Villefranche (Nice) France Cruise Port Guide | Things To Do In Villefranche (4K)

Villefranche (Nice) France Cruise Port Guide | Things To Do In Villefranche (4K)

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small commune and a village located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region on the French Riviera, in the southeast of France.

Villefranche is the main cruise port for Nice.
Due to its proximity to Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Villefranche is one of the major stops in the Mediterranean cruise itineraries. 🚢

In this video, I share an overview of the port of Villefranche, the best things to do in Villefranche, and day trips to Nice, Monaco & Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Antibes.

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EBOOKS & GUIDES 📖 ⬇️

📘 MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE PORT GUIDE:

The Ultimate Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide

Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D37Q6VV1

📙 CARIBBEAN CRUISE PORT GUIDE:

The Caribbean Cruise Port Guide

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🌎 READ ABOUT MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE PORTS ON MY BLOG:

Mediterranean Cruises

Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:42 Villefranche cruise port overview (Villefranche cruise terminal info, getting around the port)
1:46 Best things to do in Villefranche
2:02 The Citadel (Citadelle de Villefranche) and Villefranche Old Harbour
2:39 Saint Peter’s Chapel (La Chapelle Saint-Pierre “Cocteau”)
2:55 Villefranche Old Town and Saint Michael’s Church (L’ Eglise Saint-Michel)
4:12 Villefranche beach
4:35 Villefranche train station (Gare de Villefranche-sur-Mer)
5:26 Day trips from Villefranche
5:39 Nice (getting to Nice from Villefranche cruise port and best things to do in Nice: Avenue Jean Médecin, Place Masséna, Promenade des Anglais, Old Port of Nice, Castle of Nice, Nice Old Town, Cours Saleya, Nice Cathedral)
8:29 Monaco and Monte Carlo (getting to Monaco and Monte Carlo from Villefranche and best things to do in Monaco: Casino de Monte Carlo, Casino Square and Garden, Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden of Monaco), Monaco Old Town, Monaco Cathedral)
10:29 Cannes (getting to Cannes from Villefranche port and best things to do in Cannes: Boulevard de la Croisette, Le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, Le Suquet – Cannes Old Town, La Castre, Forville Market)
11:20 Antibes (getting to Antibes from Villefranche and best things to do in Antibes: Fort Carré, Antibes Marina (Port Vauban), Antibes Old Town, Antibes Cathedral, Picasso Museum
12:11 Èze village and Saint Paul de Vence

➡️ Read in detail about the cruise port of Villefranche:

Villefranche Cruise Port (Nice): 8 Fantastic Things To See and Do

📹 Also watch on my channel:
Cannes cruise port guide: https://youtu.be/sH3-FaYlKPU?si=Pzvsj_tw3P7HGS3H
Marseille cruise port guide: https://youtu.be/7vCZ7U7u1Uc?si=Ben7swE27M7mjI4K
Visiting Monaco & Monte Carlo on a cruise: https://youtu.be/nBYnvRBWS8U?si=Ca_dKCMo8lrRW0k1
Visiting Nice on a cruise: https://youtu.be/qWio4yKz0pQ?si=pWNwVlH8iluYchb8

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VIATOR: https://viator.tp.st/sMEnLZZH
GET YOUR GUIDE: https://getyourguide.tp.st/RqgOtetD

✅ BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER: https://gettransfer.tp.st/4kSNpSSB

✅ RENT A CAR: https://rentalcars.tp.st/nb6WdAuG

✅ GET ACCOMMODATION: https://booking.tp.st/5zhViGyI

✅ BOOK A FLIGHT TO/FROM NICE: https://bit.ly/3WS4k5k

✅ GET AN E-SIM CARD: https://airalo.tp.st/SFiastxC

✅ BOOK TICKETS FOR ATTRACTIONS: https://tiqets.tp.st/oUN4gP3J

✅ GET INSURANCE: https://visitorscoverage.tp.st/I1t9p2C5

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➡️ MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

👚 Get useful cruise packing tips: https://adventourbegins.com/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise-in-2025/

🚆 SNCF train schedules: https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/en/

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This video is not sponsored. All video content is mine, except for the drone footage (video credit: Canva Pro) and Saint Paul de Vence photos (photo credit: Marija Drča) 🙂

