VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER, FRANCE: A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE
Every time I visit the South of France, I return home with a new favorite destination. This time, it’s Villefranche-sur-Mer. The charming town sits between Old Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and rivals Menton as the most colorful waterfront on the French Riviera. It can easily be visited as a day trip, but I love it as a home base while exploring the surrounding Cote d’Azur. Villefranche-sur-Mer serves up the perfect labyrinth of colorful houses, little boutiques, cafes and waterfront dining. It’s an absloute vibe. Below is my complete travel guide to Villefranche-sur-Mer including the best sights, beaches, photo locations, restaurants, gelato shops, hotels, Airbnb’s and more.
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The perfect view of the iconic yellow bell tower.
WHEN TO VISIT VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
- MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER – Shoulder season offers warm weather and (slightly) fewer crowds than summer. September particularly is my favorite month of the year to visit.
- JUNE-AUGUST – Tourists pour into the South of France during high season when hotel prices soar. Temperatures can also get pretty toasty, especially in July and August.
- NOVEMBER-MARCH – Crowds thin out this time of the year when the weather is cooler, and some businesses close for the off season.
The colors of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
HOW MANY DAYS IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
ONE TO TWO DAYS. Many travelers visit Villefranche-sur-Mer as a day trip, and it’s definitely possible to experience the waterfront town in a single day. I personally love Villefranche-sur-Mer as a South of France base. It’s basically the same location as Nice, but smaller and more charming (I usually try to avoid big cities). If this is your base for the Cote d’Azur, then a weeklong stay is enough time to see Menton, Eze, Nice, Antibes, Cannes and the surrounding beaches.
I found one of the only muted corners in the colorful town. Outfit details linked here.
Plage des Marinieres is an absolute vibe when the sun is out.
VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of France is the Euro. It’s always handy to have cash for smaller purchases, but almost everywhere takes credit card.
- WATER SHOES – The local beaches are rocky. Pack water shoes to make entry to the sea less painful.
- RESERVATIONS – If you visit in high season, I suggest making dinner reservations, as the little restaurants fill up when it’s busy.
Villefranche-sur-Mer rivals Menton as the most colorful town in the South of France. Outfit details: Target midi skirt linked here.
THINGS TO DO IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
CHAPELLE SAINT-PIERRE
This small picturesque church sits on the Villefranche-sur-Mer waterfront, facing away from the sea. Chapelle Saint Pierre was designed by the artist Jean Cocteau in the 1950s. I absolutely love the pink, white and yellow facade. Admission is three euros, and doesn’t take long to visit.
CITADELLE SAINT-ELME
The Citadelle Saint-Elme is a historic fortress that dates back to the 16th century. It remains remarkably in tact, and the looming fortified walls look epic from afar. Enter the Citadelle to walk the ramparts for panoramic views of the town, harbor and coast.
EXPLORE THE TOWN
Villefrance-sur-Mer is a maze of colorful streets, alleyways and corridors. The best way to see the town is to get lost on foot, but make sure to hit these unique streets while exploring:
- RUE DE L’EGLISE – Make your way to the top of Rue de l’Eglise, and then turn around and look down the staircase. The view of the colorful alley is absolutely lovely. Google corindates here.
- RUE DU POILU – Climb the steps from the waterfront to this lovely pedestrian boulevard lined with colorful buildings, boutiques, archways and gelato shops.
- RUE HENRI BLAIS – Busy pedestrian boulevard that serves up the perfect view of Saint Michel’s yellow bell tower.
- RUE OBSCURE – A hidden 14th century medieval street that runs underground along the town waterfront.
PLAGE DE LA DARSE
It’s a 20-minute walk from the Villefranche-sur-Mer waterfront to reach beautiful Plage de la Darse. The beach sits in front of towering fortified stone walls that give the setting a lot of character. It’s a pebble beach, but water is calm, clear and turquoise.
PLAGE DES MARINIERES
This long stretch of beach is located just east of the Villefranche-sur-Mer waterfront. The water here is clear, turquoise and calm – great for a swim on a sunny day. Old Town sits across the water from the beach, and the views are wonderful.
SAINT MICHEL’S CHURCH
The iconic yellow bell tower of Saint Michel’s Church can be seen from all around Villefranche-sur-Mer. The actual church is located up a couple flights of stairs from the waterfront. It’s a Baroque style structure that dates back to the 18th century.
The yellow bell tower at St. Michel’s Church.
VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER HOTELS
Hotel de la Darse is a small waterfront hotel located near the historic harbor. The property is nothing fancy, but it is modern and clean – renovated a few years ago. It’s a 10-minute walk from the hotel to reach the Villefranche-sur-Mer waterfront.
PARADISE OF VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
Paradise of Villefranche-Sur-Mer is a bright-airy two-bedroom apartment walking distance to all the local sights, restaurants and beaches. The renovated space is clean and modern, a rare find in this historic town.
Another lovely updated apartment that is bright, clean and modern. Sea View Apartment houses three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a half bathroom and a panoramic rooftop patio. A great find.
This iconic property located on the waterfront is the best lodging option in town. The historic pink building lined adorned in blue shutters dates back to the 18th century, and houses 35 charming rooms and suites. The Riviera vibes are on point. And location is everything at Welcome Hotel – the beach, restaurants, sights and shops are all just steps away.
Fresh fish on the waterfront at Olivula.
VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER RESTAURANTS + GELATO
GLACIER FERACCI
There are only a few gelato shops in town, and Glacier Feracci happens to be delicioius. The little shop serves a variety of flavors including chocolate, citron, mint, cassis, clementine and more.
LES GARSONS
Cute little restaurant in the heart of Old Town that serves a French menu posted daily to a little chalkboard. Food is fresh and delicious, and the outdoor dining ambiance is fabulous.
LE GLACIER 16
Another delicious gelato shop located in town, one flight up from the water. They serve a variety of flavors – my favorites are the passion fruit and mint chocolate.
MAYSSA BEACH
Expensive French restaurant that overlooks the water, but the vibe is pretty amazing on a warm day. The Mayssa Beach menu is a mix of fresh seafood, pastas and meats. Reservations recommended.
OLIVULA
Lovely waterfront restaurant that offers up some of the best views in town. The menu boasts a selection of fresh seafood and risottos – the sea bass is delicious. Request outdoor seating near the water.
The town can easily be visited as a day trip, but I think it’s one of the most charming places to stay along the coast.
GET AROUND VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small, pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Everything is walkable – the beaches, the restaurants, the boutiques and the hotels. Be prepared to climb steps to reach the upper neighborhoods, as well as a few of the main tourist attractions.
There are paid parking areas around town that get very busy by midday in high season. I like to park in the Parking des Marinières, next to the beach. From there it’s a scenic 10-minute walk to town along the water.
Views of town from Plage des Marinieres.
GET TO VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
Villefranche-sur-Mer can easily be accessed by train or car. The train station is located between Old Town and the beach, walking distance to both. And there are paid parking areas around town for visitors arriving by car. The closest airport is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, approximately 30 minutes away by car and one hour by train.
