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30 min read.
Located in-between Nice and Monaco along the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small coastal town known for its colorful Old Town, sheltered harbor, and laid-back atmosphere. Its natural harbor, one of the deepest in the Mediterranean, made it an important port in the Middle Ages. Established as a free port in the late 13th century (hence its name, ville franche meaning "free town"), Villefranche-sur-Mer thrived for centuries before its maritime significance declined following the development of the Port of Nice in the 18th century. Today, although it is technically considered a suburb of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer has retained a village-like charm that feels worlds away from the big city next door.
If you are wondering what to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer and whether you should add this town to your French Riviera itinerary, know that its appeal lies in its simplicity. This is not a destination built around a long list of must-see attractions or a jam-packed itinerary. Instead, a visit to Villefranche-sur-Mer is best spent wandering Old Town, walking along the waterfront, swimming at the beach, and taking in the views over the bay. Whether you are visiting as a short day trip from Nice or staying overnight, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a refreshing contrast to the busier Riviera cities nearby.
Table of Contents:
- Is Villefranche-sur-Mer worth visiting?
- Best Things to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- A Simple Villefranche-sur-Mer Itinerary
- Practical Tips for Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Where to Stay Nearby
- Final Thoughts on What to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Is Villefranche-sur-Mer worth visiting?
Yes, most definitely! Villefranche-sur-Mer is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you are looking to experience a slower, more authentic town to your French Riviera itinerary. While it may not have the glamour of Monaco or the lively markets of Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice), the appeal of Villefranche-sur-Mer lies in its walkability, scenic harbor, and unhurried pace.
Villefranche-sur-Mer works particularly well as a half-day or easy day trip when paired with the Rothschild Villa (Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild) on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, or even nearby cities like Nice. Compared to busier destinations along the Côte d'Azur, the town feels more residential and less curated for mass tourism, which is exactly what makes it a great addition to a longer French Riviera itinerary.
Best Things to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Despite its small size, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers plenty to enjoy at a relaxed pace. The best things to do here focus less on major attractions and more on slowing down and enjoying the setting along one of the French Riviera’s most scenic bays.
Here are the top five things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer:
1. Wander the Old Town & Waterfront
The compact Old Town, or Vieille Ville, is the heart of Villefranche-sur-Mer, with narrow streets that wind downhill towards the harbor. Pastel-colored buildings, picturesque courtyards, and shaded passageways make wandering through the Old Town one of the main highlights here. Compared to Old Town Nice, the atmosphere in Villefranche-sur-Mer feels quieter and far more residential.
Once you reach the water, follow the Promenade des Marinières for beautiful views of the bay and the boats anchored offshore.
2. Relax at Plage des Marinières
Plage des Marinières (or Marinières Beach in English) is the town’s main beach and one of the easiest beaches to access on this part of the coast. Located just steps from the train station, it is ideal for a swim and a relaxing afternoon by the water.
While much of the French Riviera is known for pebbled beaches, this stretch includes sand and fine gravel, making it a more comfortable choice for extended time by the sea. That said, the reputation of Villefranche-sur-Mer as a peaceful seaside escape does not mean that the town is entirely under the radar! The narrow strip of beach that makes up Plage des Marinières can become quite crowded, especially from April through September.
What To Know Before You Go: Plage des Marinières
Plage des Marinières is not an organized beach, meaning there are no chairs or umbrella rentals available on the beach. As such, the entire beach is free to access and open to the public. You also will not find any bars or restaurants on the beach, but there are plenty of snack kiosks and ice cream stands within a short walk. Since Plage des Marinières is not an organized beach or beach club, visitors should plan to bring their own towels, water, and any other beach essentials that they may need.
The beach’s easy access and relaxed feel are part of its appeal, especially if you prefer a more casual, local atmosphere over a fully serviced beach club that are popular in Cannes and Nice.
3. Visit the Saint-Pierre Chapel
One of the most famous landmarks in Villefranche-sur-Mer is the Saint-Pierre Chapel, also known as the La Chapelle Saint-Pierre des Pêcheurs or Chapel Cocteau. Located along the waterfront, this small chapel is dedicated to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. While the Romanesque chapel dates back to the 16th century, its interior was painted by the French artist Jean Cocteau in 1957. The interior's frescos are stunning, showing incorporating Mediterranean life with the life of St. Peter.
What To Know Before You Go: Saint-Pierre Chapel
The Saint-Pierre Chapel makes for a short, but unforgettable stop while exploring Villefranche-sur-Mer. Admission to the chapel costs €4 (cash only), but is free for children under the age of 15. No photos are permitted inside of the chapel.
The chapel closes annually from mid-November to mid-December. The chapel is also closed on December 25, annually. The chapel is otherwise open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Like many tourist attractions and museums in the Côte d'Azur, the Saint-Pierre Chapel closes daily for siesta (or la sieste as it is known in French) from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.
