Villefranche-sur-Mer, near Nice
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
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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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Volti Museum
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in 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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Goetz-Boumeester Museum
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
This museum's collection is composed of the donation of Henri Goetz to the town of Villefranche. It is located on the ground floor of an old barrack building in the 16th-century citadel, which houses many museums.
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Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
This Baroque Italianate church dates to the 1750s, although it was built on the site of a 14th-century church.
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Le Fort du Mont Alban, near Nice
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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.
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
Located <1 km away
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
Located <1 km away
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
Located 1.5 km away
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
Located 1.6 km away
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
Located 2.1 km away
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
Located 2.1 km away
The glamorously named Coco Beach is more of a launchpad into the deep blue sea than a true beach.
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.
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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Jan Restaurant
Located in Nice
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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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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Le Mayssa Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Located in 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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La Table du Royal Restaurant, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Chef Bruno Le Bolch takes you on a journey of the senses that is a delight to the eye and the taste buds.
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L'Atelier du Port Restaurant, Nice Centre
Located in 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.
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La Fille du Pecheur Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Located in 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!
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
Located in 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
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
A taste of traditional Provencal Nissarde cuisine, wine, and olives.
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Club Nautique de Nice
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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
Located in Nice
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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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Located in Cap Ferrat
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Price: €19,600
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Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
Located in Nice
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.
Price: €3,825
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Windsor Hotel
Located in Nice
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
Price: €1,820
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Le Negresco Hotel
Located in Nice
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Price: €10,192
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Located in Eze
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
Located in Cap Ferrat
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.