Villefranche
Villefranche-sur-Mer is along the Côte d'Azur, often known in English as the French Riviera. The bay (rade) of Villefranche is one of the deepest natural harbors of any port in the Mediterranean Sea and provides safe anchorage for large ships. Cruise ships anchor in the harbor and tender passengers to a small terminal in the heart of Villefranche-sur-Mer. You need to watch out for where and when tender tickets are being handed out. Sometimes tender tickets are handed out the night before. You want to get to the tender ticket handout location as early as possible in order to get an early tender (those on RC excursions will have pre-determined tender times). The tender wharf is located right in the heart of Villefranche and everything is within easy walking distance from it. There will be people from the local tourist authority inside the tender wharf that can answer questions and offer advice.
Villefranche is a wonderfully French village offering its visitors a unique opportunity to experience everything French. Villefranche resides on a steep hillside that surrounds the beautiful bay that Villefranche resides upon. While walking can be steep at times, the walkways that penetrate Villefranche's parks, old section and village are simply breathtaking. From the main road above, you can look down across the red tile roofs of the old town, with the distinctive church and bell tower in the center. Like the medieval villages of the "back country", the narrow cobblestone and bricked streets slope steeply down (in this case towards the sea) or traverse along the slope, with vaulted passages beneath the houses.Rue Obscura, a street about a block in from the seafront that's completely covered for about half its length is lighted only by white, wire-gridded lamps in the roof, the "obscure" street reminds you of the days when the town's population sheltered here from bombardments. Cross streets open out onto the sunny upper village or the even brighter seafront below.
If you are looking for the perfect place to relax on the beach, have a wonderful lunch in a beachfront French cafe, enjoy a bottle of French wine and simply enjoy a perfect French day, this is the spot! The beach at Villefranche (Plage des Marinières) is much nicer than the beaches in Nice and offers soft fine sand on most of it. (Once you exit the tender port, simply turn right to find the beach.)
Transportation
Train: Villefranche-sur-Mer is on the main Nice-Monaco-Menton-Ventimiglia line, with frequent service. The rail line curves around the edge of the bay, running just above the beach to the east of town. The station is a five-minute walk from the port, providing convenient service to major and minor destinations. You can purchase your tickets in the station and then pick up your train when it stops at the station. Be sure that you are on the right side of the track when your train comes, as they do not stay at the station very long. The eastbound trains travel on the track closest to the station and the westbound trains travel on the track next to the beach. Also, there is an excellent view of the harbor from the ocean side of the train tracks for taking pictures. Finding the train station can be a little difficult unless you know how to get to it. As you walk along the harbor side heading into the beach you will see the ocean on your right and restaurants and shops along your left. When you near the last restaurant before the parking lot for the beach, you will see this a large tree. Behind the tree you will see the sign for the train station and the stairway(steep!). Climb up the stairs until you come to the underpass and then turn right to the stairs that lead up to the train station.
Bus: The Nice-Monaco-Menton bus line has frequent service.
Nice
Nice is a large city and is the Capital and the commercial and transportation hub of the French Riviera. Nice is easily explored on your own. In fact, most of Nice's shopping, dining and sightseeing venues are located on pedestrian streets making an automobile useless to gain access to them. Using the bus system in and around Nice makes it quite easy to see a lot in a short period of time. Using the tram to get to and from parts of the city is also quite easy. The tram traverses the city a few blocks back from the beach and terminates on the east end across the street from one of the entrances to Old Town.
Some of the sites to see and experience:
The Promenade des Anglais(The Promenade of the English)
Few spots epitomize Nice -- or, in fact, the joie de vivre of the French Riviera in general -- than the inviting Promenade des Anglais. It is always bustling with humanity.There are tourists relaxing in the royal blue chairs lining the shore. There are locals roller blading, biking or jogging along it. Vendors sell crepes and drinks on it. Best of all, there are delightful (if over-priced) seaside restaurants. Splurge on a chaise lounge, and let waiters bring you cocktails and appetizers.
Cours Saleya Flower Market
Nice's famous Flower Market is one of the best attractions in the whole city. The edges are lined with cafés and souvenir shops, and the stands themselves are packed with amazing produce and myriad flowers. It operates six days a week, replaced on Mondays by a flea and antiques market. Get there early!
Nice offers excellent shopping opportunities for everyone and shopping seems to be one of the main attractions of Nice. There are several shopping areas within Nice and everything from designer clothing, bathing suits, beachwear, business attire, perfumes, cosmetics, collectibles, souvenirs and much, much more.
Vieux Nice, or Old Nice
Old Nice is downright dripping with atmosphere. Its narrow streets are a one-stop shop for take-home finds, such as Provençal wares, household items, wine, gourmet gifts, hip clothing and more. There are numerous restaurants in the area, as well as several fun bars and nightclubs. Be sure to stop off for a delicious ice cream in this neighborhood.
Le Chateau/Castle Hill
The best reason to visit the chateau is for the spectacular panoramic view of the city and sea. You won't actually see much of a castle (only a few sections of it remain). You can take the elevator up for a nominal price or hike up the stairs for free to the park atop the hill. Be sure to bring your camera. To get to this scenic hillside destination with a breathtaking view of all of Nice, travel on foot or take the lift from Rue des Ponchettes. Having made the climb, be sure to take in all that the park has to offer, including an awe-inspiring waterfall, fascinating medieval ruins, historic cemeteries, and a children’s playground.
Next week : Villefranche -- Monaco!