For additional information regarding Saint-Pierre Chapel, please visit the official Explore Nice Côte d'Azur Tourism & Congrès website.
4. Take in the Views from Above Town
A short walk uphill from Old Town reveals some of the best views in Villefranche-sur-Mer. From here, you can see the curve of the bay, the harbor below, and the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Late afternoon is especially rewarding, when the light softens and the water deepens in color.
5. Enjoy a Leisurely Meal Al Fresco by the Harbor
One of the simplest pleasures in Villefranche-sur-Mer is sitting down for an unhurried meal by the water. The harbor is lined with cafés and restaurants offering outdoor seating, where lunch and dinner often stretch longer than planned.
Whether you are in the mood for a light bite or a full meal, dining al fresco here is less about fine dining and more about soaking in the atmosphere. Enjoying a meal in Villefranche-sur-Mer provides a relaxing contrast to the busier restaurant scenes that you will find elsewhere along the French Riviera.
Highly-Rated Restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer
During our time in Villefranche-sur-Mer we opted for Italian cuisine for a late lunch at TOSCA. We thoroughly enjoyed our food (it was truly delicious) and left feeling uncomfortably full. However, if you are looking for other options, some additional highly-rated restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer are listed below.
A Simple Villefranche-sur-Mer Itinerary
Planning your time in Villefranche-sur-Mer does not require a packed schedule. The town is compact, walkable, and best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. For that reason, I actually recommend visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer as a half-day stop on a day trip from Monaco, Nice, Antibes, or Cannes. You can also easily combine a half-day in Villefranche-sur-Mer with a visit to the Rothschild Villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, only a 12-minute drive away.
Start with the Old Town & Harbor
Begin your visit in Villefranche-sur-Mer with a leisurely walk through Old Town, following its narrow streets downhill towards the harbor. This is where Villefranche-sur-Mer really shines, with pastel buildings, small cafés, and shaded passageways. Continue along the waterfront promenade for views across the bay and a glimpse of daily life around the port.
Choose A Stop: Beach or Culture
With limited time, it is best to focus on either a trip to the beach or exploring more of Villefranche-sur-Mer's cultural scene.
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Plage des Marinières: If the weather is warm, make your way to Plage des Marinières! The main beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer is ideal if you want to swim or relax by the water. The beach's central location, easy access, and calm conditions make it a great spot for a leisurely day under the Mediterranean sun.
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Saint-Pierre Chapel & Musées de la Citadelle: If beach weather is not in the forecast, or if you would prefer to focus on local culture, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a couple of worthwhile alternatives. The Saint-Pierre Chapel, located right along the waterfront, is a quick visit that highlights the towns maritime history, religious ties, and modern artistry. Saint-Pierre Chapel is really one of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer! While Saint-Pierre Chapel makes for a quick stop, you can also tie-in a visit to the Musées de la Citadelle, housed within the 16th-century Saint-Elme Citadel, where several small museums explore local history and art. The main museum has been closed for renovations since January 2022, but temporary exhibitions remain open to the public. The museum is scheduled to reopen in 2028.
End with Views & an Al Fresco Meal
Wrap up your time in Villefranche-sur-Mer with a leisurely al fresco meal along the harbor. Sitting by the water is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the town and makes for a natural end to a half-day visit. Plus, after a few hours on the beach or exploring Villefranche-sur-Mer’s cultural sights, you will almost certainly have worked up an appetite!
Practical Tips for Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer
A little planning goes a long way in Villefranche-sur-Mer, especially if you are visiting on a half-day trip.
Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer & Getting Around
Villefranche-sur-Mer is extremely easy to reach by both train, bus, and car. Once you arrive, everything in town is walkable. Although, you should expect a few hills and some stairs when moving between the waterfront and Old Town. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer by Train
There is only one train station in Villefranche-sur-Mer, located just above Plage des Marinières. The station is serviced by regional trains that run across the Côte d'Azur year-round. The train connects Villefranche-sur-Mer with Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco, Menton, and Ventimiglia. Multiple trains are available each hour. From Nice, the train journey takes about 7 minutes. Train tickets do not need to be purchased in-advance and can be purchased at the station or directly through SNCF Connect (SNCF Connect also has an app for iPhone and Android which is great for buying tickets on the go).
Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer by Bus
You can also reach Villefranche-sur-Mer by public bus from Nice. Two different bus routes stop in Villefranche-sur-Mer:
- Lignes d'Azur Line 15
- Lignes d'Azur Line 600
Each of these routes makes multiple stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but the most popular bus stop for tourists is Octio which is located about a 10 minute walk to Chapel Saint-Pierre. Both Line 15 and Line 600 stop at Octio.
