What to see and what to buy in Villefranche sur Mer

Buying property in Villefranche sur Mer

Villefranche sur Mer has a splendid combination of sandy beaches, narrow medieval streets, restaurants near the water, and many chapels to visit. The bay of Villefranche is #1 on Instagram, with sailing yachts, motor cruisers and large cruise ships docking for pleasure on the shore.

This is one of the major cruise ports in Western Mediterranean waters, located east of Nice and southwest of Monaco. Villefranche sur Mer is near some of the most popular Cote d’Azur holiday destinations such as Monaco, Nice, Grasse, and Monte Carlo.

Due to its geographical position and proximity to some of the most popular holiday destinations in the region, Villefranche-sur-Mer has become a well-known cruise port in France.

The town of Villefranche has one of the deepest harbours in the Mediterranean Sea, which is ideal for the safe anchorage of large cruise ships. Since the vessels can’t dock, the passengers are picked up by tender boats and taken to the Port de la Santé, which is a short walk away.

This terminal building has various facilities, such as an ATM, a tourist information desk, and restrooms. Every year, various cruise ships visit this area and stay near the magnificent private yachts and small fishing boats.

Tour operators usually wait outside the terminal building for their passengers joining the shore excursions. The buses are also located a hundred meters away from where the meeting place is.

If you’re planning on staying in the town of Villefranche, there are plenty of things you can do. The first thing you’ll notice is the numerous street vendors and cafes serving up French pastries and coffee. Lunch in the harbour is perfect for joining the locals.

The town of Villefranche is typical French Riviera, with a centuries-old fishing culture and colourful houses on a hill overlooking the bay. It is around 10 minutes from the port and has a beautiful beach that can be reached by following the promenade along the waterfront.

If you want a tiny peek of the harbour and town, here’s the webcam of Villefranche sur Mer.

Discover the area

Most cruise passengers who come to the town of Villefranche-sur-Mar are choosing to take the shore excursions to nearby cities such as Monaco, Nice, and Grasse. Although it is not as crowded as other areas, the town is still a great place to spend the day. If you’re planning on visiting some historical sites, you can start at Chapelle Saint-Pierre, located across from the terminal building.

The chapel, which dates back to the 16th century, is located at the foot of the old town and is dedicated to St. Peter, the town’s patron saint and protector of fishermen. It is known for the work of Jean Cocteau, who restored it during the 20th century and decorated it in a Romanesque style. During the 19th century, it was used by local fishermen to store their boats and fishing equipment.

One of the town’s most prominent historical sites is the Citadel, which is around five minutes from the terminal. It dates back to the 16th century and features a town hall, an exhibition area, and a convention centre. Another notable building in the town’s old town is St. Michael’s church, which was built in the 18th century. You can also explore the old town’s narrow streets and take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

One of the most beautiful sites in Europe is the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s bay. The town’s beaches are free and are ideal for everyone to enjoy. Both locals and tourists know what to expect when it comes to visiting the area.

A must-visit in Villefranche-sur-Mer is the medieval Rue Obscure, which overlooks the Port de la Sante. This ancient street was constructed in 1260 and was used by soldiers to manoeuvre through the town. Initially, the street was designed as an ordinary street. Due to its limited space, houses were built over it, which turned it into a tunnel-like passageway. It has also been used as a makeshift shelter for animals, such as goats and donkeys, and wine cellars.

The small fishing port of Villefranche-sur-Mer is known for its unique architecture and is home to a flotilla of boats. Due to its beautiful waterfront and the 16th-century Citadel, it has become a popular location for artists and painters.

Situated on the edge of a bay, the small town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is known for its unique setting. It’s also close to other cities such as Nice Cote d’Azur and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Its location provides a beautiful view of the mountains and offers protection from the wind.

The airport to Villefranche-sur-Mer is around 25 minutes from Nice airport, while the Principality of Monaco is around 30 minutes away. This area’s people can enjoy all Monaco has to offer, such as the casino, opera, and luxury shops.

The town of Villefranche-sur-Mer has a reputation for being a prestigious location. It’s also known for its beautiful villas, which offer panoramic views of the bay and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. These houses are ideal for people looking to live in a unique environment and are fascinated by the city’s surroundings.

Beaches

A popular location is the Plage des Marinieres or Plage de Ville-sur-Mer, near the Old Port.

Many restaurants, bars, and ice cream kiosks can be found on the Plage des Marinieres. Free showers and toilets are also available at this beach. Compared to the beaches in nearby Nice, the Plage des Marinires has sand and pebbles.

The Plage des Marinieres is ideal for everyone. During the summer season, however, it can get very crowded. If you’re looking for a different beach, try one of the nearby beaches.

Situated further away from Villefranche and next to the old harbour is the Plage de l’Ange Gardien. This beach offers a more peaceful setting.

This beach has a dog-friendly section. This area is perfect for people looking to enjoy the beach with their pets.

Another beautiful beach near the port is the Plage de la Darse. It’s a bit different from the other beaches in the area. It’s recommended to walk or bike to this beach. This beach is relatively undisturbed and doesn’t have a lot of activity. This area is also covered in large, sometimes pointed rocks, which require suitable footwear.

The Old Town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is full of winding streets that provide plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and enjoyable walking.

The houses along the Plage de la Darse are adorned with colourful plants and flowers. It feels like a place where the local life is bountiful, and cats can run free.

Churches and chapels

The landscapes surrounding this traditional fishing village combine with the town’s unique setting. The people of this area live in a traditional environment and are known for their local markets. During their time in the town, visitors can enjoy walking through the streets and stopping at St. Peter’s chapel, designed by Jean Cocteau.

In 1957, Jean Cocteau convinced the residents to let him paint the church. He then completely renovated the interior of the building. St Pierre Chapel is a beautiful and unique structure located in the Old Town of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Everyone has recognized the beauty of this chapel, and it is included in the town’s historical monuments. This area’s cultural wealth and architecture result from an illustrious past. Although it became a French town in 1860, it was still a home address for the Russian and English aristocracy.

One of the most beautiful locations near the Old Town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the eglise Saint-Michel. This Baroque church was constructed during the 18th century. This church was built on the site of a previous 14th-century church.

One of the unique features of the Saint Michel Church is the life-sized carving of a recumbent Christ, which was made from a piece of fig tree wood. This carving has become one of the church’s most popular attractions.

Saint Elisabeth Chapel is just a couple blocks from the Saint Michel Church. This beautiful building features a unique striped exterior.

The chapel was originally built during the 16th century and was initially occupied by the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit. In the 18th century, it was taken over by a sisterhood under the patronage of a particular Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

The chapel served various purposes during the 20th century, including as a meeting room or a market. Nowadays, it’s mainly used as an exhibition venue. An accessible entrance is provided to this building, so look inside and see what’s inside.