Wonderful Villefranche Citadel, Old Town and Royal Port Walking
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A small fishermen's village full of colour and charm, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most beautiful jewels on the Côte d'Azur. Unknown to many, come and explore its narrow streets nestled at the foot of the Alps and the famous Capes (Nice & Cap-Ferrat). Discover its secret corners, its huge laundry, its obscure street, its Cocteau chapel, its majestic citadel and its Port Royal.
On this tour, walk around the Citadel to appreciate its grandness from many different perspectives. Discover how this small fishing port, a haunt of pirates and corsairs, became the main shipyard of the House of Savoy, then a landmark for the Russian and American navies and, as a child, a haven of peace for artists and directors of the great classics of French and world cinema!
Available options
Villefranche-sur-Mer Walking
Cocteau's Chapel drawings: Art Masterpiece ornate by the French artist and movie-maker<br/>Duration: 2 hours
Walking (2H) + Paddle (3H)
Duration: 5 hours: Villefranche Walking Tour + Sailing with Stand Up Paddle in Villefranche's Bay, snorkeling and food & wine tasting at the end<br/>Aperitive Local Food & Drinks<br/>StandUp Paddle Tour : StandUp Paddleboard & equipment (masks) included - To discover Villefgranche's bay by the sea with the best snorkeling places
What's included
Professional local guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Let's start with the Masterpiece Artwork drawn by the French writer and movie-maker Jean Cocteau (author of the Beauty and the Beast). The best place to introduce a tour about the rich History of Villefranche-our-Mer and the fishermen's village
2
Unique baroque ensemble in France, maze of tiny coloured streets and small squares, lovely façades of palaces and a lot of history. We will show you hidden treasures (dark street, huge laundry & more monuments)
3
Majestuous monument of Villefranche-sur-Mer: the Citadel built during the 16th C. for the defense system of House of Savoy. Old stones tells many stories about the soul of the city: pirates, corsairs, attacks, wars & history facts. Inside we can have a look to some exhibits and a museum of sculpture if interested
4
Stop 4
Royal Port of the House of Savoy and old Shipyard. Oceanographic Institute about the sea fauna and flora of Villefranche's Bay
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please tell us if you have flexibility on dates/departure times
Meeting point
On Place Amélie Pollonais, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer (just below the Welcome sign (Welcome Hotel) and opposite La Chapelle Saint Pierre
The Guide will be waiting for you with a blue ‘Walking Tour - Nice Creative Tours’ sign
Important notes
• Meeting Point : In front of "Castel Plage", big sign CASTEL, just in front of Hotel Suisse, the first stairs going to the beach
• !!! Sunset & Nighlife Tips Option starting at 6.30pm the departure point is :
Place Garibaldi, in front of the big sculpture in the center of the square
About Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming coastal town on the French Riviera, known for its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Its picturesque harbor, colorful buildings, and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Citadel of Saint-Elme
The Citadel of Saint-Elme is a historic fortress built in the 16th century to protect the town from invasions. It offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area.
Historical
1-2 hours
€7
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a picturesque peninsula known for its stunning coastal views, luxury villas, and the famous Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Lighthouse.
Nature
Half-day
Free
Beach of Villefranche-sur-Mer
The main beach of Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful stretch of pebbled shore with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half-day or full-day
Free, with options for rentals and services
Must-Try Local Dishes
Socca
A savory chickpea pancake, similar to a thin pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven and seasoned with pepper and salt.
Snack
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Pissaladière
A traditional Niçoise tart made with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.
Appetizer
Contains fish and gluten
Ratatouille
A classic Provençal vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Main Course
Vegetarian, vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Sailing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Yoga
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to September
The peak season in Villefranche-sur-Mer is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The town is lively with various cultural events and festivals during this period.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Italian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Villefranche-sur-Mer is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, particularly during the peak season when the town can be crowded and busy.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas, particularly at night
- • Use reputable taxis and transportation services, and confirm the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport • 20 km from Villefranche-sur-Mer
By train
Villefranche-sur-Mer Station
By bus
Nice Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The local bus network is efficient and covers most of the town and surrounding areas. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Beachfront
Cap-Ferrat
Day trips
Nice
12 km from Villefranche-sur-Mer • Half-day to full-day
Nice is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the French Riviera, known for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a wide range of attractions, from museums and galleries to parks and gardens.
Monaco
15 km from Villefranche-sur-Mer • Half-day to full-day
Monaco is a small and glamorous city-state on the French Riviera, known for its luxury shopping, casino, and Formula 1 Grand Prix. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern opulence, with stunning coastal views and a rich cultural heritage.
Festivals
Fête de la Musique • June 21
Jazz à Juan • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Citadel of Saint-Elme early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting and views
- Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets and alleys
- Try local specialties, such as socca and pissaladière, at the Marché de Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Attend the Jazz à Juan festival in July for a unique and vibrant cultural experience
- Take a day trip to Nice or Monaco to explore other attractions and destinations along the French Riviera
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
