Villefranche-sur-Mer
The small coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, just east of Nice, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Riviera. Villefranche is sheltered in the deepest bay of the Riviera, flanked by the beautiful ‘millionaire's peninsula’ of Cap-Ferrat, where kings, princes and other wealthy people have had their holiday residences for centuries. Besides being one of the bases of the French Mediterranean fleet, Villefranche is also a favourite destination for cruise ships due to its deep bay. The large cruise ships dock here for 24 hours and take their guests to Nice, Cannes or Monaco in buses. Many of the cruise ship guests also stay in Villefranche, but fortunately this hasn't spoilt the charm of the town. The old town with its tall, pastel-coloured buildings in typical Italian style oozes French Mediterranean atmosphere. There's plenty of life and atmosphere between the shutters and balconies in the narrow stairways, under the arched passageways and in the small, shady squares. The streets are lined with small, cosy shops, restaurants and cafés. By the harbour is a small medieval chapel, Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated inside and on all walls with the sumptuous frescoes of Jean Cocteau. The Citadelle de St-Elme is a 16th-century bastion and listed as a historic monument. In addition to the town hall and a congress centre, there are several galleries, a chapel and an open-air theatre. Steep staircases lead up from the harbour and become tunnels under the densely packed buildings. The ‘Rue Obscure’, located under vaults, has protected the city's inhabitants from bombs for centuries, most recently during World War II. If you climb to the top of the city, you will be rewarded for your efforts with one of the most beautiful views of the coast over the bay towards the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, which juts out decoratively into the sea. Along the beautiful harbour promenade, restaurants are lined up side by side, each with their own colourful awning. At the bottom of the bay is a lovely little beach covered with a mixture of sand and pebbles. The water is crystal clear. Getting to and from Villefranche by public transport is easy - it's even advisable so you don't have to find parking for your car, which can be difficult during the summer months. Just above the beach is the train station and it only takes 7 minutes to get to and from Nice. 
Inspiration for your holiday:Attractions:Citadel of Saint-Elme: An impressive 16th-century fortress that now houses several museums and art galleries, including the Volti Museum, the Goetz-Boumeester Museum and the Roux Collection. The fortress also boasts beautiful gardens and stunning views of the bay. Chapelle Saint-Pierre: A small chapel by the harbour, decorated with murals by the famous French artist Jean Cocteau. Dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, Saint Peter, the chapel is a unique cultural attraction. Old Town (Vieille Ville): Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the charming Old Town. Here you'll find colourful houses, cosy cafés, small shops and restaurants serving local specialities. Rue Obscure: A remarkable covered street that dates back to the Middle Ages. This dark, mysterious passage runs parallel to the waterfront and offers a fascinating insight into the city's history. Villefranche-sur-Mer harbour: A lively harbour filled with yachts and fishing boats. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll where you can enjoy views of the bay and the surrounding hills. The harbour also has several restaurants where you can taste freshly caught seafood. Plage des Marinières beach: A popular beach with fine sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Located close to the city centre, this beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Fort du Mont Alban: Located on a hill above Villefranche-sur-Mer, this 16th-century fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding area. The fortress is accessible via a hiking trail from the town. Coastal Path (Sentier du Littoral): A scenic hiking trail that runs along the coast between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. The trail offers spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Market Square (Place Amélie Pollonnais): A charming square in the heart of the city where you can experience the local market selling fresh produce, flowers and crafts. The market is a great way to get a flavour of local life and culture. 
Activities in Villefranche-sur-MerWalk along the Coastal Path (Sentier du Littoral): Wine tasting Market visit at Place Amélie Pollonnais Cooking classes: Join a Provençal cookery class and learn how to cook local dishes. Gourmet meals: Dine at some of the city's best restaurants and savour authentic French cuisine. Sea fishing: Go on a fishing trip and try your luck at catching some of the local fish species. |