Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small Riviera town between Nice and Monaco, built around a deep natural harbour. Ships anchor offshore and passengers tender to the waterfront. The old town has narrow alleys, steep steps, and the Rue Obscure, a 13th-century covered passage that runs under the buildings. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by Jean Cocteau with scenes of fishermen and the life of Saint Peter, is a small but well-known sight. The citadel above the harbour dates from the 16th century and now holds free museums and a courtyard with views. The beach is pebbled and curves along the bay. Nice is about 10 minutes by train, and Monaco is about 15, making Villefranche a useful base for both. Restaurants along the waterfront serve fresh fish, ratatouille, and socca, a chickpea flatbread from Nice. The euro is the currency, and French is the language, though English is common in tourist spots.