Villefranche-Sur-Mer Villefranche-Sur-Mer

This small fishing village 10min. from Gare Nice is a haven for those trying to escape the noise and fellow backpackers of Nice. The much appreciated sandy beach (in a region generally devoid of sand beaches) right off of the train tracks makes this village an ideal location for a daytrip—dig your toes into the sand and swim around without the crowds from neighboring towns. While the town itself is small, the sights are mostly free and feature local heroes and famous artists known only in this region. Be prepared for steep hills and make your way through winding alleyways of Villefranche's old town. Our advice: stalk up on fruit and sandwiches in the old town and head for the harbor or beach for a day's picnic in this peaceful escape.

• Accommodations

Villefranche-sur-Mer has ample accommodations for the budget traveler, but you can find cheaper and more backpacker friendly locations in neighboring Nice (and a better nightlife, btw). The budget hotels ...more

• Sights

Villefranche is a small village whose sights don't exactly put it on the tourist map, even within the scope of Southern France. While its citadel is impressive enough, and its St. Peter's chapel is cute ...more

• Food

Food is Villefranche can be cheap, if you know where to look. The small alleyways in the old city harbor the cutest eats and best deals for a sit down meal, while the quai has a more picturesque setting ...more

• Nightlife

There's a reason you don't need to go to this town for nightlife—Villefranche is smashed right between Nice and Monaco. If you want to get leisurely a beer after chilling all day in the sun, this one ...more

• Essentials

Tourist Office: Jardin Fraonçois Binon. At the highest point in the city. Keep following signs going uphill, no matter if you think its pointing downhill. (☎ 04 93 01 73 68 h Open ...more