Villefranche-sur-Mer

The Bay of Villefranche

The Bay of Villefranche is one of the deepest in the western Mediterranean. It is 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. Located between Nice and Cap Ferrat, it reaches a depth of 50 metres in the centre of the bay, and 1,000 metres further south, with the presence of a real underwater canyon.

Sheltered from the winds thanks to its location, it has a very mild microclimate: ideal for walking all year round.

Port of Villefranche

A former military arsenal of the Duchy of Savoy, its buildings have been on the list of historical monuments since 1991. The port of La Darse was built in the 18th century to combat the raids of corsairs and pirates.

Once a port of call for ancient ships, the harbour has been particularly well preserved since its construction in 1720. The harbour complex retains an extraordinary architectural beauty and is steeped in history, as it was once used for the protection and housing of soldiers.

In fact, we recommend a visit to the old buildings such as the old forge, the chandlery, the dry dock, the vaults of the old warehouses, the hospital for the galleys’ crew, and the gangway, which offers an absolutely superb view of the harbour.

Today, the Darse is the marina of Villefranche-sur-Mer and welcomes you with its colours and liveliness.

Rue Obscure

This 130-metre-long covered street is located in the heart of the town centre. It is a historical passage dating back to 1260, when the first city walls were built. One therefore has to go back to the 13th century to date its original appearance: in fact, it was initially uncovered and used for guard duty.

Then the guard path was completely covered between the 16th and 18th centuries, allowing the circulation of the military and facilitating their manoeuvres.

Classified as a historical monument, this road was painted in a work by Jean Cocteau. You can see a replica at the entrance to the street, at the very spot where the artist stood with his easel.

Chemin de Ronde

From this corner of the city you can have a breathtaking view of the harbour. It is the starting point for popular walks for tourists visiting the region and is very popular during the summer.

You can walk or cycle along it, admiring the city’s sumptuous scenery.

Citadel's Museums

The citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer, built on behalf of the Duke of Savoy, is an unmissable and majestic site.

In 1543, Barbarossa’s 110 galleys landed in Villefranche, plundering, burning and devastating everything they came across. The first example of a bastion fortification, the Citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer was built from 1554 onwards, designed by Gian Maria Olgiatti, an Italian engineer in the service of Charles V, to prevent further attacks from the sea.

Passed from the Savoy to France in 1860, the Citadel was used as a military camp for the 24th Alpine Hunters Battalion. In 1965, the municipal council bought the Citadel, turning part of it into a town hall and part into a cultural centre.

Among the Citadel’s museums, we find the Volti Museum. In a magical setting, we discover in particular large female sculptures, a speciality of the artist. The Citadel’s museums will seduce lovers of history and culture, delighting in discovering imposing and majestic works that blend in perfectly with the décor.

The Goetz-Boumeester museum occupies an entire floor of the former Bâtiment du Casernement. It exhibits some 50 works by Boumeester and about as many by Henri Goetz, as well as a few works in memory of the great contemporary artists the couple met or frequented, such as Picasso, Picabia, Miró and Hartung.

Also inside the citadel is the Roux Collection, unique for its quality, originality and faithfulness to the documents from which it is inspired. In total, you will admire several hundred figurines that will transport you through the lives of women and men of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Finally, you can also visit the Hall of the 24th BCA. Located in the Citadel Quarters from 1876 to 1939, the 24th BCA, heir to Napoleon III’s infantry battalion, was the last military corps to occupy the citadel. This room collects soldiers’ mementos such as insignia, flags, photos, engravings and many historical objects.

Chapel of St Peter

This chapel is dedicated to St Peter, patron saint of fishermen. A place of worship in the beginning, it was soon abandoned after the construction of the St. Michael parish church. After being deconsecrated, fishermen used it to store their fishing gear.

Jean Cocteau, who loved Villefranche madly, decided in 1956 to restore it (with the fishermen’s consent) and decorate it with moments from the life of St Peter the Apostle.

Plages des Marinieres

This beautiful pebble beach stretches for over 700 metres. Equipped with all services and always supervised by lifeguards, it offers a characteristic setting for spending a relaxing day: you can even have lunch or dinner with your feet in the water in one of the many restaurants available.

It is also possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas to enjoy the sun in comfort.

Plage de la Darse

It is located west of Villefranche-sur-Mer. In a sheltered position at the foot of the ancient ramparts, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the harbour.

In addition, a convenient footbridge provides easy access to the pebble promenade facing the sea.

Plage de l'Ange Gardien

About sixty metres long, the beach extends onto the beach of Marinières. A small cove nearby is also accessible to animals, suitable for those travelling with their dogs.

Plage de Grasseuil - Espalmador

Slightly off-centre from the village, this enchanting beach awaits you at the entrance to Cap Ferrat.

It seduces tourists with its authentic atmosphere, colourful houses and private marina.