carte Villefranche sur Mer
Tourist map and places to visit in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Here is our interactive map of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which will make your visit to this seaside resort much easier. Located between Nice and Monaco, the town is easy to explore thanks to its compact size and its main attractions concentrated around the port and the citadel.
The colorful old town slopes gently down to the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches stretch along the magnificent bay. The Saint-Elme citadel has dominated the town since the 16th century. You will find all these iconic places clearly marked on our interactive tourist map.
How long does it take to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer?
A full day is enough to discover the highlights of Villefranche-sur-Mer. You can visit the citadel in the morning, have lunch at the port, and relax in the afternoon on Marinières Beach.
A weekend will allow you to explore further. You'll have time to stroll down Rue Obscure, visit the citadel's museums, and explore the trails of Mont Boron. Beach lovers can try out several coves.
Three days is the ideal length of stay for a complete visit. You can combine Villefranche with neighboring villages such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or Beaulieu-sur-Mer. This length of stay also allows you to take full advantage of the water sports on offer.
Where can I download a map of Villefranche-sur-Mer in PDF format?
You can download a detailed map of Villefranche-sur-Mer for free by clicking on the “Download map” button above our interactive map. This high-resolution PDF map contains all the tourist attractions.
The document includes the main streets, historical monuments, and beaches. You will also find public parking lots and public transportation stops. This handy map works even without an internet connection.
The tourist office also offers paper brochures with detailed maps. These documents are available free of charge at their information desk.
Where is the Villefranche-sur-Mer tourist office?
The Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Tourist Office has an information office in Villefranche-sur-Mer. It is located in the Jardin François Binon, in the town center, close to the port and the old town.
You can contact them on +33 (0)4 93 01 73 68. The office is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In July and August, it is open every day until 6:00 p.m.
The multilingual staff can provide information about the guided tours organized every Friday at 10 a.m. from April to October. These guided tours depart from the citadel and last approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations can be made directly with the town hall's events department.
What are the must-see places in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
The Saint-Elme Citadel
This 16th-century fortress is the most famous monument in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Built by the Duke of Savoy in 1557, it now houses the town hall and four remarkable museums.
The bastions offer breathtaking views of the bay and the Mediterranean. You can discover the Volti Foundation, the Goetz-Boumeester Museum, and the Roux Collection. The entrance is via an authentic drawbridge that plunges visitors into a medieval atmosphere.
The old town and Rue Obscure
The sloping streets of the old town descend towards the port, following a medieval layout. The colorful facades in warm tones create a typically Mediterranean atmosphere with their half-closed shutters.
Rue Obscure is a unique 13th-century underground passageway. This covered gallery once served as a refuge for residents and a passageway for soldiers. It is 130 meters long and remains perfectly preserved.
The Port de la Darse
This small traditional port is home to pointed boats, typical Mediterranean fishing boats. Restaurants and cafés line the quays, creating a friendly atmosphere for lunch or dinner facing the sea.
The port is also the starting point for boat trips to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or Monaco. You will find kayak and paddleboard rentals to explore the coast.
The beaches of Villefranche-sur-Mer
The Marinières beach stretches for 700 meters along the bay. This large sandy beach offers all the necessary amenities: showers, toilets, and beach restaurants.
The smaller, more intimate Darse beach is nestled near the port. The Ange Gardien beach offers a wilder setting below the citadel. All three beaches boast crystal-clear water and a sheltered climate.
How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer?
By train
The Villefranche-sur-Mer SNCF train station is located on the coastal line connecting Mandelieu to Italy. TER PACA trains run every 30 minutes from Nice (15-minute journey) and to Monaco (also 15 minutes).
The passenger building has ticket offices open Monday to Saturday. Ticket machines are available 24/7. The station is located on Avenue Georges Clémenceau, a 10-minute walk from the town center.
By bus
The Lignes d'Azur bus line 15 connects Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer approximately every 15 minutes. The “Octroi” stop is located on Avenue du Maréchal Foch, near the town center. The journey from Nice takes 20 minutes.
Line 600 provides a link to Monaco and the coastal villages. These departmental buses run from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a reduced service on Sundays.
By car
From the A8 motorway, take exit 55 “Nice-est” coming from Italy or exit 50 “Promenade des Anglais” from Aix-en-Provence. Then follow the Basse Corniche (M6098) towards Monaco.
The most convenient parking is near the citadel. Other paid parking spaces are available on Avenue du Maréchal Foch and near the train station. Traffic can be heavy in summer, so allow extra time.
What are the best hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
The Hôtel La Flore offers an exceptional location facing the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This 3-star hotel has been completely renovated in Provençal style and offers 30 air-conditioned rooms with balconies or terraces. Guests particularly appreciate the panoramic view of the Mediterranean from the rooms and the breakfast terrace. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a private bar, and secure parking. Its location between Nice and Monaco, a 5-minute walk from the beaches, makes it an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera.
Also worth reading to help you prepare for your visit to Villefranche-sur-Mer
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Beaulieu sur Mer (4 km), St Jean Cap Ferrat (5 km) and Nice (8 km).