Just to the east of Nice lies the coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer; with its little cobblestone lanes and 16th century citadel.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Pretty medieval coastal town to the east of Nice centre
The old town is a fascinating rabbit warren of streets, alleyways and staircases - once you venture beyond the many shops you’ll find the 18th century church of Saint Michel and the much smaller Chapelle Sainte Elisabeth where there are often art exhibitions. Look out for the well-named Rue Obscure, an old medieval street with vaulted stone ceilings that feels like the dungeons of an old castle.
Events in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The numerous shops and restaurants provide an hour or two's distraction and markets are held every day during the summer season - the main market is held on Saturday mornings.
Events in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The port was the most important in the area until the 18th century when Nice took over that mantle, but cruise ships still dock in the bay and the harbour is the focal point of the town. Lined with restaurants and overlooked by the citadel, it has a great view of the beach that curves round the bay and is backed by the labyrinth of tiny streets that make up the old town.
History buffs will love Villefranche-sur-Mer; dominating the town is the old citadel, built in 1557 by the Dukes of Savoy to defend the town. It was restored in the 80’s and now houses a number of museums, regular art exhibitions, the town hall, an open air theatre and beautiful walled gardens. Entry is free but if you want to swot up then go on Fridays when you can join a guided tour that includes the old town.
Sights & Attractions in Villefranche-sur-Mer
History buffs will love Villefranche-sur-Mer. Dominating the town is the old citadel, built in 1557 by the Dukes of Savoy to defend the town from attack by the sea. Restored in the 80’s it now houses a number of museums, regular art exhibitions, the town hall, an open air theatre and beautiful walled gardens. You’ll also find the 18th century church of Saint Michel and the small Chapelle Sainte Elisabeth, where there are often art exhibitions.
Make sure to visit the aforementioned Rue Obscure, where villagers used to shelter during bombardments.
Sights in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Volti Museum
Impressive bronze, terracotta and copper sculptures
The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
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Musee de Paleontologie Humaine de Terra Amata
Excavation site showing human inhabitation 400,000 years ago
The museum of palaeontology is located on the excavation site of the Terra Amata where there is evidence of human inhabitation going back 400,000 years.
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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Stunning villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy French socialite
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
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Le Fort du Mont Alban, near Nice 
Le Fort du Mont Alban, near Nice
Hillside fort from the 16th century with an exceptional panorama
This 16th century hilltop fort was built in 1557 and is almost perfectly preserved, it looks out over the coastline of the French Riviera all the way to the Italian border. Mont Alban is located in the east of Nice in the Mont Boron National Park area, with Nice on one side and Villefranche-sur-Mer on the other - you can hike up to the fort from either town. The castle was built on the orders of the Duke of Savoy in response to the siege of Nice; when you get up there you’ll understand why he chose this spot - the view in all directions couldn’t be any better.
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Vigier Park
Exotic greenery & plentiful palms in charmingly rustic surroundings
Located close to the city’s harbour, this park stretches over a surface of 1 hectare.
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Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer 
Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer
Classic Baroque church in the centre of Villefranche-sur-Mer
This Baroque Italianate church dates to the 1750s, although it was built on the site of a 14th-century church.
Beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer
There are three lovely beaches in Villefranche, each with a different character.
The kilometre long Plage des Marinières curves around the bay, and is completely open to the public. It's easily accessible from the train line and has parking and snack bars with tables. While the sand is slightly coarse, this beach has a view to die for and is a carefree and pleasant place to spend a day.
Further down, you'll come to a quiet beach cove called Plage de l'Ange Gardien (Guardian Angel beach).
There's also the quite beautiful Plage de la Darse, but this beach tends to stay quite empty because of the sometimes sharp rocks - you'll need footwear to enjoy a day here.
See our comprehensive beach guide for more information.
Beaches in Nice
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Plage des Mariniers Beach 
Plage des Mariniers Beach
Fine pebble beach near the old town and harbour
The main beach at Villefranche is one of the best located for easy access and convenient facilities. Situated right next to the charming old port area and just a few minutes walk from the old town, there are both bus and train stops nearby.
