What to See & Do
Villefranche-sur-Mer Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Old Town | ★★★★☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 02 | Viewpoint Upper Corniche | ★★★★☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 03 | St. Elme Citadel | ★★★☆☆ | Walking + Gardens | Self | Free |
| 04 | Viewpoint Middle Corniche | ★★★☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 05 | Viewpoint Lower Corniche | ★★★☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 06 | Seafront | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 07 | Rampart Base Path | ★★☆☆☆ | Walking | Self | Free |
| 08 | Beaches | ★★☆☆☆ | Beaches | Self | Either |
| 09 | Main Marina & Dike | ★★☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 10 | St. Michel Church | ★★☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 11 | St. Pierre Chapel | ★★☆☆☆ | Chapel | Self | Paid |
| 12 | Viewpoint Princess Grace | ★★☆☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 13 | Food & Craft Market | ★☆☆☆☆ | Food & Craft Market | Self | Free |
| 14 | Alpine Garden | ★☆☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Free |
01. Old Town
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Old Town is an authentic Mediterranean maze of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful houses and small boutiques, exuding a charming atmosphere that makes it ideal for leisurely strolls.
02. Viewpoint Upper Corniche
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
This viewpoint, located at an altitude of 380 m, is a must-see for its breathtaking views. Perched high above the coastline, it’s the perfect spot to capture panoramic photos of the bay and the distant headlands.
Right next to it is a small park.
03. St. Elme Citadel
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around + Gardens
Visit Self
Cost Free
The citadel, built in the 16th century, is now like a small neighborhood within the town, surrounded by fortifications. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll.
Within the ramparts, you’ll also find charming little gardens.
There are three museums as well:
- The Volti Museum, mainly dedicated to sculptures.
- The Goetz-Boumeester Museum, showcasing the works of these two painters along with those of other renowned artists.
- The Museum of the City’s Collections, which features a selection of items capturing the town’s artistic and heritage essence.
04. Viewpoint Middle Corniche
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
This viewpoint, located at an altitude of 180 m, offers a broad panorama of Villefranche-sur-Mer and its surroundings.
05. Viewpoint Lower Corniche
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Located at an altitude of 30 m, this viewpoint offers a closer look at Villefranche-sur-Mer and its waterfront.
06. Seafront
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The seafront is a lively area bordered by pastel-colored facades, lined with restaurants, cafes, and small boutiques, with a few boats right in the small marina in front.
07. Rampart Base Path
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking
Visit Self
Cost Free
At the foot of the citadel’s ramparts lies a path that runs along the sea, connecting the seafront mentioned just before with the port mentioned below.
08. Beaches
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Beaches
Visit Self
Cost Free or Paid
The town has a main public beach with a paid section, as well as several smaller beaches. They consist of sand and small pebbles.
09. St. Michel Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
The church was built in the 18th century on the site of an older one. It is in the Baroque style.
It includes some paintings and other religious artifacts.
10. St. Pierre Chapel
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Chapel
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The St. Pierre Chapel, also known as the Cocoteau Chapel, dates back to the 16th century and is notable for its colorful and unique façade.
The interior, which requires an entry fee, was decorated by the French artist Jean Cocteau in the 1950s with frescoes depicting the life of St. Peter.
11. Viewpoint Princess Grace
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
On the side of the road to the south of the town, there is a commemorative plaque honoring Princess Grace of Monaco.
The spot offers a view of the port and the town.
12. Main Marina & Dike
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The marina, which accommodates various types and sizes of boats, is bordered by a long dyke where you can stroll along.
13. Food & Craft Market
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Food & Craft Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
The small food market in the town takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Jardin Binon square.
A craft market is held on Sunday mornings at Jardin Binon square and on Place Amélie Pollonais square.
14. Alpine Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Garden
Visit Self
Cost Free
Located along the edge of a street, this small garden includes a variety of plants, including some that are exotic.
