Villefranche-sur-Mer
From CruisersWiki
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
 (Click links for more information)
| |
 | DD°M.M′N/S, DD°M.M′E/W |
|---|---|
 | [ Photo gallery] |
 | [ Local chartlet] |
Background
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a deep-water natural harbour about four miiles east of Nice, and as such is often used as an anchorage by cruise liners too large to enter the port of Nice. A settlement established in 1295 by Charles II, Duke of Anjou, the town was awarded the status of a free port on its foundation - hence the name. The town's subsequent history was largely tied in with that of Nice, and it finally become a part of the Republic of France in 1860. By the late 19th century, the town was an important Russian naval base and, like Nice and Cannes further west, attracted wealthy members of the Russian and other European aristocracy to enjoy its mild winter climate. From the end of the Second World War up to 1966, Villefranche was, by contrast, the home port of the US 6th Fleet. Distinguished former residents of Villefranche include Katherine Mansfield, Jean Cocteau, Tina Turner and Rolling Stone Keith Richards. For the water-borne visitor, there is a small marina in the bay of Villefranche, although it rarely has space for visitors during the season and most visiting yachts will need to anchor.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Communication
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Weather
Villefranche is a very sheltered spot and gales are infrequent. A strong southerly would probably make the bay untenable (except in the marina), and an anchored yacht would need to seek shelter in Nice or Beaulieu-sur-Mer if the marina were full.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
No dangers in the approach, though be careful of tenders taking passengers ashore if there is a large cruise liner anchored in the bay.
Check-in facilities
Space in Villefranche marina is scarce, and most visitors will need to anchor unless out of season.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The old 17th century harbour of La Darse, originally built to house the galleys of the Duke of Savoy, is now a marina with 570 moorings and a 30T travellift. The marina has all the usual facilities, including a laundrette. The marina is often full during the season, but it may be possible to reserve a space by telephone: +33 (0) 4 93 01 78 05.
Anchorages
As a natural harbour, the bay is a rarity along this coast, and offers sheltered mooring for several dozen yachts. There are a few mooring buoys on the west side of the bay, close to the waterfont of the town, but these are usually occupied by local boats. The quietest anchorage is tucked in to the NE side of the bay just under the magnificent Italianate villa, Villa Nellcote, where you can find a nice sandy patch in which to drop the hook (if you are famous or exceptionally beautiful, you may even get an invitation for cocktails!). Cruise ships too large for Nice often anchor in the entrance to the bay, which provides a welcome wavebreak since a swell sometimes works in here during the night.
Offshore Islands
None.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Villefranche is a charming town rising up a steep hill, its narrow streets and overhanging arches giving it an Italianate feel rather like Menton. The 13th century Rue Obscure parallel with the waterfront, built to give the inhabitants shelter from bombardments from the sea, is very picturesque. The virtually intact 16th century citadel houses the town hall and three museums displaying collections of drawings, sculptures and ceramics. The 16th century Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter's Chapel) on the harbour was used as a store by local fishermen until its restoration in 1957, when the famous French artist Jean Cocteau added a series of celebrated murals of the life of St Peter and of local residents and fishermen. Further afield, a walk round the peninsula of Cap Ferrat, admiring both the seaviews and the villas of the absurdly rich, is a good day out. It is also possible to catch a bus to the lovely old mountaintop village of Eze about five miles to the east. Eze is perched on a vertical crag and boasts narrow, winding mediaeval streets with houses perched over steepling drops, lots of bougainvillea and a wealth of artists’ shops. From the ruins of the chateau right on top of the village there are views as far as Antibes and the Iles de Lerin. A pleasant diversion here is afternoon tea on the terrace of Chateau Eza, formerly owned by the Swedish Crown Prince, with equally spectacular views to complement the patisserie.
 The 13th century Rue Obscure |
 View from Eze |
 Villa, Cap Ferrat |
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity in the marina. Fuel pontoon at the end of the central quay.
Laundry
In the marina.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Small supermarkets in the town, plus usual shops.
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
In the marina.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Marine Stores & Facilities
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs
Limited repairs in the marina. Crane up to 25 tonnes; travel hoist to 30 tonnes.
Garbage Disposal
In the marina.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
References
Publications, Guides, etc.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
Links to relevant websites.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. The anchorage under the Villa Nellcote is idyllic in good weather (although we didn't get a tea invitation). There can sometimes be an onshore swell at night and it may be worth setting a second anchor to hold yourself into it - s/y Athene of Lymington.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
- August 2002 --Atheneoflymington 16:15, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
| This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
|---|
|
Names: Athene of Lymington |
.
