Location
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Good news! You are staying in one of the most iconic villages along the coast of the French Riviera. You need only exit the villa property at its southernmost gate and walk down the pedestrian stairs to discover the coastal village of Villefranche-sur-Mer with its clay rooftops, colorful row houses, and white sandy beaches. Besides just enjoying a walk through the village, if you get a chance, don’t miss a short stroll on Rue Obscure, a hidden medieval street which dates from the 13th Century. Stop in at Chapelle St. Pierre where Jean Cocteau spent a few years living there, painting its interior. His original paintings still remain. The large unmissable fortress called the “Citadelle” is a great place to explore and it usually features art, history or political exhibits which change regularly.
An often-overlooked section of Villefranche is the working harbor called the Port of Sante on the western side of the Citadelle where most fisherman and local boaters and kayakers enter the water, far from the tourists and expensive restaurants. Stop for a fresh seafood lunch and then follow the waterfront road west towards Nice to the end of the town where a seaside trail runs from Villefranche to Nice and offers stunning views and wave symphonies along the coast. The walk will take about 1 hour to arrive near the Port of Nice. You can walk back on the main coastal sidewalk or take the bus back.
Why Villefranche-sur-Mer Is Perfect for Your Stay
Villefranche-sur-Mer’s central location on the Côte d’Azur makes it an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera. Situated between Nice and Monaco, this charming village offers easy access to some of the most iconic destinations in the region. From here, you can take a short drive or train ride to the glamorous beaches of St. Jean Cap Ferrat, the historic streets of Nice, or the luxury of Monte Carlo.
Despite its proximity to these bustling locales, Villefranche retains its serene and authentic character. The village is a harmonious blend of historical charm, local life, and coastal beauty. Staying in Villefranche allows you to immerse yourself in the laid-back elegance of the Riviera while enjoying the convenience of nearby world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a perfect balance of both.
Luxury Villa located in the “Golden Triangle”
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the three towns of the Golden Triangle in the South of France. The Golden Triangle is famous because the three iconic towns are within a few kilometers of each other and attract the most discerning residents and visitors in Europe and beyond. Located between Nice (a 15 minute drive) and Monaco (a 25 minute drive), the area exists against the backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs, several harbors, the Mediterranean Sea, world-renowned villas, Michelin starred restaurants, world class beaches, and residents who include royalty, celebrities and billionaires.
Villefranche-sur-Mer was home to Russian and English aristocracies since the early 19th century who enjoyed wintering in an ideal climate. It has always been known to have one of the most beautiful harbors on the Mediterranean and one of the most colorful villages which is home to generations of fisherman, traders and those who support commerce in nearby Nice. Villefranche maintains its Old World charm while offering contemporary restaurants and shopping which attract visitors from all over the world. The hillside is covered in bougainvillea and several walking paths connect the homes in the hills such as Villa Hippocampo with the center of town. In recent years, the Rolling Stones and Bono vacationed here, Tina Turner lived here and Elton John currently has a second home here.
St. Jean Cap Ferrat is a peninsula between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Bealieu-sur-Mer which is beautifully landscaped with lush vegetation, several clear azure water beaches, and a coastal trail which circumnavigates the peninsula. On one side of the peninsula, there are luxurious estates which represent some of the most expensive homes in the world. These villas are all immensely private and are protected by walls, vegetation and rockface. On the other side of the island there is a small gem of a yacht harbor which faces the perfectly preserved village center with sumptuous cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a miniature coastal town with beautiful seafront gardens, a coastal trail which connects its town center with that of St. Jean Cap Ferrat, tall tree lined streets, limestone cliffs, and a large yacht harbor lined with restaurants including the iconic African Queen. The architecture is classic belle epoche and the Greek Villa Kyrylos (which is accessible to tourists) is perched on the end of a jetty on the Mediterranan. The town has been popular with British aristocrats as well as other foreigners who enjoy the slow pace of the town, the preservation of its historical feel, the numerous culinary delights including the daily produce, meat and cheese market in Place Marinoni.