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Villefranche-sur-mer

March 2022

Just a few kilometres from the Baie des Anges, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world (yes!). Its Provencal vegetation and crystal-clear water are an invitation to let go and relax. Colourful facades, anchored yachts and Mediterranean atmospheres are all within reach!

Published on 19 April 2022

Villefranche-sur-Mer: a Mediterranean wander

As you arrive, the prestigious city offers breathtaking views and from the cliff road, the sea or the train, the view is at once astonishing and intoxicating. Where’s the best place to start your day when you’re staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer? Go on a delightful escapade along the sleepy little streets of the beautiful colourful town. The sun is already beating down on the walls of the houses and the green and blue shutters are slowly beginning to open: ristretto time. There is a real feeling of Dolce Vita in this town which is not far from the Italian border. High in colour, full of sunshine and art, the best way to discover it is to wander aimlessly around it. Take your time in the old town, walk under the arcades and go up and down the winding staircases. For lunch or dinner, many small addresses serve refined and sunny dishes to eat in the old town or on the quays. One thing’s for sure, the charm only takes place after you’ve strolled around Villefranche!

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Une publication partagée par Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur (@visitsouthoffrance)

Colourful at all times of day

As a passionate photographer and particularly keen on architecture and colours, the town of Villefranche sur Mer had everything for me. A two-week stay last summer with a tight programme: charging my batteries and above all combining discovery, visits and relaxation. For me, Villefranche was a rediscovery because I’d been here as a child, and I’d sworn to come back here one day. My memories were intact and the magic had me under its spell again: the little streets, the colours, the architecture and the deep blue sky. And it’s difficult to forget that the sea water, which is a transparent turquoise, plays a colourful game with the reflections of the houses and restaurants. When night falls, emerging new tones are a real delight. As an amateur photographer, Villefranche offers a changing palette of colours as the day goes by and I love to play with it, my camera has fun and always wants more…

Christofer Cappellano

A feel of the French Riviera!

Villefranche-sur-Mer is the essence itself of the French Riviera and the colourful, bustling and very popular town has some things of interest not to miss:

Plunge into the atmosphere of medieval Villefranche as you wander down 130 metres of dark street: historically, the military used it as their defence walkway!
See the sublime Chapelle Saint-Pierre decorated by Jean Cocteau en 1957. As a sign of friendship towards the fishermen, they illustrate scenes from local life in a very Cocteau style.
The citadel is a must on your escapade in Villefranche where 3 museums are absolute musts: the Volti devoted to art and sculpture, the Goetz-Boumeester collection and its famous paintings signed by Miro and Picasso and the Roux collection of period figurines. (Closed at the moment but you’ll be able to discover them very soon!) And before leaving, stop off in the gardens.

Make a detour by Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer with their mansions, turquoise water and lush vegetation.
Get up high and wind along the cliffs with coastal towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer below because the view is even more impressive.

Christofer Cappellano

Hobby photographer

I love architecture in its natural habitat, and little by little photography became a passion for me. I’m in charge of communication and content for the Works Committee of the RATP for Culture and Leisure. I’m always looking up so as not to miss an unusual photo. I have more than 26,000 photos on my mobile and a huge amount on my computer. I live in the Paris region which is a great playground for all my location scouting.