10 Unique Things to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer + Travel Tips

10 best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Find the best views over Villefranche-sur-Mer

If you think walking around Villefranche-sur-Mer is beautiful, wait until you discover the views from the top. There are multiple viewpoints around Villefranche-sur-Mer and all of them require endless stairs.

The most popular spot is marked as Belvédère (de Villefranche sur mer) on Google Maps and it is the highest option which means a good hike unless you are going by car. However, it is my least favorite option considering the height and trees blocking the view.

A much better alternative is marked on Google Maps as Boulevard Napoléon III viewpoint. It is an easy walk away from the old town and offers spectacular views of Villefranche-sur-Mer. If you are a photographer, bring your zoom lens and thank me later.

The entire Bd Napoléon offers picturesque views and there is a small path for pedestrians. Enjoying a stroll on this street is truly one of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The boat offers you another beautiful perspective of Villefranche-sur-Mer, however, there are no public boats that go to Villefranche-sur-Mer. But you can book this sightseeing cruise from Nice instead.

Saint Pierre Chapel

I personally discovered Saint Pierre Chapel after it was featured in Emily in Paris, however, it is a popular attraction in Villefranche-sur-Mer that you can hardly miss when visiting this French town.

This Romanesque chapel is devoted to Saint Peter, the revered patron saint of fishermen and it is located next to the Quai Courbet. This historic gem underwent a remarkable transformation under the skilled hands of the famed “prince of poets,” Jean Cocteau.

His artistic vision breathed new life into the chapel, intertwining spirituality with vibrant artistic expression. I can guarantee that you haven’t seen a church like this in any other place, so it is an absolute must.

The church is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The entrance fee is 4 euro and the photography inside is not allowed.

I have to say that the chapel is very small, so 4 euros seems a bit steep, but I think it is worth it. If you think it is too much, you can appreciate the unique exterior which is one of the free things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Église Saint-Michel de Villefranche-sur-Mer

Hidden in the alleys of the old town, you will find Église Saint-Michel which is a beautiful church and a must-visit attraction in Villefranche-sur-Mer. If you want to discover hidden gems of the French Riviera, this is one of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

You can either see the exterior, visit it inside, or take an iconic picture from the Mairie Villefranche-sur-Mer bus stop on the Rue Henri Biais. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee of 3 euros.

The interior of the church is very simple but it features some interesting sculptures like life-size Christ carved from the wood and some beautiful paintings.

It is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day. Unless you visit church on Sunday around 10 am or Thursday around 6.30 pm, there won’t be many crowds in this area. So this is a perfect escape when the promenade starts to feel like too much.

Chapelle Sainte-Elisabeth

Chapelle Sainte-Elisabeth is another hidden gem of Villefranche-sur-Mer that attracted my attention with its unique exterior, pastel tone stripes, and miniature size. 

It can be visited from Rue de l’Église which is one of the prettiest streets in Villefranche-sur-Mer. As you walk Rue de l’Église from the promenade, you will find a lot of local shops and cute cafes.

Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to visit the inside of Chapelle Sainte-Elisabeth and I couldn’t find any information about the opening times, but if you happen to see it empty, make sure you check it out.

Rue Obscure

Rue Obscure is a dark alley hidden between the colorful pastel houses of Villefranche-sur-Mer. I am sure that you wouldn’t guess that this street is located in the bright Villefranche-sur-Mer if you saw the photo above.

As you approach Rue Obscure, you will be taken back to the medieval age. Constructed in 1260 for military utility, the ancient street served as a strategic thoroughfare for soldiers. Nowadays, this tunnel street is one of the best places to visit in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Despite its central location, a lot of tourists pass Rue Obscure without stopping by so keep an eye on the maps, so you won’t miss it as you explore the alleys of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Relax on the beach

Visiting coastal towns of French Riviera means direct access to the beach and Villefranche-sur-Mer is not an exception. In fact, going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Plage des Marinieres is the most popular beach in the town. It offers a white sand beach and free access to the water, however, you can expect a lot of crowds. This is the closest white sand beach near Nice, so it attracts visitors from the rest of the region.

A short walk away, you will find Plage de l’Ange Gardien, which is a less popular alternative, however, you will have to give up white sand and deal with some rocks and pebbles instead.

Then you also have Plage de la Darse. This beach is often left behind, so you can find a peaceful vibe even during the high season. There is no parking nearby, so the best way to reach Plage de la Darse is to walk.

Lunch on the Promenade 

After exploring the main attractions of Villefranche-sur-Mer or relaxing on the beach, it is time to grab something to eat. Enjoying a traditional meal as you listen to the waves singing in your ears is a must-do in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Luckily for you, the promenade of Villefranche-sur-Mer is filled with inviting restaurants and tables set directly on the water. And surprisingly, some are quite affordable considering that you get the dish of the day and enjoy it with house wine.

Please make sure you check the reviews before you sit down because there are some tourist traps in the area as well. We picked LOU BANTRY and had to try amazing local specialties, so I can recommend this place.

Another great choice is DRY Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, however, it had a long waiting time when visited, but I am sure you can trust the positive reviews online.

Get lost in the old town

While I have shared all the main attractions of Villefranche-sur-Mer, there is still more to see in the colorful alleys of Old Town. Wandering around and getting lost is one of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

On your way, you will find a lot of colorful houses, streets filled with plants, and more picturesque corners. I think it is good to have bullet points, but don’t be afraid to wander off and discover beyond.