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Plage de la Darse Beach 
Plage de la Darse Beach
A family friendly pebble beach with good snorkelling
Plage de la Darse is a secret beach, hidden from view and discretely signposted. It never gets very busy because so few people know that it’s there - so keep it on the down-low if you plan to head here.
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Plage des Fourmis Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer 
Plage des Fourmis Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer
A fine pebble beach close to the centre of Beaulieu
Plage des Fourmis is the long stretch of sand that runs along the main bus route; backed by a shady promenade lined with palm trees and tropical plants, the beach is very easy to find.
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Plage de Passable Beach 
Plage de Passable Beach
A fine pebble beach perfect for sun worshippers
Tucked away in a little niche on the north-west side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Plage de Passable is a glorious secluded sun trap with shallow crystal clear water.
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Plage des Bains Militaires Beach 
Plage des Bains Militaires Beach
A quiet public beach not far from the port of Nice
The name might sound a bit intimidating but Bains Militaires is actually quite a nice quiet beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Nice centre.
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La Plage de Coco Beach 
La Plage de Coco Beach
A rocky outcrop with a small restaurant
The glamorously named Coco Beach is more of a launchpad into the deep blue sea than a true beach.
Dining in Villefranche-sur-Mer
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Villefranche then you’re spoiled for choice.
Quai de l’Amiral Courbet is the liveliest area both day and night with plenty of restaurants and great ambience.
Port de la Darse is smaller but also has some good options such as La Trinquette, a friendly place serving delicious fresh seafood that has live music on Friday and Saturday nights - it’s small, so worth booking if you want to be sure of a table.
The nooks and crannies of the old town have eateries galore - try Côte Jardin in Place de la Republique for an elegant lunch in a pretty flower-filled square.
Restaurants & Dining in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Jan Restaurant
Small fine dining restaurant in Nice with 1 Michelin star
Modern French food with a touch of South African heritage. From childhood Jan used to spend most of his time in the garden and kitchen and has replaced this with the markets of France. With his new restaurant in the old Port of Nice he is not only out to set the trends but to combine local with a stylish and attentive atmosphere.
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Maison Gusto Restaurant
Tucked away in a street behind the Port
Located between the Port and Place Garibaldi, Maison Gusto restaurant is a must for lovers of burger in Nice.
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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Located on a pretty pedestrian square overlooking the sea
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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L'Oursin Bleu Restaurant
Perfect spot for a water-front dining experience
L'Oursin Bleu is a restaurant along the port in Villefrance with a beautiful décor, great piano music and a fresh and tasty cuisine.
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La Roustide Restaurant
Restaurant tucked away in the old town
The restaurant welcomes you in a friendly and warm atmosphere offering a refined and delicate cuisine.
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L'Atelier du Port Restaurant, Nice Centre
Situated at harbour side of Nice
In a black and white décor with a modern open space kitchen the chef cooks right in front of you with the freshest ingredients of the day from the local markets.
Nightlife in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Bars & Clubs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Ma Nolans, Nice Port
Find a bit of the Irish with some great views over Nice Port
Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Located on a pretty pedestrian square overlooking the sea
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
Restaurant, bar and wine cellar in Villefranche
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
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Casino de Beaulieu
This beautiful building has been recently renovated to its former glory!
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
If for some odd reason you get tired of exploring, poking around boutiques, eating in fine restuarants and lazing about on the beach, there is an absolutely gorgeous coastal walk from just near Villefranche around the Cap Ferrat peninsula - it takes about 3.5 hours to do the whole thing. You can join several short and long range hiking trails near Villefranche, including the spectacular GR51 - 'The Balcony of the Cote d'Azur', which you can join at Drap. Also, the Italian border is within very easy reach.
Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Inflatable Rides, Villefranche Sur Mer
10min rides on inflatable tubes and sofa boats
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Single, double or triple flights from age 5 years up!
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
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Provençal Tasting Tour, from Nice
4hr30 & 5hr driver guided tour of the culinary specialities of Provence
A taste of traditional Provencal Nissarde cuisine, wine, and olives.
