In April, we visited the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, located in the metropolitan area of Nice, on the French Riviera (Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur), as part of the Interreg Euro-MED NaTour4CChange project.
The area, known in the Greek world since antiquity, was a haven for Saracen pirates during the Middle Ages and later remained for centuries a typical Mediterranean fishing village. At the end of the 19th century, it entered a new era, gradually transforming into an attractive destination for wealthy visitors from Western and Northern Europe. Over time, it became a frequent excursion spot for the residents of Nice, and with the rise of tourism in the 20th century, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat emerged as one of the top destinations on the French Riviera.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was selected as the French pilot site of the project, one of six across the Mediterranean, where methods are being developed to support adaptation to climate change and the mitigation of its impacts, through the use of ecosystem-based solutions. The goal is to bridge the gap between tourism pressure and the conservation of the natural environment. NaTour4CChange envisions nature as both an attractive destination for visitors and a means to enhance resilience, aiming to deliver strategic climate action plans underpinned by collaborative governance.
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, visited the pilot site, as the lead partner responsible for the project’s strategic communication and outreach activities, visited Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. During our stay, we had the opportunity to extensively discuss the changes taking place on the peninsula, the environmental pressures caused by high visitor numbers, the challenges that emerge as a result, and the municipality’s plans for adapting to these realities.
We sincerely thank the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur for the warm hospitality and for guiding us through both the rich history and the natural beauty of the area, from the calm, azure waters and coastal landscapes to the rich flora and fauna of land and sea.
Learn more about NaTour4CChange and its activities here