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Welcome to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a small commune and a village located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, in the southeast of France. Villefranche is the main cruise port for Nice as the Bay of Villefranche has a deep natural harbour, that provides safe anchorage for large cruise vessels. Due to its proximity to Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Villefranche is one of the major stops in the Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this video, I give you an overview of Villefranche cruise port, things to do in Villefranche, and the best places to visit from this port, including Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Cannes and Antibes. There are no docking facilities in Villefranche. Cruise ships anchor in the deep bay and use tender boats to transfer the cruise passengers ashore. The tenders will drop you off at a small Port de la Santé marina, where you’ll find a small terminal building with basic facilities and a tourist information desk. The shore excursions’ meeting location is usually in front of the terminal building, however, always make sure you check the instructions on your tour ticket. The parking for tour buses is located only a few minutes walk from the terminal building, across the parking lot for cars, by the entrance to La Citadelle. Villefranche Old Town is located right outside the terminal building. All you need to do is cross the street and walk uphill to reach it. Taxis are available right upon exiting the terminal. When in Villefranche, the majority of cruise passengers book shore excursions, or independently explore the French Riviera’s popular tourist destinations, such as Nice, Monaco and Cannes. However, if you decide to stay in the port, there are a few things you can do. Villefranche is a beautiful and charming place worth a visit, but be ready to walk on inclines and uneven surfaces as the town is quite hilly. One of the main landmarks is the Citadel (La Citadelle), located across from the cruise terminal building. The 16th-century Citadel today houses the Town Hall, a museum, and an open-air theater, and you can walk along its ramparts overlooking the sea. Just behind the Citadel is the old harbour of la Darse, with its colorful marina, offering unique views of the cruise ships anchored in the bay. Another landmark is the Saint Peter’s Chapel (Chapelle Saint-Pierre) which you’ll find on your right upon leaving the terminal building. The chapel dates back to the 16th century, and is famous for Jean Cocteau’s murals depicting the life of the saint and local fishermen. Villefranche Old Town is hilly and it’s easily accessible from the port. Right across from the chapel is a charming square where you can browse unique souvenirs and local handicrafts and artworks. From there, you can walk into the Old Town and explore its vibrant cobblestone streets, lined with shops, cafes and eateries. The Old Town’s main landmark, is the iconic Saint Michael’s Church (Église Saint-Michel), a magnificent Baroque structure dating from the 18th century. Known for its striking bell tower, the church houses a notable 18th-century organ and a beautiful collection of religious art. After visiting the Old Town, you can take a walk along the seafront promenade that runs from the port to the beach, lined with cozy cafes overlooking the bay. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee and homemade ice cream, and enjoy the picturesque architecture of this fairytale place. If you keep walking along the promenade, after 5 minutes you’ll reach the public beach where you can dip your toes into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Make sure to bring a ship towel, sunscreen and a hat, as shaded areas are very limited. Villefranche train station, also known as Gare de Villefranche-sur-Mer, sits on a hill above the beach and overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. To get to the train station, just follow the sign “Gare S.N.C.F.”, located at the entrance to the beach, turn left, and in less than 5 minutes you’ll reach the station. There’s no elevator, so be prepared to handle some stairs. Trains in France are operated by SNCF, a national railway company, and are definitely the most efficient way to reach Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Èze village, Monaco and Monte Carlo from Villefranche. Trains run frequently, and you can check the timetables and prices online on the SNCF website (link in the description). You can purchase the tickets at the ticket machines at the station, or online on the “SNCF Connect” app. And now, let’s check out the most popular destinations you can reach from Villefranche! I will have separate videos on each of these places, make sure to check for updates on the links in the description! So, let’s start! Nice, the mesmerizing capital of the French Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges (“Bay of the Angels”) and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. And, the best part is, you can reach it from Villefranche in only 7 minutes by train! Nice takes a few days to visit, but if you travel by cruise ship and visit only for a day, there are a few attractions not to be missed. Upon arriving at the Nice train station, also known as Gare Nice-Ville, walk to the exit and turn left. Keep walking for a few minutes until you reach Avenue Jean Médecin, the main shopping street that lies in the heart of Nice, and stretches all the way to Place Masséna, the main square of Nice. This long boulevard is lined with lively cafes, eateries, bakeries, supermarkets and shops, including the two renowned shopping malls: Galerie Lafayette and Nicetoile. At the end of this long avenue, the 18th-century Place Masséna, awaits with its lavish