Villefranche-sur-Mer

Visit Villefranche-sur-Mer, Provence

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a town and seaside resort in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Cote d'Azur, close to the French border with Italy and just a short distance east of Nice.

The town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which has been occupied since roman times, is built on terraces up a steep hill that overlooks the azure blue sea and beautiful bay of the Mediterranean below.

Exploring Villefranche-sur-Mer

It is not surprising that the principal attraction for visitors to Villefranche-sur-Mer is the area along the seaside, with the very beautiful harbour and a long beach. The port is predominantly now a pleasure port but a small fishing fleet also operated from here. The harbour is now a popular place for a promenade with many bars and restaurants along the waterfront.

There are also some older buildings and highlights to be seen. Among these the most dominant is miss the 16th century citadel, the large walled building that stands poised above the sea and is now home to several high quality museums (principally related to art), the town hall and other government offices.

Behind the harbour is the attractive old town with beautiful ancient houses lining the steep cobbled streets that climb the hill through the town. One interesting feature that reminds you that you are in an ancient town - the streets that run along the hill (rather than up and down) pass through arches under the houses, creating a great atmosphere. The best known of these is called the Rue Obscura.

There are also a couple of churches and religious monuments of interest here, principal among them being the Chapel Saint-Pierre, featuring decoration by Cocteau in Villefranche-sur-Mer old town. In Villefranche-sur-Mer village center you will also see the baroque style Church of Saint-Michel, built in the 18th century.

After exploring the historic centre you can ascend to the Mont Alban Fort for great views out across the sea and along the coast. Perhaps equally interesting are the villas and 'palaces' of the rich and famous tucked away in the hills around the town - the rest of us can only glimpse them and dream!

There are several weekly markets in Villefranche-sur-Mer, with the traditional Provencal market each saturday morning on Promenade de l'Octroi being the most popular with visitors.

Not surprisingly, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a very popular holiday destination in its own right and also a day-trip destination from the other resorts of the Cote d'Azur and can become very crowded during the summer.

Attractions nearby

There are numerous attractions close to Villefranche-sur-Mer, including other resorts along the coast such as beaulieu-sur-Mer to the east and Nice to the west, the coast walk and museum and gardens at Museum Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat.

A little further east the charming medieval village of Eze stand high above the Mediterranean and also has lovely views.

Tourist classifications for Villefranche-sur-Mer: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Peillon 10km; Roquebrune-Cap-Martin 14km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 14km; Gorbio 14km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 15km; Sainte-Agnes 16km; Vence 16km; Menton 17km; Coaraze 18km; Biot 19km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 20km; Antibes 21km; Juan-les-Pins 22km; Sospel 22km; Cap d'Antibes 23km; Valbonne 25km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (2km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (4km) : Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (8km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (15km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (17km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (17km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (17km) : Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret - remarkable garden (21km) :

French version: see Villefranche-sur-Mer (Francais)