Need help with what to do in Villefranche port

[cruiselover1250]

We'll be in Villefranche from 10 am to 8 pm, and it's a tender port. Since time is limited, and it seems this port has access to a lot of beautiful places (Eze, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, etc), what do you recommend as "must sees"/highlights? If we can only pick 2 or 3 places, what do you suggest? (And the order we should do it to maximize on time)? We're planning to do this on our own, w/o any private tour.

 

(We're into beautiful nature/sights, not so much museums).

 

Thanks for any help or input you can provide!

[Susan-M]

We chose Eze Village and Monaco for our port day in Villefranche.

 

We took bus #100 from VF to Eze bord du Mer, connected to #83 up to Eze Village, then bus #112 from Eze Village to Monte Carlo, and the train back to VF. We also arrived in VF at 10 a.m. and were back in VF by around 5 p.m.

 

In Eze Village, the cactus gardens at the top of the village along with the spectacular views of the coast from the garden were a highlight. In Monaco we walked up to the palace and also explored the Monte Carlo area.

 

I think the only way you'll know what the 'must see' towns/cities are for you is to read about each place to see which ones appeal to you the most. Would also suggest leaving some time to wander around Villefranche before heading back to the ship.

 

Rick Steves' guidebook, Provence and the French Riviera, was helpful to me in my decision on which places to visit, and also in working out the logistics as he includes info on public transit, maps, etc.

 

The bus schedules on line are also useful for planning your day.

[suenruss]

We caught the train to Monaco, a lovely ride along the coast, very easy - just follow the crowds when you get off the tender. From the train station we walked round the marina and had a drink while we looked at all the HUGE yachts, then went up to the Oceanographic Institute and the Cathedral. We had a lovely lunch in a cafe in one of the side streets and then hopped on the Little Train for a 1/2 hour trip round the sights of Monte Carlo. When we got back to Villefranche, we walked along the seafront, looked around the local market stalls and had an ice cream before getting the tender back. Didn't need much dinner :)!