Villefranche Draws Seniors On the French Riviera

Villefranche in France is located on the French Riviera. That alone draws senior citizen travelers from all over the world.  Actually it’s called Villefranche-sur- Mer and it’s located right next to Nice.

The Mediterranean Sea is very deep here. The bay called a “rade”  of Villefranche is one of the deepest natural harbors of any port, reacing depths of 95m (320 ft) and provides safe anchorage for large ships.

The site of what is now Villefranche and surrounding Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat have been settled since prehistoric times and are some of the most scenic areas on the French Riviera. The city has around 30,000 inhabitants.

Villefranche sur Mer is one of the most charming — if not the most charming — authentic French and Niçoise fishing village on the French Riviera, in the heart of the Cote d’Azur. With Monaco on one side and Nice on the other, it is hard to believe that it can retain the charm and authenticity of a little village where people still know each other. The Bay of Villefranche is reputed to be one of the five most beautiful bays in the world.

Sites That Attract Seniors

Today, the Citadel houses the Town Hall, a congress centre, three museums, and an open air theatre. In the heart of the old town, the baroque Italian-style Saint Michael Church originally dates from the first part of the 14th Century, but was completely rebuilt towards the end of the 18th Century. Classed as a monument historique since 1990, it houses various works of art, including a large painted Saint Michael and an 18th century life-sized Christ sculpture.

The Saint Peter Chapel also dates from the 14th Century. Having eventually become used as a storeroom for local fishermen’s nets and equipment, in 1957 Jean Cocteau took on the restoration of the chapel, adding his now-famous murals. On the hills surrounding the town, the Fort of Mont Alban offers an incomparable view of Cap Ferrat and the Eastern coastline as far as Italy.

Villefranche sur Mer is among the most exclusive destinations of the French Riviera, thanks to its numerous luxury vacation villas, some high class hotels, and the many yachts that are regular visitors to this bay.

The town is calm and picturesque and offers the opportunity to stroll up and down its steps in search of boutiques, shops and restaurants. Or to go for a romantic walk in the locations where Sean Connery became Agent 007 in some scenes from the unforgettable 1983 film “Never Say Never”. By now you know that I respect Rick Steves and he enjoyed Villefranche.

The covered streets in Villefranche are famous, and were used as shelters during the war. The most famous and most hidden is La Rue Obscur (covered street). This street is a magical place that reveals the medieval atmosphere of Villefranche. I think that you will really have an enjoyable visit in Villefranche.  jeb