: Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque Mediterranean port town on the French Riviera between Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Its deep-water harbour, the Rade de Villefranche, is one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean and has hosted naval fleets for centuries. The old town rises steeply from the harbour in a cascade of pastel-coloured houses. The Rue Obscure, a covered medieval street, runs underneath the old town.

Villefranche-sur-Mer has a station on the TER coastal line from Nice to Ventimiglia. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is 10 km away. By car, the lower Corniche runs through the town.

The old town and port are compact and walkable — but extremely steep. Parking is very limited. Cap Ferrat and neighbouring towns are a short walk along the coast.

The harbour and pastel-coloured old town. The Rue Obscure (covered street). The Chapelle Saint-Pierre (decorated by Jean Cocteau). The Citadelle Saint-Elme. The Plage des Marinières.

Swim at Plage des Marinières. Walk the coastal path to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The port's restaurants.

The port and old town have many restaurants serving seafood, pasta, and Niçoise cuisine. Quayside dining is charming.

Côtes de Provence and Bellet wines. Pastis. Portside bars with views of the bay.

A few seaside hotels including the famous Welcome Hotel. B&Bs in the hills above. Nice (10 minutes) offers more choices.

The daily port market sells Provencal produce. Local crafts, art, and Riviera souvenirs.

Nice (10 minutes). Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Èze and Monaco.