|  ituated
just after Nice, in the
direction of Menton,
Villefranche sur Mer is situated near Saint
Jean Cap Ferrat, right in the heart of the most
beautiful and rich part of the French Riviera. It's
here that the most splendid properties are hidden away,
and where the world's millionaires love to spend their
holidays.Whether it's summer or winter, Villefranche
is a stunning place. Its superb harbour is known to
be one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Over-looking
the hills and luxurious residences, Villefranche
is one of the most exclusive spots on the cote d'Azur.
The port, the citadelle, the old town, and the gentle
curve of the coast all contribute to the beauty of the
village which dates back to 130 BC. With its colourful
fishing boats and nets, the port is both a base for
fishermen and tourists, offering numerous cruises in
the summer. You can wander along the fishing wharves,
bordered by restaurants and their terraces. If you continue
until the end you will arrive at the lengthy Villefranche
beach which is pleasant from the very first days of
summer. |
The
Saint Elme citadel which over-looks the sea dates from
the 16th century and appears to watch over the old part
of the town today. The village houses an auditorium,
museums, "la cit? des m?tiers d'art" and hanging gardens.
The army left here in 1965, (to their regret no doubt)
and left in their place numerous art collections : Art
and History museum, the Goetz-Boumeester collection
(works by Picasso,
Picabia...), the "Fondation-mus?e Volti" (contemporary
sculptures) and even the Alpine-Hunting museum.
The
old village shelters narrow roads and stair-ways with
the most evokative names : rue Obscure, rue du Poilu.
Covered passages lead down to the coloured facades of
the ancient houses which have been carefully renovated.
With their windows wide open at the height of summer
you can hear snatches of lively conversation and smell
the mouth-watering Mediterranean
cuisine from within. Jean Cocteau, a native of the area,
liked to come to Villefranche where he made friends
with the fishermen to whom he dedicated his re-decoration
of the Chapelle Saint-Pierre... a site not to be missed.
|
Sites
to see : 16th century Citadelle Saint Elme. Chapelle
St Pierre decorated by Cocteau. 13th century medieval
quarter. Villefranche church. St Michel chapel.
Tourist
facilities : 7 hotel-restaurants. 9 hotels . Furnished
apartments. 1 tourist residence. Leisure activities
: Sea excursions. Sailing. Fishing. Chasse sous marine.
Water ski-ing. Swimming. Volti, Goetz and Boumeester
Museums. Open-air cinema. Open-air theatre, the citadelle.
Neighbouring
villages : Beaulieu sur
Mer (3km), St
Jean Cap Ferrat (3km), Nice
(5km).
The
airport at Nice
is 18 km away, which is a 30 minute journey.
By
road take the A8 autoroute, then choose the lower, middle
or high coastal road.
(to follow the sea, take the lower coastal road...)
|
