To live like a Frenchwoman, however briefly, and become truly connected with this place that forever has my heart. I am in heaven in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

 

A short stroll down from the Boulevard Napoléan III (which is where you would arrive should you catch a bus from Nice) and you are into le vieux village. Discover quiet walkways, hidden streets, and ancient houses with old shutters and chalky paint. Painted in yellows, oranges, and pinks, they are like an imagined Mediterranean sunset dream.

Further towards the harbour, restaurants of all styles line les petites rues. Although the old village itself is not large, it is a gastronomique delight.

Villefranche has an ancient tale, with the Rue Obscure (the 'hidden street') built along the first ramparts of the harbour and dating back to 1260. It was designed to protect the villagers from bombardment, but also came to be very useful for storing wine - bien sûr! It's an interesting walk underneath and behind some of the village buildings and restaurants, quite unique and rich in atmosphere.

At the water's edge, Villefranche Harbour is breathtaking.

 

Luxury yachts float alongside simple local boats and fine restaurants line the wide promenade with tables on the water's edge. The occasional sportscar shares the Quai de l'Amiral Courbet with happy visitors and locals. With a vista around the bay to the Villa Rothschild and Villa Kerylos and beyond, this is a spectacular coastline.

With one of the deepest harbours in the Mediterranean, many accommodation venues have views of the bay or the township. The area is truly breathtaking. The cruise ships come in here, and the passengers disembark and delight in this village that captures hearts - including my own.

If you have the resources, the Welcome Hotel is right on the waterfront. Many of the rooms and suites have balconies with spectacular views of Cap Ferrat and the Mediterranean laid out before you.

Sublime ...

 

Discover charming architecture, worn shutters, wrought-ironwork, and colour everywhere. A few shops, weekly brocante and food markets, and a terrific variety of beautiful restaurants and bistros makes relaxing for a week (or a month) in this place an absolute joy!

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a marvellous spot from which to explore the marvellous French Riviera.

 

It's is a one-stop, unpack-your-bags-and-relax style of destination, with outbound day trips to beautiful locations. Plus, local site visits to Villa Kerylos and Villa Rothschild add to the local attractions, as well as some beautiful walking tours of the area. Picture lazy brocante Sundays, or simply time-out to eat, read, relax, and feel like a local.

And while you’re here, consider taking an immersion course at the Instituit de Francais, and really learn the language. I can highly recommend it for so many reasons. I truly feel that my grasp of the language continues to grow, years on from that one month of study. It was the best gift I ever gave myself, and I certainly plan to do it again one day.