Mediterranean Port Week: Villefranche-sur-Mer

While Villefranche-sur-Mer dates back to the 14th century, it is now a popular cruise port, largely due to its location close to the more famous French towns of Nice, Cannes & Monaco. But why leave town on a ship sponsored excursion (or in a rental car) when the town itself has so much to offer?

The joy of Villefranche starts before you’re even there. This is one port that is worth getting up early to watch the scenery pass by as you sail into town: it’s absolutely breathtaking.

We found ourselves pulling into port on a sleepy Sunday morning. This meant that it was less tourist hub, more quiet Cote d’Azur town.

You’ll take a tender ship from the boat into town – the harbor is better equipped to handle sailboats than cruise ships.

Once you’re on land, the key is to get away from the tourist restaurants & shops along the waterfront & walk up into the residential part of town. We spent most of our time in Villefranche wandering the back streets. It’s here that I fell in love with photographing windows, doors & colorful architecture.

There are some amazing little churches to check out while you’re wandering through town – they’re all marked on the tourist map you can pick up at the tender station. Our favorite, St. Matthews, was located up a hill & around the corner (note: lots of hills in this seaside town! Wear comfy shoes!).

Funny story: we decided that we were going to find all the little churches marked on our tourist map. We had fun finding, & exploring, all the churches & chapels, but there was one that alluded us. Where was St. Peters? Why couldn’t we find it? We finally found it – only to discover that they charged admission! We declined to pay the $5 to explore.

You’ll probably get hungry when you’re in town. My rule for a visit to Villefranche? If they have an English language menu, don’t eat there. You’ll stumble across a few cafes & coffee shops while you’re walking around. Stop at one & grab some sandwiches. Then head down to the waterfront, roll up your pants, dip your toes in the Mediterranean & nosh on some simple baguette sandwiches. This was, hands down, the best thing that we did during our day there. It’s so simple… so French… so European.

After lunch, finish your exploring – the citadel is worth a visit – & tender back to the ship. You’ll be glad you spent your day in a quintessential French seaside town, rather than worrying about schedules & crowds in one of the neighboring towns.