Just east of Nice, on the other side of Mont Alban, lies the quiet harbor town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. It's a quick 10-minute train ride (or a beautiful 20-minute drive) away, and the perfect place to escape the city's bustle for an evening.
Villefranche is delightfully relaxed and almost sleepy compared to its Riviera neighbors. A row of colorful buildings lines the turquoise bay, with stone streets and stairs climbing gradually uphill. You might recognize parts of town from a handful of famous films, from classics like To Catch a Thief to last years' Absolutely Fabulous movie.
If you're in town during the day, take advantage of the pebbly public beach Plage des Marinières - a refreshing change from the crowds, rocks, and prices of beaching in Nice. You can also search out one of the outdoor markets that pop up throughout the week, or make the hike up to Fort du Mont Alban. If Èze Village isn't on your itinerary, the views from the fort are not to be missed: Nice and the Alps to the west, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the east, and miles of coastline in either direction.
While it's easy to enjoy during the day, the best time to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer is in the evening. Walk through the old town and the harbor as the sun sets, and settle in for dinner at one of the cafés along the marina. Enjoy a glass of rosé by the water while yachts and fishing boats from around the world sail in and out of the bay.
Next: 10 Days on the French Riviera
Catch up on #mhsummerabroad:
Paris
Loire Valley
Provence
Côte d'Azur
the
Travel Capsule
Wardrobe
Planner
my free printable five-step
guide to packing light &
traveling in style
How to See Monaco in One Day | A Travel Guide | Things to do in Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville | If you only have one day to spend in this glamorous city-state, this is your guide to all the sights, shopping and food in Monaco. | Place du Casino, Gardens of Monaco, Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, Restaurants.
A Day Trip to Èze: The Most Charming Hilltop Village on the French Riviera | Things to do, from shopping and exploring the Jardin Exotique to visiting the best hotels and restaurants. | Èze, France Travel Guide
Our Summer Abroad: The Non-Backpacker’s Guide to Three Months of Slow Travel Through Europe | How we planned and packed for a summer in Europe without a hostel or backpack in sight. | A 3-Month Itinerary from Paris to Rome, traveling to cities through France, Switzerland and Italy. | My Packing List and Planning Tips for spending the summer in Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
How to Spend a Weekend in Rome, Italy | A complete travel guide for a quick visit to the Eternal City. | Things to do, the best restaurants, and what to wear in Rome. | What to Do for Two Days in Rome | Weekend itinerary for the reluctant tourist: when you want to see the big sights and the real city.
A Three-Day Itinerary to the Best of Loire Valley, France | A perfect itinerary and travel guide for a long weekend in the land of fairytale castles and hot air balloons. | Where to stay in Amboise | What to Do in Loire Valley | Châteaux Cheverny, Villandry, Chambord, Chenonceau | Hot Air Balloon Ride in Loire Valley
Florence, Italy is one of the friendliest cities in the world. Here are the best things to do and places to go, from restaurants and views to Tuscany day trips. Use any ideas you like, then mix and match them into an itinerary of your own. Complete with a travel map and packing ideas!
How (Not) to See Cinque Terre, Italy in One Day | You just can’t see all five towns on a day trip! But with this guide of the best things to do (from beaches and hiking paths to food and views), you can plan your own perfect Cinque Terre itinerary - for one, two, or three days.
From our base city, Aix-en-Provence, we took a few day trips out to explore the idyllic towns in the Luberon valley. Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin topped our list...
How to Pack for Europe: Spring & Summer Capsule Wardrobe | How I packed a 25-item capsule wardrobe for 12 weeks in Europe, and what to wear in France and Italy | Packing Light | Travel Tips | Carry-On Packing