Villefranche-sur-Mer
Pretty medieval coastal town to the east of Nice centre
Just to the east of Nice lies the coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer; with its little cobblestone lanes and 16th century citadel.
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.
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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Musee de Paleontologie Humaine de Terra Amata
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
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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Volti Museum
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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Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs Chapel
Located near the port in Villefranche is the tiny chapel of Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen.
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Vigier Park
Located close to the city’s harbour, this park stretches over a surface of 1 hectare.
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Vinaigrier Park
On the eastern outskirts of Nice lies the national park of Mount Vinaigrier. The hillsides are covered in pine and oak trees and a rare flowering ash species that blossoms in May.
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
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 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 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
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
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
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 in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
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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La Roustide Restaurant
The restaurant welcomes you in a friendly and warm atmosphere offering a refined and delicate cuisine.
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Jan Restaurant
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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La Fille du Pecheur Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Situated on the Quay Courbet in Villefranche-sur-Mer, just in front of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the restaurant La Fille du Pêcheur is managed by Krystel Roux, a true fisherman's daughter!
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Le Mayssa Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Overlooking the bay of Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, this lovely restaurant serves excellent fish and seafood dishes, as well as pasta and meat mains.
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L'Aparte Restaurant
The restaurant is situated on the end of the Rue Obscure, a 13th century covered way.
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 Nice
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Jazz au Château, Cagnes sur Mer
Gather at Place du Château on a Friday evening to enjoy a wonderful evening of live music in an unforgettable venue.
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Villeneuve-Loubet night market
Stalls with souvenirs, handmade objects, beach articles and much more held on the seafront at Villeneuve-Loubet.
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Crossover Festival
A mix of public spaces, moods and musical styles will take over the city of Nice for the Crossover Festival.
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Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
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
A taste of traditional Provencal Nissarde cuisine, wine, and olives.
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Club Nautique de 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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Bikram Yoga
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.
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Nice Diving School
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
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
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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Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
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Windsor Hotel
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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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Price: €13,616
How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer
Transfers for Nice
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
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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Helicopter Airport Transfers & 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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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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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Helicopter Charter Flights
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.
Property For Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Property for Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Villa for Sale
Ideally located in the picturesque coastal town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, along the glittering French Riviera, this newly renovated building invites you to experience the perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and contemporary comfort.
Price: €4,900,000
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