Just a few minutes away from Nice, this beach is sandier, quieter and less jam-packed with tourists than its more high-profile neighbor. There is only a handful of shops and cafes here, but sunbathing is much more pleasant. Beautiful mansions loom overhead, and there is a delightful market here. You can always hop the train and be in Nice (for shopping and so on) in five minutes.
Getting to Villefranche sur Mer
Villefranche sur Mer is literally just five minutes from Nice. If you are relying on public transportation, probably the easiest way is to hop a train from Nice in the direction of Monaco/Ventimiglia. Before you get comfortable in your seat, it will stop at Villefranche sur Mer. There is also a local bus line that runs this route.Villefranche sur Mer also makes a wonderful central place to vacation and allow for daytrip to any number of Riviera destinations, including Eze, Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Menton, Antibes, Grasse, Saint Paul de Vence. The options could consume a month, much less a week's vacation.
Villefranche sur Mer Attractions
- Old Town Villefranche sur Mer is a short walk from the beach and port, and makes for a wonderful afternoon of aimless wandering, shopping, and cafe dining. It is a medieval old town with a vaulted passage, cobblestones, and just oozing with atmosphere and charm.
- Eglise Saint-Michel is at the site of a 14th century church. The baroque Italian church there now as built in the 1700s. It is in the heart of the old town, and well worth a visit to see the lovely architectural details. There is also a recumbent sculpture of Christ that dates back to the 18th century.
- Villefranche sur Mer beach is where most people go directly, and there is a good reason for that. This beach is small, but rarely as crowded as the larger beaches nearby. There are a handful of cafes and ice cream stands adjacent to the beach, so bring a little cash for a cool treat and drink.