Villefranche-sur-Mer, a lovely Mediterranean town located right between Nice and Monaco, is full of beauty and charm.
One of the main draws to Villefranche-sur-Mer is its stunning natural setting. The town sits on a large bay, and the water is a stunning shade of turquoise.
The town itself is full of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lush gardens – making it worth visiting. But although small, Villefranche has much more to offer than just its breathtaking scenery.
This guide will cover all the best reasons to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer.
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10 Reasons to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer
1- The food scene is heavenly
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a haven for foodies. The town is home to many top restaurants that serve traditional cuisine, which makes it an ideal spot for sampling some of the best dishes of the region.
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2- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a stunning Belle Époque-style mansion located on the waterfront just a short walk from the town center of Villefranche and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The villa houses an extensive art collection and gorgeous gardens that are well worth exploring.
3- The beaches are beautiful
Plage des Marinieres is Villefranche-sur-Mer’s main beach. This beach has white sand, and beautiful water and is perfect for swimming. You can read more about the other beaches in Villefranche in this travel guide.
4- Small French town feeling
Villefranche-sur-Mer has that charming French village feel to it, yet offers all the conveniences of a modern city.
With its narrow streets and colorful buildings, Villefranche creates an enchanting atmosphere that invites visitors to explore its many hidden corners after the next croissant or pain au chocolat.
5- The colorfully painted houses
The historic center of Villefranche-sur-Mer is full of colorful houses, each one painted in its own unique way. The vibrant colors and unique designs make walking around the town an absolute delight.
6- The old port
Villefranche’s old harbor is a great place to unwind and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the incredible boats.
7- The Citadelle de Saint-Elme is a must see
This majestic fortress is located on a hill overlooking Villefranche and is a great spot to take in the breathtaking views of the town.
8- Shopping and antiquing
From boutiques to souvenir shops, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great spot for shopping. The town also has several quaint antique stores where visitors can find unique items from the area’s past.
9- It’s a perfect base to explore the Riviera
Villefranche-sur-Mer is centrally located and makes a great base to explore the French Riviera. Visitors can use it as a base to easily reach other popular destinations like Nice, Monaco, and Menton in just a short drive.
10- Charming and simple hotels
Very different from the luxurious resorts in Cannes and Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a range of simple, yet charming hotels. Perfect for travelers looking for an authentic French experience without the hefty price tag.
Hôtel La Flore and Hotel Provencal are perfect examples of this.
11- You can hike from Nice to Villefranche
For those looking for an active adventure, the hike from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great way to explore the area. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and passes through several charming hidden beaches along the way.
12- St Pierre Chapel
The St Pierre Chapel is a beautiful 14th-century chapel overlooking Villefranche-sur-Mer. The chapel has an amazing panoramic view of the harbor and its bell tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in town.
What makes this chapel even more special are the murals painted by the famous Jean Cocteau.
How to get to Villefranche-sur-mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer can be easily reached by car, bus, or even train from Nice and most surrounding cities.
The best time to visit
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great destination throughout the year, however, the summer months are usually the most popular.
During this time of year, there is always something happening in town and visitors can enjoy events like La Fête de la Musique or La Creme Festival.
Conclusion: Is Villefranche-sur-mer worth visiting?
That’s a wrap! Now you know all the reasons why Villefranche-sur-Mer is worth a visit.
With its crystal clear waters and beautiful architecture, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to spend their holidays here.
Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!
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