When we took our 4-day trip to the French Riviera, we chose Villefranche-sur-Mer as our home base — and honestly, it was the best decision we made.
Most travelers stay in Nice and use it as their base for day trips, but Villefranche-sur-Mer offered us the perfect balance: small-town charm, stunning views, and easy access to the rest of the Côte d’Azur. It’s only a 5-minute train ride to Nice and 15 minutes to Monaco, which made exploring the French Riviera effortless.
If you’re planning a trip to the South of France and searching for what to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer, this guide covers everything — from the best places to stay and eat to must-do activities and easy day trips.
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Where to Stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer
One of the best parts about Villefranche is that it’s pretty compact, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be within walking distance of the beach, cafés, and the train station. Just be prepared for a lot of stairs!
Here are some top hotel options:
- Welcome Hotel – The most iconic stay in town, right on the waterfront with incredible harbor views. Perfect if you want a bit of Riviera glam.
- Le Provençal – A budget-friendly option with a great location. It’s an iconic pink building with a beautiful terrace — great value for the price!
- Airbnb – Ideal if you want more space, a kitchen, or the feeling of “living like a local.” We stayed in this apartment and loved it!
Pro Tip: Instead of hotel-hopping around the Côte d’Azur, stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer and use the train to reach Monaco, Nice, Menton, and Èze. No need to move hotels throughout your trip!
Where to Eat & Drink in Villefranche-sur-Mer
For a small coastal town, Villefranche has some fantastic food and wine spots. Although we traveled to Nice and surrounding areas during our trip, we had some of the best food in Villefranche.
Here are my personal favorites:
- Bakaro – The best breakfast spot in town with great coffee and pastries.
- Boulangerie Chez Marie-Claire – Local bakery for croissants, baguettes, and treats. They had amazing focaccia sandwiches that I recommend taking to-go for a beach day!
- Chez Les Gourmands – Crêperie and breakfast spot serving both sweet and savory crêpes. Perfect for a quick treat.
- Espuma – A lighter option for lunch (I loved their Caesar salad). They also had a great homemade lemonade, perfect for a hot beach day.
- Lou Bantry – Great for dinner by the sea, especially if you’re craving fresh pasta or seafood by the water. Highly recommend ordering the vongole!
- La Grande Cave – Cozy wine bar with stunning views and delicious charcuterie. A perfect pre- or post-dinner stop.
Don’t miss sipping a glass of rosé at sunset along the waterfront — it’s one of those simple pleasures that makes the Riviera unforgettable.
Things to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Even though Villefranche is small, there’s plenty to keep you busy:
- Swim at Plage des Marinières – A sandy beach (rare for the Riviera) with calm waters.
- Take a boat tour – Explore the coastline and hidden coves from the water.
- Relax at a beach club – Rent a sunbed and enjoy cocktails by the sea.
- Watch the sunset on the beach – The colors reflecting on the pastel buildings are pure magic.
- Take a day trip! Hop on the train and explore the beautiful surrounding area.
Day Trips & Unique Activities Near Villefranche
One of the best reasons to base yourself in Villefranche is how easy it is to explore nearby towns. Just hop on the train, bus, or grab a short taxi ride to these destinations:
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Hike the coastal path or take a taxi and spend the day at Paloma Beach. Don’t miss Leo Lea for lunch – they had the best steak frites!
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer – Just one stop away on train; perfect for a quick afternoon lunch stop by the port.
- Nice – Just 10 minutes away; stroll Old Town, visit Cours Saleya Market, or walk the Promenade des Anglais.
- Menton – Known for citrus, pastel-colored buildings, and a slower pace.
- Èze – A medieval hilltop village with panoramic views and lush gardens. Make sure to take the bus and not the train, unless you’re ready for an hour long uphill hike!
Train tickets are cheap and frequent, making day trips stress-free without a car. Or if you’re ready to do it big, you can take this insane guided Ferrari tour across the Riviera for a once in a lifetime experience!
Getting There
If you’re looking for affordable flights to France, I always recommend searching for flights on Kiwi. Not only do they have cheap travel routes, but they have incredible customer service. I know from my own experience dealing with extreme delays and cancellations, and they helped organize my hotel stay and voucher when I got stuck. I can’t recommend them enough!
Depending on the details of your travel itinerary, consider flying into Nice if you’re spending the bulk of your time in the French Riviera, or fly into Paris and take the train down to the Côte d’Azur for the full French experience!
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Villefranche-sur-Mer is the perfect blend of coastal charm, beauty, and convenience. It’s quieter than Nice, more relaxed than Monaco, and yet you’re still in the heart of the French Riviera.
Whether you’re swimming at Plage des Marinières, sipping wine at La Grande Cave, or hopping on the train to Èze or Menton, you’ll quickly see why so many travelers (like me) fall in love with this little gem.
If you’re planning a longer trip along the Côte d’Azur, check out my 4-Day French Riviera Itinerary where I cover Nice, Èze, Monaco, and Menton in more detail!
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