Wheelchair access and awareness is on the increase in the South of France and on the French Riviera with new legislation governing public facilities. A positive step in the right direction towards proper and useful access but it is still just a step. In the ancient towns of the South of France coast it is difficult to engineer the extra space that is necessary so it can be something of a compromise with some towns better equipped than others.
Accessibility, Villefranche Town
Villefranche is a coastal town but it is hilly and the streets are populated with ancient steps and uneven pavements. It is split over different levels however and the port and beach areas are flat and accessed directly by the train.
The beach is accessible by wheelchair at one end and there are many pavement restaurants with kerbside eating areas, so you can get around in a wheelchair and have a good time without feeling like you have been 'parked' somewhere.
Tip: Go into the tourist office
The tourist offices are manned by very helpful people with all the local information.
Lifts and Access
There are no street level elevators in Villefranche as there are in Monaco but on the positive side of things the towns and villages are impeccably maintained making it a smoother ride for small wheels. It is hilly and steep in places however, great views but not so easy for access.
Facilities, Villefranche Town
The French are very disabled access wary now but, as with many countries, the legislation is fairly recent and not always implemented yet. For example, every public toilet now has to have wheelchair access but it seems to apply to new facilities being put in rather than updating old ones.
As a consequence access is still restrictive. Try looking for newer restaurants that look they have just opened or are newly built, they are most likely to have better facilities.
Tip: Get a local map
The maps are well marked with disabled facilities.
Beaches, Villefranche Town
There are specific beaches on the French Riviera that are marked 'Handiplage'. These beaches are manned, have parking, security, areas for wheelchair access, assistance into the water, specialist equipment and every facility that you can think of.
There are none however at Villefranche beach. The closest one is in Cap d'Ail just a few miles east of Villefranche. Having said that it is still possible to access Villefranche beach if you have assistance.
Tip: Chat to the tourist police
They are located in a cabin alongside the beaches and are very helpful.
Renting Vacation property in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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This charming 4 bedroom house is the perfect home from home for your holiday in Villefranche Sur Mer. Ideally located with everything on your doorstep, 500m from the town beach, the old town port and all the romantic quayside restaurants.
A peaceful, modern, ground floor two bedroom apartment set in a private and secure residence with manicured gardens and a breathtaking view over the Rade de Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat. Tranquil, convenient, relaxed and spacious with free parking.
“this is the best and most beautiful location on the whole Riviera”- tboylan
Villa Bianco is an ancient Belle Epoque villa located in the centre of one of the most loved vistas in the world, The Rade de Villefranche. It'is an astoundingly beautiful 6 bedroom, 6 bath paradise in the heart of the old town and 100m from the beach.
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Bedrooms: 2
