Villefranche-Sur Mer

The Bay of Villefrance, reputed as one of the five most beautiful bays in the world, is embraced by the Cap of Nice on the right and Cap Ferrat on the left. The charming Old Town of Villefranche cascades down the hillside to the sea, and the sandy kilometer-long beach offers great recreation throughout the year

Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most charming – if not the most charming authentic French and Niçoise fishing village of the French Riviera, in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. With Monaco on one side and Nice on the other, it is hard to believe that it can retain its charm and authenticity of a little village where people still know each other.

I decided to spend few days living and experiencing the true lifestyle of the village. My neighbors (an elderly couple in their late 80s) live in an apartment that has been in their family since 1830. Their children and grandchildren all live and work in the village. Another neighbor is one of the local fishermen who sell their catch at the local market. There is another neighbor of Italian origin (as are many Villefranchois families) who has been in Villefranche since 1900 and they are the proprietors of the world-renowned soap boutique. It is a unique experience watching and hearing the neighbors hang out their windows and greet each other, have a little chat or just watch the day pass by. So like the scenes from Fellini’s movies. It is a delightful way of life unique to Old Town Living.

Although it is such an authentic village, Villefranche is also surrounded by a fascinating international scene. It attracts very interesting cosmopolitan groups of visitors and residents, including student who attend the renowned French language school, Institute de Français.

Villefranche is so close and well positioned to everything along the Riviera: the beautiful Port and Old Town of Nice is just a few kilometers away (and a lovely walk if one prefers), while Monaco and Italian border are not much farther (easily reached by bus or train). Going just a little farther you come to the historic Antibes, chic Juan les Pins (where Picasso lived for some time) and glamorous Cannes (only an easy train ride away from Villefranche), while the famous art village of St. Paul de Vence and the perfumers of Grasse are also close by. Forget about the car as you can reach all these places by bus or train as public transportation is excellent and inexpensive - and often faster and easier than driving.

What is there to do in Villefranche?

There is so much to do here that it is difficult to know where to start from. Maybe first just to relax, enjoy the beach, sit in a café or bar and take in the beautiful scenery and fun scene. One can never tire of that. Or, maybe just get immersed and enjoy the French lifestyle, cuisine, delicious products and wine, shop in the local markets, just live the village lifestyle – and get healthier and trimmer while eating and drinking to your heart’s content. The area offers great sites for sightseeing and photographs taking. Italy is just 30 minutes away – to visit it for a day, do some shopping and also get an authentic Italian experience. There are so many opportunities to enjoy yourself that no one gets tired of it. Needless to say I have fallen in love with Villefranche.