Sunday in Villefranche - what to do?

[bigreckster]

We'll be in Villefranche on a Sunday in July and have taken tours to Eze and St. Paul de Vance on past cruises. What is in the area where the ships anchor? Is there any nice park area to walk or anything to see within walking distance of the port on a Sunday? I know shops and restaurants are usually closed. Thanks for any insights and suggestions.

[kruzseeka]

Hi,

 

When we went to Villefranche, we visited the Villa Ephrussi - built by one of the Rothschilds. It is absolutely beautiful with the most stunning views across the bay in which you anchor. The gardens are fabulous and it's one of our favourite spots in all the Med trips we've done. This is the link - but it doesn't seem to responding very well interactively at the moment - at least not for me so I couldn't get opening times.

http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/en/ephrussi/

I've checked on this site and though, and it looks as if they are open Sundays.

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/cote%20d'azur/entity_56707.html

And this one has some photos to give you an idea of the house gardens.

http://www.antibes.co.uk/nice/ephrussi.htm

We walked to the villa - about 40 minutes without rushing. You can see the villa on the right on top of the hill about half-way to the end of the peninsular as you approach Villefranche. If you do a Google Earth you will pick it out and see a little of the garden layout to give you an idea of its relative position.

 

Walk to the end of the beach (opposite side of bay to tender drop-off), up the steps to the road and turn right. Bear right in the direction of Cap Ferrat when you meet the main road and look for the Villa Ephrussi signs (on your left). I'm sure you could get a taxi if you wished.

 

There is a very good tourist office just as you get off the tender. They are anxious to encourage people to stay in Villefranche instead of rushing off to nearby tourist attractions and will give you information about what's around. There is a lovely waterfront with cafes so you can get refreshments and sit lookng at the fabulous view. Also, there is a little land train which you can get just around Villefranche (about half an hour) but they have a one hour round round trip taking you to the other side of Cap Ferrat to Beaulieu. (Although not to the end of Cap Ferrat which would have been lovely - although this area is very exclusive so I'm not sure how much access the public can gain to the shore around here - so many villas with incredible locations!)

 

I know the cruise trade must be one of the most important boosts to their economy so I would be very surprised if the tourist shops/restaurants aren't open. I wrote to the tourist office with questions about Villa Ephrussi before I went and they were very good getting back to me. Perhaps it would be worth checking out with them about Sunday openings. This link will give you the email address.

http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.tourisme.fr/tourist-office/villefranche-sur-mer.htm&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dvillefranche%2Btourist%2Boffice%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SNYK_en-GBGB258GB258

Anyway, we think Villefranche is charming and thoroughly enjoyed our day there. Hope you do too.

[aussiecruzer]

We tendered at Villefranche on a Sunday and caught the local train to Monaco ( inexpensive 3-4 Euros train fare). Followed Tom Ogg's directions

from the PortReviews.com website and we enjoyed the day strolling around very picturesque ( and rich) Monaco, and we visited the Prince's palace ( admission usually 6 E I think but was free on the day we visited).

We really enjoyed the day then caught the local train back to Villefranche and tendered back to our cruiseship. The train station at Monaco has a couple of exits - make sure you use the one you want . The PortReviews website has excellent details and pictures.