outlets noted that the purchase was concluded discreetly. Qualitytravel and Le Figaro Immobilier reported that the Beatles once stayed at Cap Estel, underscoring its long‑standing allure for high‑profile guests.
What this means: Ownership by one of the world’s wealthiest individuals signals a likely focus on preservation of exclusivity and potentially further investment in the property’s Michelin‑starred restaurant and private beach infrastructure.
Does Cap Estel have a private beach?
Yes. Cap Estel sits on its own private peninsula, and the beach is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. The Michelin Guide hotel listing confirms “a private beach that is part of the estate, accessed directly from the hotel and used exclusively by guests.” The official Cap Estel website adds that arrival by boat is possible, with a maximum water depth of about 1.5 metres in calm sea conditions (Cap Estel official site, French).
Private beach and seaside access
Unlike many Côte d’Azur hotels that share coastal access, Cap Estel’s beach is a genuine private cove. Forbes Travel Guide describes it as “a secluded private beach unlike any other on the Riviera” (Forbes Travel Guide). The property also features an outdoor seawater infinity pool and an indoor heated pool, according to SeeNice.com. The combination of private beach, dual pools, and a spa makes the seaside experience central to the hotel’s offer.
The implication: For travellers seeking a true beach‑front stay without public access, Cap Estel is one of the few Riviera addresses that can guarantee it.
Does Cap Estel have a Michelin star restaurant?
Yes. The on‑site restaurant, La Table du Cap Estel (formerly branded La Table de Patrick Raingeard), holds one Michelin star. The Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur Tourism portal lists “Patrick Raingeard’s table” as a 1‑star Michelin restaurant (Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur Tourism). More recent travel reviews note that chef Kévin Garcia now leads the kitchen while the star has been maintained (Paul and Livvy).
La Table du Cap Estel – Michelin‑starred dining
The restaurant offers a tasting menu focused on Mediterranean flavours. A local gastronomy site reports that the Michelin star was renewed for La Table de Patrick Raingeard, confirming continued recognition through at least 2025 (YesICannes). Some sources suggest the restaurant was awarded two stars in 2011, but that claim is not widely corroborated; the consistent current rating is one star.
“Cap Estel’s private beach is unlike any other on the Riviera.” — Forbes Travel Guide
The bottom line: Dining at Cap Estel is a certified Michelin‑star experience. Guests can enjoy dinner without leaving the peninsula, a rare convenience for a hotel of this size.
How far is Cap Estel from Monaco?
Cap Estel is located on the Basse Corniche (RN98) about 15 minutes by car from Monaco’s centre. The official website states “about 15 minutes from Monaco” (Cap Estel official site, French). It is also about 30 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The property’s address is 1312 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 06360 Èze‑Bord‑de‑Mer.
Location and access
Cap Estel sits “sandwiched between glitzy Monaco and Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat,” according to Forbes Travel Guide. The Traveller Made partner page describes it as “just a stone’s throw from the glamour of Monte Carlo” (Traveller Made). Despite this proximity, the private peninsula feels remote. The Telegraph notes that “only about 50 guests can stay at any one time,” reinforcing the sense of seclusion (The Telegraph Travel).
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Room count | Approximately 20 suites and rooms |
| Guest capacity | Around 50–60 at full occupancy |
| Star category | 5‑star (official French classification) |
| Restaurant | La Table du Cap Estel – one Michelin star |
| Beach | Private beach with boat access (max depth 1.5 m) |
| Pools | Outdoor seawater infinity pool + indoor heated pool |
| Spa | On‑site spa with treatment rooms |
| Other amenities | Tennis court, billiards room, piano bar, private cinema |
Pricing
Exact room rates are not published in the sources reviewed, but as a five‑star boutique property with only 20 suites, nightly rates are expected to start well above €1,000. The €200 million acquisition price provides a benchmark for the asset’s value. For current pricing, visit the official website or contact the hotel directly. Booking platforms such as Booking.com list seasonal rates that vary significantly.
The pattern: Cap Estel prices itself in the ultra‑luxury tier, comparable to other private‑peninsula properties on the Riviera.
