If you’re planning a vacation on the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most interesting towns to visit. It’s a great destination for exploring historical sites as well as taking in the beach.
The old town is full of narrow streets that climb the hillside from the coast, providing hours of pleasurable strolling. The Eglise Saint-Michel located above the port is also worth a visit.
Citadel
Overlooking one of the world's most beautiful harbors, Villefranche-sur-Mer's 16th-century citadel is listed as a historic monument. It's also home to the town hall, a convention center, 3 museums, a theater, and many major works of art.
The best way to experience the stunning views of the Citadel is to take a guided tour. These offer a more intimate look at the history of the place and explain its many features.
There's also a lovely church in the citadel (Saint-Michel) that you can visit for free. Jean Cocteau decorated the church with murals that evoke the Mediterranean and periods in Saint Peter's life.
Another interesting attraction in the village is the waterfront Chapelle Saint-Pierre, which was once used as a storage space by local fishermen. It was restored in 1957 with Jean Cocteau's help and has murals depicting the life of Saint Peter and local fishermen. This is a must-see for anyone visiting Villefranche. Located just a short walk from the train station, it's a great place to start your exploration of this beautiful village.
Fort du Mont Alban
The Fort du Mont Alban is an impressive 16th-century military fortress that stands on a hill, a rare example of such structures still intact in France. Located in the Mont Boron park, this fort is a fascinating historical site to visit and offers a panoramic view of Nice and its surrounding region.
The site is also home to a dense forest that dates back to 1860 and features vegetation native to the Mediterranean, including the Aleppo pine and Holm oak. It’s a great spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Visiting the fort and enjoying the views will be an unforgettable experience. From here, you’ll have the chance to see the whole of Nice and the Baie des Anges, as well as the Italian coast and the Esterel range.
It’s a great day trip from the city of Nice, and it’s easy to reach by car, train or boat. Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown, you’ll feel at home in this quaint seaside village.
Plage de la Mariniere
The Plage de la Mariniere is one of the most beautiful beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer. It has great views across the sea and is a lot softer than other French Riviera beaches.
Located right next to the train station, this beach has showers, bathrooms and plenty of places to eat. There are also lifeguards in July and August, so it's a safe option for families.
It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The water is clear and deep blue so you'll have a great time swimming.
In addition to the main beach, there is a smaller and quieter beach called Plage de la Darse. This is a good option if you are looking for more privacy and to avoid the crowds.
If you are visiting in February (check dates every year), you can take part in the Sea Battle of Flowers (Combat Naval Fleuri). The traditional fishing boats are decorated with local flowers, like carnations and mimosas.
Jardin Francois Binon
Set on a shimmering harbour and criss-crossed with winding alleys and staircases, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most picturesque villages on the French Riviera. Stroll through a flower-filled Old Town, explore a 16th-century citadel and relax on the golden-sand beach.
- La Citadelle, a sweeping fortress perched on a hilltop, offers stunning views over the Cote d’Azur. It’s also home to a number of museums and features medieval ceramics and works by French sculptor Antoniucci Volti.
- A Provencal market in the heart of the village is open every Saturday. It sells fresh produce and delicacies such as olive tapenade, cheeses and paella.
- It is also a flea market and antique bazaar on Sundays where you can find vintage tourism posters, silverware, jewelry, etc. It is located on the corner of Place Amelie Pollonnais and Jardin Francois Binon.
