* Villefranche sur Mer plage and аzure waters or more to expect? is the second part of the itinerary South of France itinerary 12 days in Provence and the French Riviera
Why visit Villefranche sur Mer?
Described by Jean Cocteau as “a source of myth and inspiration“, Villefranche-sur-Mer was once very popular with artists and writers, but thanks to its picturesque views, the town is now favored by artists.
Villefranche-sur-Mer – plage is sandy and much nicer than the stony beaches of Nice, and the long central beach is one of the rarest on the coast between Nice and Italy, where you will find coarse sand and not pebbles. But I’ll talk about the beaches later.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is also a favorite place among flag-bearers. Mansions in the area are owned by the late Tina Turner and Bono.
Where is Villefranche-sur-Mer located?
The small resort town on the French Riviera is located 6 km east of Nice and 10 km southwest of Monaco .
Located on a large bay in the form of a giant bowl, which can literally be walked around in an hour, Villefranche-sur-Mer rises to a height of 575 m above sea level. Three “Corniches” (literally translated from French “slope roads”) connect Villefranche with Nice and Italy. The harbor is one of the deepest in the Mediterranean, reaching a depth of 95 m between Nice and Cap Ferrat and extending 500 m to the south, forming a chasm known as the Villefranche Canyon .
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How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer?
- By rent-a-car
- By taxi from Nice
- By bus from Nice, leaving from the Square de Normandie stop
- By train from Nice, departing from the Nice Ville stop
- By e-bike from Nice
Where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
Proposal:
And why not consider spending your summer vacation here? The place is wonderful, it offers both peace and entertainment, Villefranche-sur-Mer plage is beautiful, Nice, Eze, Monaco are very close and you can easily organize day trips or to observe Mediterranean dolphins in their natural environment.
Here are some accommodation suggestions:
- Le Rooftop 180 is rated Exceptional 9.6 and offers the most unique view of Villefranche-sur-Mer plage. The price varies and depends on the number of nights.
- La Résidence de La Réserve is rated Excellent 9.3 and offers luxury apartments.
- Excellent location Sea views offers its guests unique views of the sea. The rating is Exceptional 9.6 .
- Sea view apartment is an elegant apartment in French chic with a view of the sea and a score of Excellent 9.1.
- Hotel La Regence is a budget option 10 minutes from the beach and has a rating of Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 106 EUR.
- More suggestions
Sights in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer – plage and аzure waters or more to expect? Does the hidden gem of the French Riviera offer only sea activities and beautiful beaches? Of course not. It could be small but it’s charming and wonderful. Let’s see some of the sights.
The old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer
The old part of the town is like something out of an artist’s canvas with an abundance of colors. A real pleasure is a walk among houses in pastel shades of yellow, orange and red, from whose windows or terraces flowers peek out. Many flowers. The streets are winding and hide something around every corner.
Saint-Michel Church (Eglise Saint-MIchel)
This Baroque Italianate church dates from the 1750s, although it was built on the site of a 14th-century church, and before that there was a monastery on the site. The church houses the wooden statue of San Rocco, the patron saint of trainers. The church organ, dating from the late 18th century, is one of the oldest working organs in the region.
Rue Obscure
Rue Obscure is one of the strangest streets in France. At 130 meters long and located on a long 14th-century wall along the city’s fortifications, Dark Street is more of a narrow, long passage. It is still inhabited. People live in small houses, the entrances of which are located in the passage, and the houses themselves rise above it. In the middle of the street there is a bright space that is used as a patio.
Saint Pierre Chapel
Jean Cocteau, painter, writer and director, spent a year (1956-57) in Villefranche-sur-Mer, painting frescoes on the walls of the chapel. The Romanesque chapel from the 14th century is notable precisely for them.
The architecture of Villefranche-sur-Mer
The architecture of the small picturesque town is typical of the region. Colorful houses, shutters on the windows, mini terraces and lots of flowers.
Cafes and restaurants
Cafes and restaurants are located in steps, with a view of the sea. Naturally, there are no visitors in the midday heat, but in the rest of the day it is extremely lively .
Villefranche-sur-Mer plage
Villefranche sur Mer plage it’s not just one but there are some beautiful beaches in the area.
The most popular is Plage des Marinières. It is located at the bottom of the harbor close to restaurants, city center and is overlooked by the railway line. Plage des Marinières continuis to Guardian Angel Beach which is pebble sand beach 60 meters long. Darse beach is a pebble calm beach close to the city centre. Guardian Angel Beach is an isolated calm beach on a small private port.
Activities in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Diving , snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and all kinds of water sports
- Biking
- Meeting with the Dolphins in the protected area of the Pelagos Sanctuary
- Day trips as Boat trip to Monaco, Mala Caves of Eze, swimming at Cap Ferrat or Day trip to Eze and Monaco
- Night activities as Visiting Cap Ferrat at sunset, departure from Nice or Sunset and Night show by sea
You may also like:
South of France itinerary 12 days in Provence and the French Riviera
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9 comments
What a beautiful place and so close to Nice! Adding it to my list to visit on our next trip to France. I will definitely be checking out the diving.
I’ve never heard of this town but it looks so lovely!! I’m currently planning a trip to the south of France so I’ll be sure to include this. The dark street is interesting and reminds me of some alleys in London!
Villefranche-sur-Mer looks beautiful! How crowded does it get in summer? Is there a good time to go to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the water sports?
Villefranche sur Mer looks like a great spot to visit on the French Riviera. Those azure waters would be a big draw for us. We would certainly enjoy some water time. But I love the great small town vibe too.
This is just the kind of place I could get lost exploring, wandering, and taking pictures.
Well why have I never heard of this gorgeous place ? Wow. We will be in France in the spring, gonna see if I can add it to the itinerary.
Not heard of this spot until I read your post. But wow, what a lovely place.
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