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.
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- History & Culture in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Sights & Attractions in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Dining in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Events in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Cycling in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Hiking in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Yachts & Sailing in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Watersports in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Families in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Nightlife in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Villas in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Holidays Rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Campsites in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Property For Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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
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
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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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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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.
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Saint-Michel Church, 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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Goetz-Boumeester Museum
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.
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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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'Atelier du Port Restaurant, Nice Centre
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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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 Table du Royal Restaurant, St-Jean-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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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 Reserve Restaurant
La Réserve has been refurbished throughout in an eye-catching style of the 1930s. Its superb location boasts stunning panoramic views and you can enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the water, or dinner at nightfall with exquisite views over the Baie des Anges.
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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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.
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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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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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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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'Un Festival C'est Trop Court' Short Film Festival
The festival is a much-anticipated event in the European cinematic calendar and has become a popular rendezvous for young creators.
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Les Gourmand'Eze Gastronomic Festival, Eze
Three days with a packed programme of show cooking, workshops, tastings, conferences, amateur contests and a lot more.
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.
Cycling in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Cycling Routes in Nice
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La Grande Corniche Cycle Route
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
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Mont Lauze Cycle Route
This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
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Aspremont Tourette Falicon Cycle Route
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
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Col de Vence Cycle Route
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
Hiking in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Walking Routes in Nice
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Villefranche Sur Mer to Cap de Nice
This rugged coastal footpath runs from Villefranche-Sur-Mer all the way to Nice, providing excellent views of the harbour and lots of opportunities for secluded swimming and sunbathing along the way.
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Circuit de la Rade
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
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A short leisurely hike near Coco beach
This is the shortest and most easily accessible of the Sentier Littoral walks; making it easy to fit into a quiet afternoon when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice town.
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Sentier Littoral : Tour du Cap Ferrat
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
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Promenade du Paillon Walk in Nice
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
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Hike from Nice along the Plateau St Michel
This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
Yachts & Sailing in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Watersports in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Watersports 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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Nice Diving School
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, 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).
Families in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nightlife in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Bars & Clubs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Ma Nolans, 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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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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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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Casino de Beaulieu
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.
Villas in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villas in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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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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Saint Pierre de Feric Villa
This beautiful 195m2 villa with city and sea view is located just a few minutes form the centre on Nice.
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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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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.
Holidays Rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Holiday Rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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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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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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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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Harmonie Apartment, Nice Centre
Harmonie is a perfect apartment for stay in the centre of Nice and being quiet at the same time. It is a very spacious one bedroom apartment with a terrace, situated in a modern building of grand standing.
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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.
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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''.
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.
Price: €19,404
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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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Le Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
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Eza Chateau Hotel, 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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Suisse Hotel
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-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €42,940
Campsites in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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 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.
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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.
Property For Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Property for Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Villa for Sale
Co-Exclusive: Mont Boron - located just 2 km from the Mediterranean Sea, this magnificent 306 sq m art deco villa enjoys breathtaking views of Nice and the sea. Facing southwest, it offers an exceptional living environment.
Price: €2,995,000
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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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Villa for Sale
SOLE AGENT- MONT BORON - CAP DE NICE - nestled in a small private lane, you will discover this beautiful neo-Provençal villa in a peaceful setting on the side of a rock, facing southwest towards the sea.
Price: €3,250,000