During a day in Villefranche-sur-Mer, there are a number of things to do that will help you enjoy your time. You can visit the beach, take a half-day tour, or even enjoy a private shore excursion.
Places to stay
Located between Monaco and Nice on the Cote d'Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a quaint fishing village. It has a lot to offer visitors, including a tranquil harbour, fabulous restaurants and culture.
The old town is a beautiful place to explore. It has pastel-coloured buildings, quaint alleyways and breathtaking views. Most of the buildings date back to the 12th or 13th century.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is also an excellent place for a day trip from Nice. There are a number of hotels and resorts in the area, as well as apartments to rent. If you're traveling with kids, consider staying at Hotel Le California, a casual B&B.
The Citadel is a 16th-century medieval fortress that sits high on a hill above the town. Inside you can find a pretty rose garden and an art exhibition space. It's also home to the town hall and an open-air theater.
You can stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer for as little as $169 a night at the Hotel La Flore. It's a 10 minute walk from the center of town. You can even enjoy room service.
Another great place to stay is Residence Pierre & Vacances L'Ange Gardien, a resort hotel. It's a short walk from the train station and has great views of the sea. It's also close to the beach and a great beach-side restaurant.
The beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer is known for its beauty. The water is crystal clear and deep blue. You can rent a boat to get out into the cliffs and explore. The main beach is Plage des Marinieres. You can also take a short walk to the La Mala Beach Club, which is a safe and family-friendly beach. It has a great service and a beach-side restaurant.
Attractions
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Cote d'Azur region of France, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming seaside town. It is also one of the most picturesque villages along the Riviera. It is not as crowded as other French Riviera destinations, so you can enjoy a relaxing getaway.
Among the top attractions in Villefranche-sur-Mer is the Old Town, which is a pedestrianized area with steep cobbled streets. Most of the buildings are from the 12th or 13th century. There are many ancient houses painted in bright pastel colors.
Another popular attraction in Villefranche-sur-Mer includes the Citadel, which is a fortified structure high above the city. It contains several museums and interesting works of art. It is free to enter. It has a great view of the city.
The port of Villefranche-sur-Mer is also a good place to visit. It has a long bay that is perfect for swimming. It has a historic naval building, and a fishing fleet. It is a busy area in the summer, so you should try to find a spot that is near the water.
Another thing to see is the St Michel Church, which is located in the Old Town. It was rebuilt in the 18th century. The church's organs are listed as a historic monument. The church is also known for its murals, which depict the life of Saint Peter. The church was a former storage area for local fishermen. It was renovated in the 1950s.
The market is held every Saturday and Wednesday at the same place. You will find plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, pottery, and other items for sale.
A few other attractions in Villefranche-sur-Mer include the Villa Leopold, which is located on the hills above the town. It once served as the home of King Leopold II of Belgium.
Beaches
Known as one of the best beaches in Europe, the beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer are a draw for both locals and visitors. Located between Monaco and Nice, the area has a lot to offer.
If you want to have a good time, it's recommended you visit the area during one of the low seasons. This is because the temperatures are milder and hotels tend to be cheaper. You also won't be as crowded as during the summer months.
The Bataille des Fleurs is a fun winter festival that involves lots of music and costumes. The city also has an opulent old town.
There are four beaches in the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The main beach is Plage des Marinieres, which is a popular picnic spot. There are also two other sand and gravel beaches.
A little over a mile long, the Plage des Marinieres has some of the most beautiful views of the Old Town of Villefranche. The shallow waters are great for kids and families. Those interested in snorkeling will find this beach worthwhile.
The Plage de la Garoupe is an idyllic cove that was once a popular party destination in the 1920s. It's a quiet, private spot that's a perfect place to take a break.
The Welcome Hotel is a landmark in Villefranche-sur-Mer. It's right on the beach and has an impressive wine bar that offers an extensive selection of local wines. It's also an excellent place for family dinners. The rooms have large floor-to-ceiling windows that make for an amazing view of the Mediterranean.
The best part of all is the weather. The weather in the South of France is usually quite pleasant all year round.
Private shore excursion
Located in the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a seaside resort. It is known for its blue waters, rolling hills, and port city atmosphere. The town is best known for its Castle Hill, which is part of the Villafranche Historic Site. The village is also home to a perfumery.
The best way to see the region is to book a private shore excursion. The tours are customized to the individual's preferences. They can be 4, 6, or 8 hours long and depart from the Villefranche Sur Mer port. They are available for both cruise passengers and non-cruise travelers. The price of the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at the port. The tour includes an experienced guide and private transportation.
In addition to the aforementioned, there are plenty of other ways to experience the Riviera. For instance, you can take a boat tour or drive along the Grand Corniche to Monaco. You can also visit the world-famous Casino Square in Monte Carlo. You can even book a half-day tour of Cannes.
The full-day shore excursion also includes the Medieval hilltop village of Eze. This is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. You will get to see some of the sights as well as enjoy the stunning ocean views.
You will have the opportunity to sample some French cuisine as well. The Fragonard perfumery is also worth a visit. The fragrance produced by the factory is famous.
If you are interested in a more detailed exploration of the region, you can book a full day private tour. This private shore excursion allows you to see all the highlights in one day. It includes an optional stop at St. Paul de Vence. You will also have free time for lunch.
Half-day tour
Located on the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a pretty town that is perfect for a day trip. The harbor is deep and there are plenty of ships that pass through it. Whether you want to relax on a sandy beach, take a walk along the harbor, or visit the local museums, there are a variety of things to see and do.
One of the best sights to see in Villefranche-sur-Mer is the Citadel. This 16th-century medieval fortress sits on a hill that provides a beautiful view of the city. The Citadel is home to several museums, an open-air theater, and a garden.
Another attraction is the St Pierre Chapel. This 16th-century chapel once served as a storage area for local fishermen. Today it is home to Princess Grace and Prince Rainier.
The old town is the heart of Villefranche-sur-Mer. There are many picturesque buildings that date from the 12th and 13th centuries. There are also narrow, cobbled streets that give the town a medieval feel.
The town has a twice-weekly market where you can pick up fresh produce, flowers, fabrics, and ceramics. The harbor is home to traditional fishing boats decorated with flowers. During the summer months, people enjoy a dip in the clear, blue waters.
You can also visit La Turbie. This is a small town that overlooks the Principality of Monaco. The tour includes a stop at the Fragonard perfumery, a famous perfumery that produces the Alpine Trophy. The tour also offers spectacular views of the French Riviera. The tour can be customized to your own interests.
The half-day tour from Nice begins in the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The day includes a drive along the Mediterranean Sea, sightseeing cruises, and time to explore the Old Town. The tour is limited to eight participants so you will receive personalized attention.
