Best Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Included in this blog,
a couple of wardrobe recommendations to be
both stylish and comfortable this winter or spring!
I thought I would celebrate January with a post to take the cold winter blues away.
To a place where the sun shines more than 300 days annually, even at this time of year.
A place that captured my heart the moment I saw it.
Ville Franche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera.
Five years ago I was on a cruise ship in late September navigating the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Venice.
I woke up one morning, and instead of finding our ship docked in an industrial area, at least a bus ride away from our designated port of call, I saw this view.
Best Things to do in Ville Franche-sur-Mer/the sheltered port
This tiny village appeared before me like a surprise gift.
The early morning sun rippled over the navy blue water illuminating the buildings – restaurants, hotels, apartments and villas that climb the hills, in vivid shades of ochre yellow, rose, sienna and umber.
How was it possible to be so close to the village on a ship that was carrying 3000 passengers?
I learned that the bay of Villefranche is, in fact, one of the deepest natural harbours of any port in the Mediterranean Sea and provides safe sheltered anchorage for large ships from the easterly winds.
Best Things to do in Ville Franche-sur-Mer/View from the Train
I had to take a small boat across the harbour, passing the early morning fishermen coming in with their fresh catch of things like brill, skate, razor fish and sea bream.
I spent the most peaceful day strolling up and down the cobbled stone and brick streets, really no more than narrow corridors, through covered tunnels into cafés, shops, galleries, and churches.
Tables laden with linen and cutlery for the multitude of seaside restaurants across the main road.
Shuttered two to three-storey apartments line the streets as you walk up the steps. Love this shade of pink.
I have made two subsequent trips back to this favoured location because I love it so much. It is just a short train ride from Nice.
I have noticed that as the train passes by this beloved resort town on its way from Nice to Monaco, passengers crane their necks to watch it go by, savouring a moment of sheer bliss drinking in its beauty.
Every street is a treat with some detail to take in.
Best Things To Do In Villefranche-sur-Mer
So, enjoy my photos and here is my quick guide to the best things you can easily do in a day there.
1. GO and spend the day
Yes, make sure you put Villefranche on your list of villages to visit on the French Riviera!
2. Start with Coffee
Right off the train walk down to the main shore road Avenue Sadi Carnot until you arrive at the Wine Pier Bar and Café underneath the landmark Welcome Hotel.
A view of the sea can be glimpsed down every street.
3. Walk up and down every street
You can literally see the whole town this way, and there are so many distractions to keep you occupied. Super views looking down to the water from the tops of these little paths.
An artist’s rendition of this small courtyard
Inviting places to sit and just rest for a moment
4. Lunch at Les Garcons
This is a special spot for lunch. In the nice weather, you can eat out on the stone terrace. Flora and fauna cascade from the ancient walls that surround the restaurant, which sometimes conceals a stray cat or two mesmerized by the chef’s special, a plate of delicious confit de canard|duck confit. (Mine!)
The Terrace at Les Garcons
My lunch at Les Garcons
5. The Beach
There is a small public beach at the far end of the town underneath the open-air train station. You will need to bring your own towel but it’s a great place to take a dip, or just savour looking out to sea before you hop on the train back to where you started from.
Lots of steps so you will get your exercise!
Have you been to Ville-Franche-sur-Mer?
OR, what is your favourite town or village in the south of France?
Fortunately, there are so many to choose from.
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Can you guess which Provençal seaside town this is? Courtesy jackdawjourneys.com
Thinking of a trip to Provence this year or next?
Check out Jackdawjourneys.com and my friend and Provence tour guide Dee Poquette. She has lots of fun trips planned for women travelling together or solo! You can also read about Dee and her trips to Provence in her latest blog about Menton CLICK HERE!
Travelling to France this Winter or Spring?
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Gorgeous. Just want to paint every nook and cranny.
Hope you are returning soon and will give us another peak into French paradise.
Hi Twink — it would be ABSOLUTELY an artist’s dream! You must go! Thanks for the comment, Diana
I spent the month of April in Ville France Sur Mer after seeing it over 35 years ago, totally smitten. Found a nice little condo with views from a balcony over harbor to Cap Ferrat.
