Between Nice and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a truly postcard town on the Cote d'Azur, has settled - Villefranche-sur-Mer. Its views are mesmerizing, the streets lead into the unknown, the formidable fort is on eternal guard of the city, and green parks and cascades of flowers make it one of the most picturesque places on the French Riviera.
If you have some time, then you should definitely go for a walk around this glorious town. From Nice, the town can be reached by train in about three minutes. The fare will be about 2.5 euros. By bus number 100, which departs from the seaport of Nice, you can get there in ten minutes for 1.5 euros. I heard there is a train from Nice too. But we arrived in the rented car. Be sure to bring swimwear with you, as the beach in Villefranche is much more convenient than the beach in Nice.
We arrived higher in the mountains, and getting off, we then went down to the beach. Beautiful fences are intertwined with flowers and all this looks so amazing.
In the port we saw a steam locomotive; it is special for tourists. You can ride and enjoy different views, get to know the life of the city better. We did not; we walked around this town, admiring its cozy harbor, marveling at its sunny appearance, and inhaling the aromas of the sea breeze. Villefranche is charming and flamboyant.
But I would never want to live in Villefranche. Why? Only because the city climbs the hilltops with all its streets, stairs and paths so abruptly that sometimes walking through the city is a kind of mountain climbing. But that doesn't make it any less beautiful.
It is curious to walk along the Rue Obscure street in the old part of the city; it runs parallel to the embankment. This street dates back to the 13th century, when the city was founded. The city began as a port. The Duke of Anjou in the 13th century issued a decree to give the town the status of a "free port". Since then, the second name of the city has gone "free city".
In the 19th century, Villefranche was considered the port of Nice, and now it offers a great view of Cap Ferrat.
All the sights of Villefranche are located very compactly. It can be walked around in an hour. The ancient chapel of St. Peter (he was a fisherman). Church of Saint-Michel (1750) - Italian baroque (the city only in 1860 became part of France). The streets of the town are narrow but picturesque.
The views that open from the height of narrow streets or tiny squares are impeccable. You look into the distance, and it is hard to believe that these are real landscapes. This is what it is - this beautiful Cote d'Azur.
The narrow streets are lined with cafes and restaurants. White napkins, crispy tablecloths, transparent glasses... Why not sit here for half an hour? How not to drink cool wine? Real relaxation with stunning views. True, impudent seagulls will certainly try to steal your croissant on the shore).
Villefranche beach is quite convenient. In contrast to the rocky beaches of Nice, there is coarse sand. The beach is closed on all sides by the picturesque slopes of capes - Cap Ferrat and Cap de Nice. Here, the azure water is decorated with white sails, like birds swaying on the waves. And in the evening - marvelous quiet sunsets.
Near the water is the ancient fort of St. Elme, built in the 16th century. Its powerful walls adorn the banks of the Villefranche and give it a formidable appearance. There you can wander in the shade of trees and enjoy the smell of azaleas and bougainvilleas. Here the sea caresses the old ledges of the walls, and the rustling of the waves weaves its own music.
Climbing up the stairs, we enjoyed watching the leisurely city life. Even in summer, it is not too noisy here. Except perhaps in the port, where all romantics who are suffering from adventures can go on a short voyage on white boats.
The houses of Villefranche are bright, yellow or orange, as if exuding sunlight on the traveler. And so the town seems warm, hospitable and affectionate.
The town is small, the inhabitants are just over 5 thousand people, the British and Americans are striving to move here after retirement. Unlike other French towns, in Provence you can speak in English with no problems.
Housing is more expensive than in Nice, restaurants are also more expensive, because no one goes to dine in another city, there is no competition. The food is delicious, the decoration could be more refined for this money, but even with such a design of dishes, in the evening there is often no free table without a reservation.
It's a very well-preserved, very old, vibrant city. With very beautiful villas, street cafes, friendly locals. The whole city is in flowers. And, as I mentioned above, unlike the beach of Nice (with very large pebbles), there is the purest coarse sand on the beach and the same azure sea. And to sit in the evening in an open restaurant on the pier (absolutely all of them, everyone is good) is a tremendous pleasure.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small cozy French town with an old fort. It is a pity that we were only passing through, and we truly wanted to stay there for longer. I advise everyone to visit this beautiful place and I would return there myself.
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With love, 
Photos are taken by me.
漏 2023