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Club Nautique de Nice
Rowing and sailing club in the heart of the old port of Nice
Rowing, power boating and sailing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you prefer a leisure or competitive approach, the club offers its resources, its equipment, its fleet (except for power boating).
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Nice Diving School
Exploration of the Mediterranean underwater wonders & diving lessons
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
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Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga's 26 postures in Nice
Classes of bikram yoga's 26 postures take place in a heated classroom every day in the port area of Nice. English speaking Yoga instructors.
Watersports in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Watersports in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Inflatable Rides, Villefranche Sur Mer
10min rides on inflatable tubes and sofa boats
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Single, double or triple flights from age 5 years up!
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
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Nice Diving School
Exploration of the Mediterranean underwater wonders & diving lessons
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
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Club Nautique de Nice
Rowing and sailing club in the heart of the old port of Nice
Rowing, power boating and sailing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you prefer a leisure or competitive approach, the club offers its resources, its equipment, its fleet (except for power boating).
Holiday Rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Holiday Rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Villefranche-sur-Mer duplex Apartment
Villefranche-sur-mer, for rent, nice 2 bedroom duplex apartment of 85 m² floor space located on the heights of Villefranche with panoramic sea view.
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Petit Negresco Apartment, Nice Centre
Petit Negresco Studio is a charming apartment situated in a private part of the famous hotel ''Le Negresco''.
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Belle Aurore Villa 
Belle Aurore Villa
Set on the hillside of Nice, overhanging the Méditerranean sea and located into the most beautiful residential quarter of the town, this 400m2 villa is planted in a 3000 m2 enclosed garden and surrounded by a natural parc.
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Chemin du Mont des Mignons Villa
On the heights of Nice, beautiful stone house of around 500m² with swimming pool benefiting from a beautiful hills view.
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Nice Centre Apartment, Nice Centre
In the centre of Nice, 2 bedrooms flat with a really nice terrace where you can enjoy a sunny lunch.
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Nice Mont Boron Villa
For rent in Nice Mont-Boron, on the heights, a villa of about 200 m², benefiting from a nice sea view with terraces and garden.
Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
With more than a few nice hotels in the area, it makes a nice change to the larger city of Nice, but is within easy distance should you want to explore.
Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Le Negresco Hotel
Traditional hotel with two star Michelin Restaurant on the sea front
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
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Suisse Hotel
Exclusive establishment with a unique location on the French Riviera
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
A beautiful 5 star boutique hotel in its own gated estate
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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Windsor Hotel
Artists invest the space & rooms with contemporary art installations
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Charming Chateau hotel with stunning views & Michelin quality restaurant
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
Beachfront luxurious hotel part of the leading hotels of the world
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer
Transfers for Nice
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Private Airport Transfers
Nice Airport to Saint Tropez from €110 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
With years of Alpine transfer experience through its sister brand, this private airport transfer service brings reliable, professional travel to the Côte d'Azur, with trained, English-speaking drivers who know the local area. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, including Mercedes models and spacious people carriers, offer Wi-Fi and complimentary mineral water, while airport meet and greet, flight and traffic monitoring, free child seats and clear pricing help make your journey easier. With automated pick-up reminders, door-to-door service and twenty-four-hour summer telephone support, you can arrange your transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Property For Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Property for Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Villa for Sale | bsm260467
Villa overlooking the Villefranche bay
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Apartment for Sale | BSM250333
At the entrance of Villefranche-sur-Mer, in a well-maintained residence with a swimming pool, close to shops, restaurants, and beaches, this ground-floor apartment features a spacious corner garden, offering both privacy and a peaceful atmosphere.
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Villa for Sale | BSM240201
Renovation project close to the Sea and the Old Town
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Villa for Sale | bsm260471
Contemporary Style Villa Overlooking Cap Ferrat
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Apartment for Sale | BSM250347
Luxury sea view duplex
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Apartment for Sale | BSM250381
Between Nice and the Col de Villefranche, in a prestigious, secure residence with a caretaker, nestled near the Mont Boron forest, discover this fully renovated top-floor apartment offering an exceptional panoramic view over the city of Nice, the sea, and the surrounding mountains.