fountains and elegant neoclassical buildings. These fountains include La Fontaine du Soleil, featuring the bronze statue of the Greek god Apollo, and Fontaine Miroir d’Eau, a stunning water feature that combines modern design, with interactive elements. A stone’s throw from the iconic square, the renowned Promenade des Anglais, extends 7 km (4 miles) along the coast. The famous promenade was named after the English aristocracy that used to spend winters here, in the second half of the 18th century, admiring the stunning coastal panorama. Several pebbly beaches line the promenade, which is often used as a place for sports events, cultural festivities and carnivals. At one end of this long promenade, the “I Love Nice” sign offers amazing photo ops, and if you keep walking, in 10 minutes you’ll come across the picturesque Old Port of Nice. To enjoy the most spectacular views of Nice, you can climb the Castle of Nice, perched on a hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally built as a military fortress in the 11th century, the site today is a public park known as Castle Hill (Colline du Château), featuring beautiful gardens, historic ruins and a charming waterfall. Last but not least, Nice Old Town, which lies at the foot of Castle Hill, is not to be missed! You can explore the bustling markets, such as the famous Cours Saleya, which offers fresh produce, flowers and local crafts. The Old Town is also home to numerous charming cafes, restaurants and boutiques, as well as significant landmarks like the Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice) and the Palace of Justice. Another popular day trip from Villefranche cruise port, is Monaco and Monte Carlo, which you can easily reach by train in a 30-minute ride one way. Monaco, a tiny yet glamorous principality on the French Riviera, is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, stunning Mediterranean views, and prestigious events. The district of Monte Carlo, the heart of Monaco, is famous for its opulent casinos, like the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, and the annual Monaco Grand Prix, which attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. If you’re visiting Monaco by train, you will get off at Monaco-Monte Carlo station, from where you can reach Casino de Monte Carlo in a 10-minute walk. The opulent Casino building dominates Casino Square, a favorite place for photo ops! You can visit the atrium of the casino and a few more halls for free, but if you wish to have a guided tour or play at the casino, the entrance fee and a smart dress code are required. After the casino, you can stroll through the beautiful Casino Garden (Jardin du Casino), featuring lush greenery and vibrant flowers. In this area, you can catch a local bus #1 or #2, to go to Monaco City, easily reachable within a 15-minute drive. In Monaco City, you can explore the beautiful Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family, and the Oceanographic Museum, which boasts impressive marine exhibits. Perched on a cliffside, the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) offers a variety of exotic plants and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Do not miss strolling through Monaco’s Old Town, and exploring Monaco Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), a stunning Roman-Byzantine structure, and the final resting place of many of Monaco’s princes. From Villefranche, you can also visit Cannes, a glamorous city on the French Riviera, which is famed for its annual Cannes Film Festival, attracting celebrities and film enthusiasts worldwide. Visitors can stroll along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with luxury boutiques, sandy beaches and upscale hotels. At the beginning of this renowned boulevard, you can visit Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home to the film festival, and just a stone’s throw from there, the historic Le Suquet, Cannes’ Old Town, known for its charming, narrow streets and panoramic views of the city. Other highlights include La Castre, a historic hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the city, and the bustling Forville Market, perfect for sampling local produce. The fourth destination you can visit from Villefranche cruise port, is the stunning Antibes, a charming coastal town nestled between Cannes and Nice, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and medieval ramparts, is renowned for historic sites like the Picasso Museum, Antibes Cathedral and the vibrant Provencal market. You can explore the iconic Fort Carré, a historic military fortress offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline. At the foot of the fort hill, the Antibes Marina, also known as Port Vauban, attracts luxury yachts and ranks among the largest and most prestigious marinas in the Mediterranean. As a reminder, I’ll make separate videos on each of these wonderful destinations, so you can learn more in detail about places to visit and things to do. Finally, if you prefer less commercial places, head to the medieval hilltop villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where you can enjoy the picturesque setting and medieval spirit of these charming villages. While the Èze village can be reached by train, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is best explored on a guided tour or by taxi/car. Besides quaint shops, art galleries and botanical gardens, Èze is renowned for its perfumeries Galimard and Fragonard, while Saint-Paul-de-Vence boasts an impressive artistic heritage and Michelin-starred restaurants. On my blog Adventourbegins.com, you can read in detail about Villefranche cruise port, shore excursions and things to do on a cruise. Thank you for watching my video, and if you liked it, click on the “Subscribe” button below for more cruise travel content!