Never had to rent a car, used bus and train routes to explore coast both east and west.
Have been touring in Europe since 1971. Never tire of people and lifestyle. Will be in Honfleur soon to explore Normandy. Of course, time in Paris as always!
Mary – thank you so much for this comment! A whole month in Ville Franche — how wonderful. It is such a special place. I have yet to explore Honfleur and Normandy but it is on my list. Enjoy Mary … and thank you again for reaching out. PS Have a look at my new Paris Fan Club at http://www.parisfanclub.com
Hi Diana. We will be there in May. We are on a cruise and this is a stop. Ty for the tips.
That is super Luci! You will love it. Diana
While I have spent some time in Nice, I have not yet discovered Ville-Franche-sur-Mer!!! Enjoyed your travelogue on this special place – thanks!
It is so close to Nice that some people actually walk.. a bit of a hike but not too far.
I have to do that sometime. Love hearing from you, Gretchen! Diana
Villefranche-sur-Mer is home to one of the best French immersion schools for adults, L’Institut de Français. My husband & I attended a month-long program there TWICE! If you want to start learning French or improve your French conversation skills, this is a wonderful place — there are classes for all levels.
Fran — yes I keep hearing about that school. That is wonderful information. Thank you so much.
I have been to a language school in Nice but had I known about Ville Franche.. well no contest.
Something to put on my list of to-dos… best to you and thank you for being such a loyal follower of
my blog!
Diana
This is good information Fran and many of you have now advised. I will be sure to add that to my list of schools to try.
A month in Ville-Franche… I could certainly handle that and enjoy so many other wonderful places to visit in the vicinity.
Best to you and thank you for making the comment and being such a loyal reader of my blog.
The Paris Fan Club is just to go live .. later this week, but if you love Paris and France, all things France you can have a peak at http://www.parisfanclub.com
Best, Diana
There is a wonderful French language immersion program in Villefranche—L’Institut de Français.
Kathy… how kind of you to let me know. Several others here have made that comment so it must be a very good school!
Something to look into. Thank you so much for the tip and for reading my blog. Best to you, Diana
Hey Diana, I lived in Villefranche s/m for 5 months in total. First time was 2 months then the others for 1 month each time. I was attending the Institut de Français each time. My accomodation was next door to the school so I walked down and up the hill each day. Tried most of the restaurants there. Weekends we had off so headed into Nice usually on the bus. A few girls walked:)) Menton is lovely too and know for its lemon festival. One Sunday we took the train to the Italian border and went to the markets. And also to Cap Ferrat. I do remove hordes of women coming off various cruises tromping through the village as they spewed off the cruise liner. Good for local business:) It is a beautiful location for photos.
Hi Helen,
Yes, there is so much around this area to explore and Villefranche is one of the Riviera’s many gem locations. I also love Menton. And want to go to Eze on my next trip.
This language school is a find. I did not know that there was one there and will look into that. Lucky you to have spent so much time in this beautiful village. Thank you for sharing! Best wishes, Diana
Thanks for the tips on Villefranche-sur-Mer, Diana, and beautiful pics! I’ve been there once while on a cruise (the opposite direction to yours – Venice to Barcelona), and we briefly walked through some areas from the train station on our way back from Nice, but we didn’t do it justice. I would love to go back again and explore it further.
It’s also where Cary Grant’s character goes to visit his grandmother in An Affair to Remember. I absolutely love that film, and although you don’t get to see much scenery, I’ve always imagined what it would be like to live in such a beautiful town like this along the Riviera.
Diana : Our visit to Villefranche was probably my favorite day on our trip to France last spring ! Such a glorious little town with awe inspiring views around every corner ! The colours of this beautiful village spoke to me and of course ; being on the sea…..! I would love to stay there for a few days at least !
My favorite town is Cassis which is tied with Gordes! Both are beautiful in different ways. I hope to get back there one day.
Hi Stephanie! I have not yet been to Cassis but hear it is gorgeous The picture at the bottom of this blog is in fact, Cassis!
I love hearing from you and thank you so much for the comment. Nice when I hear from someone who is reading my missives.
Best to you, Diana