Villefranche-sur-Mer Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Set in a stunning harbour on the Côte d'Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer is impressive for its panoramas, charming for its character and fascinating for its heritage.

With brightly coloured houses nestling between wooded hills and a turquoise sea, steep narrow streets and majestic buildings, this seaside resort is visually spectacular. Its two ports are surrounded by four charming beaches where you can devote as much time as you like to relaxing between visits to the town's monuments.

Once you arrive, you will undoubtedly notice the impressive Saint-Elme fortress. Built in the 16th century by the Duke of Savoy, it has beautiful gardens with views of the harbour, as well as several museums that are free to visit. Higher up in the hills there is another building from this era, Mont Alban fort, whose strategic position gives it a magnificent panoramic view of the coastline stretching all the way from Antibes to Italy. Heading back down to the port, you will notice a small building with an original façade, Saint-Pierre des Pêcheurs Chapel, which was built in the 16th century but brilliantly redecorated in full by Jean Cocteau.

Next, explore the old town with its maze of flower-adorned side streets on the hillside, or take a stroll around Darse de Villefranche-sur-Mer, the town's charming marina. For dining out, you can choose from the many restaurants along the Port de la Santé, slightly to the north. Marinière beach, located inside the harbour, and Darse beach, which is smaller and quieter, are great places for sunbathing. Visitors looking for action will love the water sports here, like sailing, rowing, scuba diving and snorkelling, which are very popular due to the beauty and depth of the sea bed.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is next to Nice and therefore easy to access by road via the three magnificent coastal roads running between Nice and Menton. The train is another option: the town's station is on the TER PACA network. Coming by plane, you can land at Nice Airport, which is about 8 miles away. However you arrive, discovering Villefranche is like the joy of finding a pearl in an oyster. This jewel of the Côte d'Azur awaits you!

Where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer

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Old Town

Amazing beaches a bustling port and top sights from Baie des Anges to Place de la Paix – discover Old Town, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Old Town
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹13,631 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹13,631
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great area to stay- great transport links & walkable. Friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Hôtel Le Provençal
Hôtel Le Provençal
3 out of 5
4 Avenue du Marechal Joffre, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹13,687 per night from 13 May to 14 May
₹13,687
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this hotel in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Stunning hotel
"This is an incredible hotel. The devour is beautiful. The staff are very friendly. The situation is perfect. We had a beautiful view of the sea. The breakfast was sumptuous. Would 100pc return!"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Hôtel Le Provençal
Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
4 out of 5
2 Rue Halevy, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹20,030 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹20,030
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
"Rien"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
4 out of 5
180 voie Marie Fisher, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (239 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean and the staff very friendly. The room was spacious and a great place to stay. The beaches were only a 10 minute drive as well as the market and old port. Great experience!"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2023

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
Pierre & Vacances Residence L'Ange Gardien
Pierre & Vacances Residence L'Ange Gardien
Avenue de l'Ange Gardien, Basse Corniche, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this beach residence in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (134 reviews)
"Ideal place - easy walk for the beach and the town, would highly recommend. It's not posh, it's not modern, but it's safe, with friendly staff, and a bargain in such an expensive area. If you're looking for a romantic hotel experience, this isn't for you, but if you're a family, or a group of friends ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2022

Pierre & Vacances Residence L'Ange Gardien
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
4 out of 5
179 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge).
7.8/10 Good! (617 reviews)
"Just returned from a 4 night stay - family of 5. Spacious apartment well equipped with lovely sea views. Lovely staff on reception desk made us feel very welcome and very helpful. Arrived 11 am and was able to leave luggage in storage so able to make the most of our first day. Fantastic location ..."

Reviewed on 7 Apr 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Villefranche-sur-Mer

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 62.5%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 37.5%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Jayney
12 Sep 2019

If you want to get away and chill out for a few days then this is the perfect place. I’d love to own somewhere there one day

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Mar 2019

In March it’s very quiet, so more relaxing. It’s easy to walk around and the train station is near the beach. Excellent town!

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