VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
what to do in Villefranche
For families Villefranche-sur-mer is a small town but it is packed full of things to do for every age and type of visitor. It is typically well organised with great facilities and most eventualities thought of. If your interests are the sea, history, eating, exploring and just generally soaking up the atmosphere and people watching then you'll find it in Villefranche.
| Villefranche beach is family friendly with sheltered seas and facilities located all the way along it. The beach itself has a lovely atmosphere and lots of French and Italian families spend their weekends there.
The beach has sandy patches but it's also a bit pebbly, you can usually find a good spot though. There are a few cafes and beach clubs but not too many so it retains that good old fashioned simple fun beach feel. Facilities are good with parking, toilets and showers available. |
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There are seafront restaurants but bringing a picnic gives you greater freedom and the entire day on the beach. |
| Snorkelling in Villefranche |
| The Rade de Villefranche is sheltered and calm, the waters crystal clear and the rocks along the port make good hidey holes for fish to feed and live. Even if you don't have a snorkel the waters are so clear you can just go and climb on the rocks and see them anyway.
There are shops along the port that sell masks and equipment and an array of beach toys too. There are dive schools if you are more serious or experienced and want to get further out underwater.
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There are lots of sea based activities to take advantage of. See the RG Directory for contacts under 'The Corniches'. |
| Trans Cote D'azur operate trips along the coast or out to the Islands as well as further afield to Cannes, Monaco and Saint Tropez. Prices are very reasonable starting from €12.
Any opportunity to get out on the clear waters of the med should be jumped at. There are so many little inlets and bays to explore, either on your own or on an organised trip. Just don't forget your sun screen and hat. Look in the RG directory for contacts under 'The Corniches- Activities' |
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You need a liscense for boats over a certain size but there are permis free options too. |
| Beach hopping in Villefranche |
| Hire a fun yak from Dark Pelican and go beach hopping. The fun yak can hold up to six people but doesn't need a permis to operate. The Rade de Villfranche is large, enclosed and sheltered so it is perfect for pottering along the coastline.
You can explore all the way round to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat stopping off to swim on the way. Bring snorkels and flippers with you and explore below the waves too. |
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Keep close to the shore if you have young passengers. The Rade is sheltered but busy too. |
what to do in Villefranche
For couples Villefranche-sur-Mer is a wonderfully unspoilt historical town despite its popularity with visitors and tourists. The winding twisty streets, shaded and cool in the summer months, entice you to meander and explore. Discover tiny restaurants and cafes tucked away that seem like they are yours alone.
 | | Romantic walks in Villefranche |
| There are very well maintained, well signposted footpaths and walks all over the entire country of France. It's something that they do exceptionally well. In this area many are preserved from Roman times, later taken up by hunters and traders and today and maintained for hiking and walking activities.
Whatever the reason, take advantage of the opportunity to wander the area by foot. There are two walks circular routes that begin and end in Villefranche, the circuit de la Rade and the tour de Mont-Alban. |
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Look in the RG directory under 'The Corniches-Activities' for website details with routes and guided tours if you prefer to go slightly further afield.
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 | | Watch the sunset in Villefranche |
| If that's all a bit too energetic for you then opt for a more soothing activity of watching the sun go down over the Rade de Villefranche. A good spot is the bar in Versaille situated just on the edge of Villefranche on the Basse Corniche towards Nice.
The elevated terrace provides a perfect viewing point from which to relax and watch the boats return to port in the evening but there are plenty of other vantage points too.
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The highest point in Villefranche is almost 500m. Pack a picnic and get up in the hills for the best view.
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 | | Explore Villefranche's History |
| This might sound like an arduous task but all it means is simply exploring the Old Town and Port. You cannot help but fall over Villefranche's past.
There is the fortified walls of the Citadel and it's numerous museums, the old palaces of the Kings of Savoy on the way to the beach, the covered ancient streets and the churches and chapels tucked away off leafy squares housing their original works of art as well as their amazing architecture. |
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The narrow streets offer up some of the smallest most intimate restaurants and bars. |
 | | Go to the Cinema in Villefranche |
| This might seem like an activity more aligned to rainy nights at home but the summer cinemas or 'Cinema d'Ete' along the French Riviera are an experience to behold.
Held outside during the summer months they are usually staged in incredibly scenic or historical settings. In Villefranche, from mid June to mid September, there is an Open Air cinema in the grounds of the Citadel showing original version movies, mostly in English. |
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Information should be available at the Citadel itself. Movies start at 21.30h and tickets cost €7 |
what to do in Villefranche
For Groups of Friends Villefranche is a great destination for a group of friends. Big enough to keep a group entertained it is also small enough that you'll never lose each other. It gives a group freedom to explore individually or to come together at a favourite haunt during the day.
| Rent a Boat in Villefranche |
| Getting out on the glittering blue waters of the Med is one of the simplest and most memorable activities to do down here. The freedom, the sea breeze and the view back to the shore of this dramatic coastline are not things to forget in a hurry.
Hire a boat for the day and cruise around the rade de Villefranche or head off around the headland to different beaches and marinas. There are boat hire companies that operate out of Villefranche.
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You'll need one of them, depending on the size of the boat but both are available. Use the RG directory for contacts |
| Visit the Museums in Villefranche |
| There are four museums in the Citadel with permanent exhibits aswell as one off showings. Villefranche has seen some famous past residents and this is reflected in the works of art housed in the Citadel. Picasso, Miro and works from Volti are all on display.
The Citadel also stages the outdoor summer cinema showing movies in their 'version orginal' against this magnificent back drop. Also look out for leaflets and listings of summer concerts or shows held here.
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The Citadel functions as a centre for various activities including musical nights and fireworks displays. |
| Villefranche beach is one of the best beaches along this stretch of the French Riviera. It is unpretentious and relaxed.
It's a narrow, long strip of beach with a mix of sand and pebble stretches but it is uncluttered with beach clubs which makes it feel a lot more relaxed. There are restaurants, cafes, shops, parking, toilets and showers so facilities are on a par with other beaches. |
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The old town is close to the beaches so plan on spending the whole day out exploring. |
| Ok Villefranche is not exactly the 'club capital' of the French Riviera so you will have to leave it in order to party but there are some good places to go.
The closest is going to be Nice. Hit the old town for the livliest bars with live music everynight and happy hour promotions. There are late night clubs that will keep you dancing all night long if you want. |
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For another level of partying. Try the world famous nightclub 'Jimmyz' |
Renting Holiday Accommodation in Villefranche
For more ideas on what to do in Villefranche and to find contact details of activities mentioned above then please look in the RG Directory and look under 'The Corniches- Activities'.
If you are sold on the idea of Villefranche as your holiday location and want to start looking at vacation apartments and holiday lettings then please use the searcg facility below. You'll find holiday apartments and luxury villas. You can also use the 'Browse Rentals' button in the main menu for holiday rentals in other areas. Happy holidays and thank you for using Riviera Rental Guide.
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Some of our vacation rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer |
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Beautiful large apartment located in the heart of the Rade De Villefranche on the French Riviera. This beautifully...
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With astounding views in the most sought after vista on the Riviera, Villa For Ever is a large 4 bedroom villa that is...
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Pieds dans l'eau, is the French for 'feet in the water'! This apartment is simply stunning and is located in the centre...
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