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Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer

Classic Baroque church in the centre of Villefranche-sur-Mer

featured in Sights & sites

This Baroque Italianate church dates to the 1750s, although it was built on the site of a 14th-century church.

There was a priory on the site in the 13th century, while the 14th-century church was rebuilt in the 18th century.

Look out for the wooden statue of San Rocco, patron saint of dog trainers. Its organ, dating from the end of the 18th century, is one of the oldest working organs in the region.

Visitor comments

  • "This is one of the most unusual placement for a church that I have ever seen. It is located up the narrow steep staircase leading up from the harbour to the town center. There's a very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere all around that area that you forget you are near the major city of Monaco and Nice. The interior is very neutral and not to busy. We'll worth hiking up the stairs to go spend a few minutes." - Trip Advisor
  • "Came across this church on an afternoon visit to Villefranche Sur Mer. Quite dark inside but beautiful and very peaceful. Nice and cool away from the heat of the sun." - Trip Advisor
  • "We stumbled upon this church while walking the quaint pedestrian streets after lunch. We had use the steeple as a reference walking down from Mont Fort Alban and while decoratively tiled did not think about the structure. Still after walking up the stairs from the harbor, we found ourselves at a small church square. We decide to go in and were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful interior. We all liked this church much more than St. Nicholas in Monaco. If you cruise to Villefranche, make the stop by this church. While it may not be a cathedral of Europe, you will be pleasantly surprised by the visit." - Trip Advisor

When to come

The church is open every day from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00.

Location

Map of the surrounding area