PICTURES. A day in Villefranche-sur-Mer, from history to tourism
The tourist editorial staff takes you to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a town on the Côte d’Azur. Between land and sea, discover or rediscover the city.
Arrival at Villefranche-sur-Mer station. The town is crossed – twice an hour – by the line from Marseille to Ventimiglia. Count 14 minutes by train and less than two euros budget from Monaco.
Leaving the station brings us in front of the Rade de Villefranche, a 4km² body of water. Its calm and deep waters are perfect for trying your hand at diving, via local or Nice clubs. The 1ers and next July 2, the harbor will also host the 9th French open water freediving championship!
Our tourist path continues to the maritime station, the anchor point of the town. From June to September, Villefranche offers sea trips: hours on the water to meet dolphins; coastal walks to discover Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or Monaco.
If there’s one thing Villefranche is famous for, it’s its waterside restaurants and bars. They run along the harbor and allow the curious to have lunch with their feet in the water.
We begin our ascent to the heights of the city. First stop in front of the Saint Elme Citadel, built in 1557 by order of Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy to defend the city and protect the port. It now houses the town hall of the town, an open-air theatre, gardens and four museums with free access. They are unfortunately closed for works.
Our path continues in the heart of the alleys of the old town. Villefranche is one of those colorful towns, typical of the south of France, where white mixes with orange and coral red.
At the bend of a square stands the church of Saint-Michel, confirmed in the 14th century, taking on the features of the Savoyard baroque style. It houses several works of art including a sculpted Christ from the 18th century. The building was classified as a historical monument in 1990.
Our descent is rewarded with an ice cream, bought from the many glaciers along the harbour. A good investment in view of the 575 meters of altitude difference offered by the town.
Let’s take advantage of our break to discuss town planning: the coastal strip of Villefranche is protected from all new constructions thanks to the coastal law, dating from January 3, 1986. A way of preserving the ecological balance of the coast but also the different sites and natural spaces.
Our journey ends on the Villefranche beaches. This is the beach of Marinières, 700m long and covered with a mixture of sand and gravel. Snacks, lifeguard station, anti-jellyfish nets for this equipped beach. A good dose of sun and we’re off again.
READ ALSO: PICTURES. A day in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Monaco Tribune takes you
Next destination: Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat!