Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer

Located just around the bend from Nice, situated next to iconic towns such as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, is the beautiful seaside town of Villefranch-Sur-Mer in the heart of the French Riviera. August is the high season for taking a "holiday" as the Europeans call it, and with my Instagram feed filled with pictures of bloggers and jet-setters alike frolicking around the South of France, I could not help but reminisce about my recent visit in May.

Villfranche is by far one of my favorite towns on the Riviera. If you are staying in a central area such as  Nice, Villefranche is only about a 3 minute train ride! It is one stop from Nice-Riquier train station. Crossing under the hill which takes approximately 2 minutes seems to transform you back in time as you enter a sleepy, seaside village.

The bay of Villefranche is filled with fishing boats and yachts alike, with the crowds enjoying the beach, an aperitif, or people watching. There is one beach in Villefranche and it is public. I recommend getting there early during the high season as the beach can fill up quickly so you will want to get there to stake out some prime real estate. The water is calmer than the neighboring Plage de Nice as it is tucked into a bay, and thus the waves are smaller. There is a snack stand that serves food and beverages (alcohol included) should you feel the need to indulge while catching some Mediterranean rays.

If the beach is not for you, the old town of Villefranche, while small, is simply beautiful. Strolling the streets and small shops is a great way to pass the afternoon. I also recommend making your way to the top of the citadel de Villefranche as the views are simply amazing as you hover over the beach and entire bay. It is a great way to enjoy the azur blue waters for which the South of France is known.

Looking for a great way to end a relaxing day on the beach? I recommend visiting Beluga, situated right along the water, for an enjoyable afternoon cocktail and snack. The venue features plush outdoor seating to continue to enjoy the picturesque views.

Plage Beau Rivage Nice

The South of France is filled with miles and miles of beaches. From large stones to fine sand, these beaches are simply beautiful and the choices can some times seem overwhelming. I have experienced the beaches of Nice multiple times now, both public and private. 

The public beaches of Nice are great, but be prepared for the large stones as they can be quite uncomfortable after a few hours. On a recent trip to Nice, I decided to experience one of the many private beach options along the Promenade des Anglais. I had heard great things about Plage Beau Rivage and had read great reviews about the beach as well. 

Let me just say that one trip to Beau Rivage turned into 4! If you are looking for the experience a private beach has to offer, I highly recommend trying Beau Rivage. The iconic blue and white strip umbrella and chairs line this section of the beach. I opted for front row chairs which do come at a premium over the other rows, but I do recommend the unobstructed view, especially during high season. 

Visting a private beach for the day will definitely be an expense, but the comfort of the chair, the available menu, the service, and amenities all make for a very enjoyable afternoon. A chair, towel, and umbrella will run about 25 euros per person. Full details and reservation are available online.

I recommend the Greek salad for a nice afternoon meal paired with a large bottle of rosé to enjoy throughout the day. You really cannot go wrong!