One of the nicest things about staying at Villa Hippocampo is being able to walk to some of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s most meaningful landmarks. A short 15-minute stroll brings you to the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, a small but important chapel right on the water’s edge.
Originally built in the 14th century, the chapel has deep roots in Villefranche’s fishing community. It served as a place of worship for local fishermen, but also pulled double duty over the centuries—at different times it was used as a storage shed for fishing nets and even as a local court where fishing disputes were settled.
What has made the chapel particularly famous in more recent times is the work of the artist and writer Jean Cocteau. In 1957, Cocteau was welcomed by the local community and given permission to transform the interior with his unique style of painting. The resulting murals tell the story of Saint Peter’s life and depict scenes from everyday Mediterranean life—faces, fish, boats, saints, and symbols woven together in Cocteau’s recognizable, dream-like way. His art manages to blend local culture with religious symbolism in a way that feels natural to Villefranche’s history. In recognition of its significance, the Chapelle Saint-Pierre was declared a historic monument in 1996 and later received the 20th Century Heritage Award in 2001.
Visiting the chapel is a lovely experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful moment or you want to introduce friends and family to a special piece of local history, it’s well worth the short walk from the villa. It’s quite striking to come across such a historic and artistically important chapel in the middle of a bustling village. The connection between the town’s spiritual and fishing life is still very much present within its small, colorful walls.
Entry is just about three euros, and there’s rarely a line. In fact, it’s often the same woman who has been there for years, greeting visitors and collecting the small entrance fee. Photography inside is not allowed, which somehow helps preserve the intimate, respectful feeling of the space.
If you’re staying at Villa Hippocampo, make sure to take a little time to visit the Chapelle Saint-Pierre. It’s an easy walk, and a quiet reminder of the rich cultural and spiritual life that has long shaped Villefranche-sur-Mer.
