Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small town and commune in the Alpes-Maritimes département, on the French Riviera with a population of just under 7,000.
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Geography
Villefranche-sur-Mer is located about 4 miles (6km) east of the city of Nice, separated by Mont Boron.
History
It was first settled in 1295.
Sights
Built on the terraced hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Promenade des Marinieres stretches along the waterfront of a deep-water harbour that served as the base for the US 6th Fleet until 1967. On the water's edge is the massive wall and Citadel, a fortress built in 1557 by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy. Today, the Citadel houses the Town Hall, a congress centre, three museums, and an open air theatre.
Miscellaneous
The moderate climate, sandy beaches, and ambience of its Old Town make Villefranche-sur-Mer a popular tourist stop. Currently, real estate prices are such that property here is affordable by only the very wealthy.
In the past, Villefranche-sur-Mer was home to personalities Katherine Mansfield, Jean Cocteau, and Aldous Huxley and today its famous residents include Tina Turner.
Categories: Coastal towns of France | Communes of Alpes-Maritimes