Has anyone just hung out in Villefranche?

[hmcrn]

We are considering just hanging out in Villefranche for the day since it's a tender port and we really aren't interested in any of the excursions.  

However the town looks pretty small so i wasn't sure if there would be very many shops, restaurants, etc?  

I've heard there is a nice market on Sundays (which is when we will be there).  Has anyone been?

Thanks for any and all info!

[Hlitner]

I do not know about the market in Villefranche, but will toss out an alternative suggestion in case you decide to venture out and about.  Take the regional bus (I think it is bus #15) from Villefranche into Nice (this will cost you 2 Euros).  In Nice, walk or grab a taxi to the Flower Market (you want to go in the morning) which is on the seaside of old town.  This market is the best in the region, is enjoyable for its flower and food displays, and is also in a decent neighborhood loaded with cafes.  

 

Hank

[marazul]

I second Hank's. suggestion to go to Nice.

You will run out of things to do in Villefranche very quickly.  If you insist on staying there, you can walk or taxi to Cap Ferrat which is the peninsula right across the small Villefranche harbor.  There you can visit the Ephrussi de Rotschild mansion, now a museum.  You can also walk around the town (Saint Jean-Cap Ferrat). If you are feeling energetic there is a really great walking path around the Cap Ferrat peninsula and you will be able to admire the billionaires' mansions from the seaside.  There is also a Jean Cocteau museum which may or may not be open.

[hmcrn]

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions!

However we had decided to not go to Nice and have a nice leisurely down time day in port without dealing with travelling anywhere.  Thought we might do some shopping and have a wine lunch or some beach time.  Do either of you know if that is doable? Or should we just stay on the ship?

Thanks again!

[mskaufman]

Although we also went to Eze we found VIllefranche charming and picturesque. We walked around for several hours.

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by mskaufman

[marazul]

22 hours ago, hmcrn said:

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions!

However we had decided to not go to Nice and have a nice leisurely down time day in port without dealing with travelling anywhere.  Thought we might do some shopping and have a wine lunch or some beach time.  Do either of you know if that is doable? Or should we just stay on the ship?

Thanks again!

All of that is more than doable. Don't stay on the ship.  Villefranche is a beautiful small town.

[marazul]

On 11/24/2023 at 10:29 AM, hmcrn said:

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions!

However we had decided to not go to Nice and have a nice leisurely down time day in port without dealing with travelling anywhere.  Thought we might do some shopping and have a wine lunch or some beach time.  Do either of you know if that is doable? Or should we just stay on the ship?

Thanks again!

Here is some additional info.  Look at the first photo posted by @mskaufman in post #5 above.  That is the Villefranche harbor.  There are lots of restaurants along the waterside.  Stores are nearby and on the side streets.  Look at the wall on the right side of the photo.  The beach is there, just past the sailboats.  At the end of the beach is Saint Jean-Cap Ferrat.  Above the wall is the road that runs along the shore from Nice to Monaco.  The train station and the bus stops are close to the steps that get you to the top of the wall.

 

It would be a waste to stay on the ship.  

 

[mskaufman]

Agree that it would be a waste to stay on the ship.

 

[hmcrn]

Thanks you guys!  This is perfect!  It looks like that will be our plan then.  

Love the pics!  That gives me a great idea of where to go and see.  

Happy that the beach is right there as well.  

Take care!

 

[swin26]

We love Villefranche; it is a beautiful small village with ruins to explore, as well as nice seaside restaurants with wonderful seafood.  We spent a month in Nice and one day we walked there from Nice (it was a long hike).  We also did the hike around Saint Jean-Cap Ferrat, which was outstanding.  It is definitely worth getting off the ship.  

[hmcrn]

Great - good to know!  Thank you @swin26 !

[dimundsR]

Along with exploring picturesque Villefranche, you might want to jump on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus near the port, get off if the whim strikes, or just stay on for the sight-seeing ride.