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Villefranche sur Mer

On the coastal road (N98) and the N7 between Nice (8km) and Menton.

Villefranche sur Mer bay
Villefranche sur Mer is situated nearn Nice and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat right in the heart of the most beautiful and rich part of the French Riviera.
It's here that the most splendid properties are hidden away, and where the world's millionaires love to spend their holidays.
Villefranche sur Mer, sailing ship
Whether it's summer or winter, Villefranche is a stunning place. Its superb harbour is known to be one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Over-looking the hills and luxurious residences, Villefranche is one of the most exclusive spots on the French Riviera
Villefranche sur Mer, view from the fort
The port, the citadelle, the old town, and the gentle curve of the coast all contribute to the beauty of the village which dates back to 130 BC.
With its colourful fishing boats and nets, the port is both a base for fishermen and tourists, offering numerous cruises in the summer.
Villefranche sur Mer, square
You can wander along the fishing wharves, bordered by restaurants and their terraces.
If you continue until the end you will arrive at the lengthy Villefranche beach which is pleasant from the very first days of summer.
Fort St Elme
The Saint Elme citadel which over-looks the sea dates from the 16th century and appears to watch over the old part of the town today.
Villefranche sur Mer, fort Saint Elme
The village houses an auditorium, museums, "la cite des metiers d'art" and hanging gardens.
The army left here in 1965, (to their regret no doubt) and left in their place numerous art collections : Art and History museum, the Goetz-Boumeester collection (works by Picasso, Picabia...), the "Fondation-musee Volti" (contemporary sculptures) and even the Alpine-Hunting museums.
Villefranche sur Mer, fountain
The old village shelters narrow roads and stair-ways with the most evokative names: rue Obscure, rue du Poilu.
Covered passages lead down to the coloured facades of the ancient houses which have been carefully renovated. With their windows wide open at the height of summer you can hear snatches of lively conversation and smell the mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine from within.
Villefranche sur Mer, Saint Pierre chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau
Jean Cocteau, a native of the area, liked to come to Villefranche where he made friends with the fishermen to whom he dedicated his re-decoration of the Chapelle Saint-Pierre... a site not to be missed.

What to see

16th century Citadelle Saint Elme.
Chapelle St Pierre decorated by Cocteau.
13th century medieval quarter.
Villefranche church. St Michel chapel.

Leisure activities

Sea excursions. Sailing. Fishing. Water ski-ing. Swimming.
Volti, Goetz and Boumeester Museums.
Open-air cinema. Open-air theatre, the citadelle.

Villefranche Alpes Maritimes.
Villefranche sur Mer.
Plage Villefranche sur Mer.
Place à Villefranche sur Mer.

NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Beaulieu sur Mer (4 km), St Jean Cap Ferrat (5 km) and Nice (8 km).

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Main villages of the area: