Villefranche-sur-Mer

We passed through here on the no. 100 bus to Monaco. The view as we rounded the bend and saw it lying below just blew me away and I knew that I had to go back!

Unfortunately it was so hot when I jumped off the bus on the way back that I quickly tired and gave up on walking down to the harbour. Instead I grabbed an ice cream from the nearest shop, found myself a bit of shade and admired the view from above.

This is a place that I definitely would like to spend more time in.

The last 3 days were spent in Beaulieu Sur Mer which was WONDERFUL! Villefranche is a quaint little village with a deep water harbor where Huge cruise ships anchor and drop thousands of passengers that descend upon the Cote D’Azur like locusts.
They usually headed for Nice,Eze or Monaco but when we did encounter them,they were easily identified by the tags with their group number stuck to the front of their shirts!
WHY?? Be sure to visit the Chapel of St.Pierre.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is peaceful, scenic, charming and relatively uncrowded. Highly recommend it for a visit to the French Riviera. Found it through Rick Steve’s guide and his advice was excellent.

Went there in the Fall of 2003 with my wife.

Small winding streets, great food and easy access to the rest of the coast by train (no car needed!!!).

My only concern is that it will be spoiled by developers.

This is a wonderfully central port to explore eastern France!

Outside the stress of Nice. Fantastic water, lovely food, charming people. I wish I have enough money to afford a flat there.