Villefranche-sur-Mer

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Port and Town

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Overview

Heaped above an idyllic harbour, this picturesque village with imposing citadel overlooks the Cap Ferrat peninsula and, thanks to its deep harbour, is a prime port of call for cruise ships. The 14th-century old town, with its tiny, evocatively named streets broken by twisting staircases and glimpses of the sea, is a delight to amble (preferably broken with a long lazy lunch on the water's edge or bijou old-town square). Especially outside of summer season, Villefranche offers a vision of small-town Mediterranean life that's totally unexpected so close to Nice.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • La Citadelle

    La Citadelle

    Villefranche-sur-Mer

    Villefranche's imposing citadel is worth visiting for its impressive architecture. Built by the duke of Savoy between 1554 and 1559 to defend the gulf,…

  • Chapelle St-Pierre

    Chapelle St-Pierre

    Villefranche-sur-Mer

    Villefranche was a favourite of Jean Cocteau (1889–1963), who sought solace here in 1924 after the death of his companion Raymond Radiguet. Several years…

  • Musée Volti

    Musée Volti

    Villefranche-sur-Mer

    Displays voluptuous bronzes by Villefranche sculptor Antoniucci Volti (1915–89).

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