Villefranche, France cruises
Cruising into the port of Villefranche, you may be forgiven for mistaking the sleepy seaside town as a landscape straight out of a Renaissance painting.
Steeply terraced streets dappled in various pastel shades sweep along the edge of the natural bay, welcoming you to a region laden with Mediterranean charm and French culture.
Guests on a cruise to Villefranche will have the opportunity to explore some of the most picturesque areas of the beloved French Riviera, including the historical charms of Nice and the glamorous streets of Monaco.
Villefranche port guide.
A quiet port town, Villefranche acts as a beautiful gateway to one of the most frequented and well-loved areas of Europe – the French Riviera. Located on the southeastern coast of France, close to the Italian border, Villefranche sits within a peaceful bay, giving visitors a flavour of an authentic French fishing village.
Step back in time and fall in love with the slow pace of life accompanied by breath-taking surroundings, both natural and carefully crafted by man.
Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about exploring the romantic port town of Villefranche.
Top landmarks and sights in Villefranche.
For guests looking to spend an afternoon unwinding in the beautiful surroundings of Villefranche, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and patisseries to stop at as you stroll the village’s narrow streets and warm, sunlit promenade.
For those looking for historical sites to explore, perhaps visit the Chapelle St Pierre – a Roman-style chapel dating back to the fourteenth century. Dedicated to St Peter, the patron saint of fisherman, the chapel was restored in 1957 by writer, filmmaker, and painter Jean Cocteau.
Take a train to nearby Nice and spend an afternoon strolling along its pebbly beaches, maybe stopping in a water-front café to gaze out over the deep blue of the bay peppered with fishing boats and small yachts. You can also rent a beach chair and spend an hour or two basking in the glorious sunshine.
Tucked neatly in the centre of Nice’s Massena Square you’ll find the intricately designed Fountain of the Sun, surrounded by checkerboard paths leading off into the deep-orange facades of nearby shops and restaurants.
Perhaps pay a visit to Monte Carlo – the iconic capital of Monaco - and take in the imposing luxury of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, complete with neatly tailored grounds and gardens. Another option is to take a trip to Monaco’s elevated old town, known as ‘The Rock,’ to see the Prince’s Palace, which has been home to the royal family for more than 700 years.
Things to do in Villefranche.
View a plethora of modern masterpieces at Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, featuring impressive works from pop art pioneers Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Take in the impressive blue of the seemingly endless Mediterranean Sea with a walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a 7km long paved promenade that runs alongside the shore. Originally created to serve wealthy English ex-pats in the 1800s, it remains the perfect place for a slow stroll.
You can also take in breath-taking panoramic views across the Riviera from Parc de la Colline du Château, a hill upon which a medieval castle once stood before it was destroyed by Louis XIV, in 1706. The lush greenery of the hilltop park is the ideal spot for a picnic and can be accessed by foot via a lift or steps.
While in the Riviera, take a trip to Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country. Take a turn on the roulette table in one of Monte Carlo’s plentiful luxurious casinos, or marvel at the imposing façade of the Musée Oceanographique – a colossal museum standing more than 90 metres above sea level and housing over 6,000 marine life creatures.
Other things to do include a visit to the Opera de Monte Carlo, or a stop off at the Casino Square made famous by the blockbuster James Bond hit, Casino Royale.
Villefranche also brings the opportunity to visit several other nearby towns and cities that are steeped in history and charm, including Saint-Paul de Vence and the medieval village of Eze.
Eating and drinking near Villefranche cruise port.
One of the main hot spots to sample the local cuisine of the region is along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. It’s the ideal place to relax, sip on a cool, locally produced glass of French wine, and watch as people stroll by.
While on the go, look out for local street vendors and pick up a Socca, a thin, crusty pancake made with chickpeas that has a warm, soft interior, and pairs perfectly with a local beer.
Getting around, Villefranche transport.
Transportation both within Villefranche, and to destinations further afield, are plentiful and regular.
Local busses are available to take you to Nice and Monaco, and a centrally located train station is on hand to transport you to these cities and a number of other nearby locations.
It’s also possible to find taxis outside the main cruise terminal.
Villefranche port facilities.
Villefranche is a tender port, which means that tender boats will transport you from your cruise ship to a small jetty at the western end of the village.
Onshore, there is a small passenger cruise terminal with a tourist information desk, where 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi is available.
The terminal building is within short walking distance of the main centre of Villefranche, or taxis are also available.
Currency.
Areas within the French Riviera, including Monaco, use the Euro. There are plenty of ATMs and money exchange bureaus across the cities and towns of the region. While credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, it’s always advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or while eating or drinking at smaller eateries.
It is common practice to round up to the next whole figure on your bill when it comes to tipping in Villefranche and the surrounding areas. If in doubt, leaving 5%-10% of the total bill amount is a good benchmark. It’s worth noting that some restaurants will automatically include a service charge in the bill.
Weather.
The most popular time to visit this region is in the summer, from June through to August, when the temperature sits around a comfortable 25°C.
Spring is also a very pleasant time to visit, with slightly cooler temperatures of about 23°C and lower humidity, making it an ideal time for those who like to walk.