Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful destination; with beautiful places to stay. You’ll love your vacation here.

There’s a certain kind of magic you only feel on the French Riviera—and Villefranche‑sur‑Mer (also known as Villefranche, for short) captures it effortlessly. With its pastel waterfront, deep‑blue bay, and a harbour that welcomes everything from fishing boats to luxury yachts, this little port town invites you to slow down, sip something cold, and simply be. Tucked between Nice and Monaco, it’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a postcard waiting to happen.

Villefranche-sur-Mer lies in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This beautiful port town is located southwest of the Principality of Monaco, so you’ll be close to Nice and, obviously, Monaco. Who wouldn’t want to visit Monaco and Nice while you’re in the region… 😊 Oh, and it is only about 40 minutes away from Menton as well. 😊

Is Villefranche-sur-Mer worth visiting?

If you love the idea of a romantic French holiday somewhere where you can relax at a sidewalk café with views of the Mediterranean Sea, this is the place for you.

What is Villefranche-sur-Mer famous for?

Villefranche has one of the most beautiful harbours, with ships and luxury yachts passing through regularly. Due to its deep-water harbour, it is also one of the busiest cruise ship ports on the Côte d’Azur. Colourful buildings decorate the shores of the beautiful bay.

The best time to go to Villefranche

The best time to visit is definitely from June until September when you should have pleasant weather and very little rainfall. With water temperatures of up to 26°C, you will love the Mediterranean climate.

11 best things to do Villefranche

Exploring the old town‘s winding streets.
Close to the harbour, restaurants line Les Petites Rues – spend some time here just enjoying the scenes.
The unique, Romanesque 14th-century Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter Chapel) with its pink, yellow, and white façade, is an interesting stop. This little chapel was dedicated to Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen, and was entirely restored and decorated by the “prince of poets”, Jean Cocteau who was a regular visitor to Villefranche. He also created interior murals in the 1950s.
Église Saint-Michel (St Michael) a baroque Italian-style church, which was built in the 1750s with its marble altar, 18th-century organ and artwork (which includes a life-sized sculpture of Jesus carved out of timber from a fig tree) is worth a visit. – Address: 11 Pl. de l’Église, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.
Walk down Rue Obscure or ‘Dark Street’ (a hidden underground street built in the 13^th century for soldiers)
The Fort du Mont Alban is on the hilltop overlooking the town.
Explore the well preserved Citadel of Saint Elme (Fort Saint Elme) founded by the Duke of Savoy in 1554 for the purpose of guarding the harbour and its museums. The watchtower is a popular spot for beautiful photos.
Visit Villa Kerylos.
If you’re eager to explore more, on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, which you can see from the harbour, you’ll find some of the most beautiful palaces, like the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Spend time on the beach at Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Catch the bus along the spectacular Moyenne Corniche to Eze.

Where to stay in Villefranche

Whether you wander the winding lanes of the old town, linger at a seaside café, or hop along the coast to nearby gems like Èze and Cap Ferrat, Villefranche‑sur‑Mer wraps you in that unmistakable Côte d’Azur charm. It’s romantic, relaxed, and quietly unforgettable—one of those destinations that stays with you long after you’ve left its sun‑washed shores.

💬 Have you been to Villefranche‑sur‑Mer—or is it on your travel wishlist? Share your thoughts, tips, or favourite Riviera memories in the comments. We’d love to hear your stories.

Author: Arina JVR – 30+ countries, countless stories.

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