Location and Getting There
Cap Estel lies on the Basse Corniche coastal road, 1312 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, Èze‑Bord‑de‑Mer. GPS coordinates: latitude 43.7185, longitude 7.3741 (approx.)
- From Nice Airport: ~30 minutes by car via the A8 and RN98.
- From Monaco: ~15 minutes by car westwards.
- From Nice Ville train station: ~25 minutes by taxi.
Alternatives
If Cap Estel is booked or outside your budget, consider these nearby five‑star Riviera hotels with private beach access:
- Grand‑Hôtel du Cap‑Ferrat (Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat) – similar private peninsula setting, multiple Michelin‑starred restaurants.
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte‑Carlo (Monaco) – historic palace hotel with indoor/outdoor pools and Michelin‑starred dining.
- Château de la Chèvre d’Or (Èze‑Village) – hilltop luxury with sea views and a Michelin‑starred restaurant, though no private beach.
Each offers a different balance of seclusion, views, and proximity to the casinos and nightlife of Monaco.
Timeline
- 1920s: Cap Estel built as a private villa in Florentine style with Greek columns.
- Mid‑20th century: Hosts celebrities including the Beatles and Greta Garbo.
- 2011: Some reports claim the restaurant earned two Michelin stars; subsequently reduced to one.
- 2020s: Forbes Travel Guide notes the hotel’s transformation into an “Eden‑like oasis of rose gardens and waterfalls.”
- 17 July 2025: Bernard Arnault acquires Cap Estel via Financière Agache for ~€200 million.
- 2025–2026: Michelin guide continues to award one star to La Table du Cap Estel; chef Kévin Garcia takes over the kitchen.
Our Pick
Cap Estel is our top pick for luxury travellers who value absolute privacy, a genuine private beach, and a Michelin‑starred restaurant all within a single property. The combination of a two‑hectare peninsula, 20‑suite intimacy, and Bernard Arnault’s ownership signals a long‑term commitment to exclusivity. It suits French Riviera vacation planners seeking a base near Monaco without the crowds, wedding and celebration guests who want an entire estate to themselves, and foodie tourists eager to dine at a Michelin‑starred table steps from the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the check‑in/check‑out time at Cap Estel?
Standard check‑in is at 15:00 and check‑out at 12:00, though early arrival and late departure may be arranged through the concierge.
Does Cap Estel offer wedding packages?
Yes. The hotel hosts intimate weddings on the private peninsula, leveraging the panoramic sea views and the estate’s gardens. Capacity is limited to about 60 guests.
Is there a spa at Cap Estel?
Yes, the on‑site spa offers treatment rooms, a hammam, and the indoor heated pool. Guests can book facials, massages, and wellness rituals.
Does Cap Estel have a tennis court?
Yes, a tennis court is available for guest use, in addition to the billiards room and giant chessboard overlooking the sea.
Can you see the menu at Cap Estel?
The La Table du Cap Estel menu is available on the official website and includes a tasting menu that changes seasonally; advance reservations are required.
What is the price range for a night at Cap Estel?
Exact rates vary by season and suite category, but as an ultra‑luxury 20‑suite property, expect rates starting from around €1,500 per night. Check the official site or booking partners for current availability.
Is Cap Estel pet friendly?
Pets are allowed on request, subject to a fee and size restrictions. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm policy.
How do I get to Cap Estel from Nice Airport?
The fastest route is by car (about 30 minutes) via the A8 motorway and the Basse Corniche (RN98). Taxis and private transfers are available; the hotel can arrange a chauffeur pick‑up.
Sources
- Cap Estel official site (French)
- MICHELIN Guide Hotel – Cap Estel
- Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur Tourism
- Forbes Travel Guide – Le Cap Estel
- Monaco Life – Arnault acquisition
- Meet & Match – Financière Agache deal
- Qualitytravel – Arnault acquisition
- Traveller Made – Cap Estel profile
- The Telegraph Travel – Cap Estel review
- SeeNice.com – Cap Estel listing
- YesICannes – Michelin star renewal
- Paul and Livvy – Chef Kévin Garcia
- Le Figaro Immobilier – Beatles stay