That’s exactly how I found the most beautiful street in Villefranche-sur-Mer. I have seen it all over social media, but no one would share the name of the street, so I had to improvise and to my surprise, it was not too hard considering the compact size of the old town.

The name of the street is Rue Baron de Brès, but if you follow my advice to wander around, I am sure you will stumble on it at some point.

La Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer

The Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer is a historic fortress located on a hill overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Dating back to the 16th century, this was originally built by Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy to defend the coastline against maritime threats.

Today, visitors can explore its ancient ramparts, bastions, and inner courtyards. The citadel also hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts. And another highlight of visiting the citadel is the fantastic views that guide you along.

It is open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm and closed on the weekends.

Paddle trip Villefranche 2h

If you are looking for some adventurous activities in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you will love this paddle trip experience. The bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the best places to enjoy paddleboarding considering that the water is calm and peaceful.

This tour includes sup rental together with a little introduction to Villefranche-sur-Mer and it lasts for 2 hours.

You can also look up Sup in Villefranche (location stand-up paddle) on Google Maps and pick up your rental for a very affordable price. I think it is a great way to end your day in Villefranche-sur-Mer as the sun sets right in front of your eyes.

Other useful things to know before visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer 

Is Villefranche-sur-Mer worth visiting?

Absolutely! Villefranche-sur-Mer is definitely worth visiting for several reasons. Its stunning coastal location on the French Riviera alone makes it a destination worth exploring. 

The town’s picturesque Old Town, with its charming streets and historic landmarks, invites you to discover rich culture. While the beautiful beaches provide the perfect setting for relaxation and seaside fun. Panoramic views around will leave you speechless as well.

I still remember my time in Villefranche-sur-Mer with a big smile on my face and it is definitely one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera, so don’t miss it!

How to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer?

The closest airport is located in Nice and from Nice, there are several ways to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer. Depending on your travel style, here is a quick overview.

From Nice to Villefranche by train

The easiest and fastest way to reach Villefranche Sur Mer from Nice is by train. It takes 10 minutes from the Nice train station and it costs 3 euros. The train departs every 15 minutes.

From Nice to Villefranche by bus

Another alternative is the local bus 80 that will take you from Vauban or Riquer bus stop in Nice to central Villefranche. It takes around 30 minutes and the ticket costs 2.10 euros. The only downside is not so frequent schedule.

From Nice to Villefranche by car

Are you planning a road trip around the French Riviera? Make sure you check Rentalcars, however, leave the car at home when visiting Villefranche from Nice. Unless you are planning to spend a night in Villefranche and your hotel offers parking, it is easier to choose other options.

Walking

If you are staying in Nice and want to enjoy a fun day trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can even enjoy the beautiful Sent. du Littoral from Nice and walk to Villefranche-sur-Mer.

This route isn’t your average stroll in the park, however, it is a relatively easy trek. You’ll encounter rocky paths by the sea, hillside steps that’ll give your calves a workout, and peaceful trails right along the beach. But trust me, the views you’ll soak in along the way are worth it.

This path starts from Coco Beach and has multiple indications so it will be very easy to find. You can walk to Villefranche-sur-Mer and it takes 1-2 hours depending on your speed. However, this path is not for racing, it is all for enjoying the views around you.

Segway

Do you want to try something different? If so, this French Riviera Segway Tour is for you. Not only do you get to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer, but also cover some iconic locations in Nice.

In 3 hours you will see Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer and enjoy the fantastic views on the way. This is a perfect tour if you have limited time and have planned other day trips from Nice.

Note! As of 2024, there are no boats that bring you from Nice to Villefranche, however, there is a sightseeing cruise available that lets you enjoy the fantastic views of Côte d’Azur from the boat.

How long to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer?

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a popular day trip destination from Nice. And while I prefer slow travel most time, I agree that a day trip is a perfect way to discover Villefranche-sur-Mer. It is super easy and quick!

Some people chose Villefranche-sur-Mer as a base to explore the rest of the region. Nice is a bit better option for this, however, this is a great alternative if you want to experience small-town life instead of lively Nice.

How to move around Villefranche-sur-Mer?

The compact size of Villefranche-sur-Mer means that you can walk literally anywhere. The Old Town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is not accessible to cars, so that is your only option anyway.

It takes a 10-minute walk from the train station to the heart of the old town. Technically there is a bus number 80 that brings you there, but considering traffic, it might take longer than the walk.

Further reading for unique things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Don’t forget to plan your time in Nice as well! These will help you:

• 20 Best Photo Spots in Nice, France + Photo Tips
• One Day Nice Itinerary: Make The Most of 24 Hours in Nice
• 10 Best Hotels in Nice With a Sea View
• 10 Local Nice Foods to Try: What to Eat in Nice, France
• 10 Amazing Local Restaurants in Nice Old Town
• 7 Best Food Tours in Nice for Every Foodie
• 10 Best Cafes in Nice For Brunch, Croissants and Coffee

Or read more about: Nice | Paris | Menton | Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Cannes | Eze | Villefranche-sur-Mer | France

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer and I am sure that by now you are fully prepared for your trip. Are you ready to explore Villefranche-sur-Mer?

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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