Villefranche-sur-Mer, French Riviera, France
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful coastal town located on the world-famous Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), nestled between the cities of Nice (about 9 km to the east) and Beaulieu-sur-Mer (4 km to the west). Despite its relatively small size, it stands out as one of the most charming and sought-after tourist destinations on the French Côte d'Azur. What was once a simple fishing village with a deep natural harbor has now blossomed into a vibrant town that captivates visitors with its beautiful sandy beaches, iconic colorful houses, and an abundance of inviting cafes and restaurants.
Parking in Villefranche-sur-Mer
We recommend leaving the car in the paid, large parking lot at Place Wilson, right next to the marina and Musee de la Marine (1; GPS: 43.7027681, 7.3117278). Hence, we are close both to old town and to interesting citadel of Saint-Elme. Watch out for the ubiquitous pedestrians walking narrow streets you are going to drive.
You can also try to leave your car in the (probably) free parking lot located above the old town, at Avenue Albert 1er (2; GPS: 43.7040014, 7.3094317), but the chance is small that there are free places in later hours.
Alternatively, you can try your luck at finding a free parking spot located above the old town, on Avenue Albert 1er, but finding an available space, especially later in the day, can be a challenge in this popular area. The paid parking at the marina offers the best convenience and peace of mind for a day of exploration.
The marina and the streets of old town
After leaving the parking lot (assuming you parked the car at Place Wilson) you can first walk the street in the right direction and then walk along the coast, admiring the colorful houses which a little bit resemble the view of the port of Saint-Tropez. First, however, we pass a chapel of Saint-Pierre from 16th century, which in 1957 was decorated with frescoes by Jean Cocteau, whose bronze bust is located behind the building (A; GPS: 43.703104, 7.312035). Returning back from the marina, we can climb up the narrow streets passing by a very interesting street Rue Obscure from the 14th century with the length of about 130 m, which is something like a cellar corridor (B; GPS: 43.703755, 7.311867). Once the street was not covered, but as a result of uncontrolled urbanization starting from 16th century it was gradually covered. Then we walk in the direction of Saint-Michel church from the first half of 14th century, located in the center of old town (C; GPS: 43.703900, 7.311184). This church was later supplemented with baroque elements, and its interior contains a number of interesting pieces of art. Strolling down the narrow streets, we can then turn towards the citadel of Saint-Elme.
Jean Cocteau's artistic touch transformed the Chapel of Saint-Pierre from a simple fisherman's chapel into a celebrated work of art. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen, and pay homage to local traditions and the sea. The vibrant murals are a testament to Cocteau's unique style and his deep connection to the town, making the chapel a significant cultural landmark.
The Church of Saint-Michel dates back to the first half of the 14th century, although it was later supplemented with striking baroque elements that give it a unique architectural character. Its interior is a treasure trove of fascinating art, including a famous wooden crucifix and a beautiful organ, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you can then make your way towards the impressive citadel of Saint-Elme.
The citadel of Saint-Elme
The citadel of Saint-Elme (D; GPS: 43.701867, 7.311142) is a 16th-century complex of military buildings designed to defend the town and its main port La Darse (and also the city of Nice) against the enemies. It was completely renovated in the early 1980's. At that time, the town hall was moved here. The citadel occupies a truly large area (7.5 acres), just no comparision with the citadels in Saint-Tropez or Antibes, previously visited by us. It is divided into several closed areas. In one of them there is a watchtower from which we have nice views of the entire bay. In addition to mentioned town hall, in the citadel there are four museums, including Volti, La Collection Roux and Goetz-Boumeester. Admission to museums is free.
Beyond housing the town hall, the citadel is also home to four distinct museums, including the Volti, La Collection Roux, and Goetz-Boumeester museums, each offering unique collections. The museums showcase a range of art, from sculptures by Volti to paintings by notable artists, making the citadel a significant artistic and historical center. Best of all, admission to these museums is free, offering excellent value and a wonderful cultural experience.
The road to Menton
After visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer we headed to Menton - the easternmost town on the French Riviera. We made it on local roads such as the famous Moyenne Corniche and the Grand Corniche. We passed towns like Èze, La Turbie, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. We made a video on the route so you can watch it.
Driving the Corniche roads is an experience in itself, with each road offering a different perspective of the coastline from varying altitudes. The Moyenne Corniche is a scenic route that passes through a series of picturesque villages and offers breathtaking views, while the Grand Corniche, the highest of the three, is a historic road built by Napoleon, providing unparalleled panoramic vistas. This drive is a highlight for anyone exploring the beautiful coastal landscape of the French Riviera.
Gastronomy in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer's culinary scene is a perfect reflection of its coastal location, blending fresh seafood with classic Provençal and Italian influences. The town's vibrant port and old town are brimming with pleasant cafes and restaurants offering a variety of dining experiences, from casual bistros to fine dining establishments with sea views. The colorful waterfront is a fantastic place to sit down for a meal and watch the boats in the harbor.
Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like socca, a delicious chickpea pancake, and fresh seafood dishes straight from the Mediterranean. Many restaurants serve regional classics such as grilled fish, pasta with seafood, and salads made with local produce. Paired with a glass of local rosé, these dishes offer a true taste of the French Riviera lifestyle.
For a lighter bite or a relaxing break, the cafes in the old town are perfect for enjoying a coffee and a pastry while soaking in the medieval atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a simple seaside lunch, Villefranche-sur-Mer has a dining option to satisfy every palate, making it a highlight of your visit.
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