Bus tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at bus and tram stations throughout Nice or through the Lignes d'Azur Tickets app (available for both iPhone and Android). For more information regarding buses between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, visit the Lignes d'Azur website.
Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer by Car, Taxi, or Rideshare (Uber)
While Villefranche-sur-Mer is very easy to reach by train and bus, you can also visit by car, taxi, or rideshare (Uber) if that better fits your itinerary. For taxis and rideshares, you can request your drop-off location to be anywhere in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but most visitors will request to be dropped off at the harbor (Darse) for direct access to Villefranche-sur-Mer's waterfront.
Driving can be convenient if you are moving between Riviera towns or planning to visit nearby spots like Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Public parking is available in three public parking lots:
All three lots offer paid parking, charged by the hour, and availability can vary depending on the season and time of day. During the summer months and on weekends, parking fills up quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is your best bet.
For the most up-to-date information on parking locations, rates, and hours, I recommend checking the official Villefranche-sur-Mer website.
How Much Time You Really Need
Most visitors find that around four hours is enough time to explore Villefranche-sur-Mer at a relaxed pace. This allows time to wander the old town, enjoy the beach or a cultural stop, and sit down for a casual, relaxing meal by the harbor.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and early fall are the most pleasant times to visit, offering warm weather without the peak summer crowds. During the summer months, cruise ships regularly anchor in the bay, which can make the waterfront feel busier midday. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid the heaviest crowds.
What to Bring
If you plan to spend time at Plage des Marinières, remember that it is not an organized beach. So, remember to bring your own towel, water, and any beach essentials you may need. Sun protection is also important, especially during the summer months, as shade is limited along the waterfront!
Dining Reservations
During my visit to Villefranche-sur-Mer, I did not need a reservation for lunch, but I was there at the very end of April, which is still considered the shoulder season in the French Riviera. At that time of year, it was easy to find a table along the harbor without planning ahead.
However, if you are visiting during the summer months, especially in July or August, it is a different story. Villefranche-sur-Mer is small, and waterfront restaurants fill up, especially if a cruise ship is in port. If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant or want a table right by the water, it is well worth making a reservation in advance.
Where to Stay Nearby
While Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming place to visit along the French Riviera, I generally recommend staying in Nice and visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer as a day trip. Nice offers a wider range of hotels, better nightlife, more dining options, and easier transportation connections across the French Riviera, all while still being just a few minutes away from Villefranche-sur-Mer by train. (I personally loved my stay at the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée!)
That said, if you have your heart set on staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer, there are a handful of well located options that offer a more peaceful, residential feel.
When choosing an accommodation in Villefranche-sur-Mer, prioritize proximity to the waterfront or the train station. The town is small, but hilly and staying near the harbor or Plage des Marinières makes it much easier to get around on foot. With all of that being said, a couple of highly-rated hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer, available through our affiliate partner, Hotels.com, are listed below.
Final Thoughts on What to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer ended up being one of my favorite stops along the French Riviera. When people ask what to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer, my answer is simple: slow down and enjoy the setting. The town feels like a quieter, more relaxed version of Antibes, but with an especially picturesque backdrop thanks to its sheltered bay and colorful waterfront.
If you are a photographer, you are going to love it here! Between the pastel-colored buildings, harbor views, and constantly changing light across the water, Villefranche-sur-Mer is an easy place to wander without a plan. Villefranche-sur-Mer also fits easily into any French Riviera itinerary as a calmer counterpoint to busier nearby stops, whether you are basing yourself in Nice or heading west toward destinations like Cannes.
My Take on Villefranche-sur-Mer
As a Florida girl and self-proclaimed beach snob, I will admit that I personally found the beaches in Cannes more appealing than Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer. That said, Plage des Marinières was busy even at the end of April, which says a lot about how popular this town becomes once the season ramps up.
I opted to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer after a visit to the Rothschild Villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and if I were planning the day again, I would opt for that combo a second time! Together, they made for a perfectly balanced day trip from Nice that blended one of the most beautiful cultural stops on the Riviera with a leisurely afternoon in one of the Riviera's prettiest towns.
Continuing Your Trip Along the Riviera
Villefranche-sur-Mer works best as part of a larger French Riviera itinerary rather than a standalone stop. Pairing it with nearby towns helps balance its relaxed pace with destinations that offer more things to do. Many travelers will continue west toward Antibes, which blends historic charm with lively beaches and markets, or head farther along the coast to explore what to do in Cannes, where the Riviera takes on a more polished, resort-style feel.
If you are planning multiple stops and want to see how these destinations fit together, our French Riviera travel guide breaks down the best things to do in the Côte d'Azur. Plus, if you are deciding where to linger longer, our Antibes travel guide offers a deeper look at another one of my favorite towns in the French Riviera.
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