Villefranche and Monte Carlo on French Riviera
Exploring the Cote d'Azur in the South of France
Sep 10, 2009
The Cote d’Azur stretches for many miles along the southern coast of France and offers a playground for the rich and famous, as well as a vibrant and exciting area for visitors in search of a holiday destination with guaranteed sea and sun. Most visitors will have heard of famous Monte Carlo but nestling between there and Nice is beautiful Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Villefranche
Only ten minutes along the coast from Nice, the pretty fishing village of Villefranche is easily reached by train or taxi and is a welcome change from the busy town. The unspoilt village overlooks the natural harbour where fishermen still bring in the day’s catch. Fresh fish is often sold from a booth at the sea front.
Partly set on a hill, it is particularly picturesque during summer when an abundance of flowers tumble between colourful houses, adding to its old-world charm. Cafes and bars invite the passer-by to lower the pace of modern living and relax into watching the world pass by.
To one side of the quay is the beautiful little medieval Chapelle St Pierre which was renovated in 1957. The church was formerly used for storing fishing nets, but during its renovation it was painted with wonderful frescoes by artist Jean Cocteau. Unsurprisingly, it is now a favourite wedding venue.
The pleasant centre of the town with its small, good quality shops is reached by steps climbing up from the sea front. It is worth walking up the moderately steep incline to explore the quaint, narrow streets. The historic area is almost medieval and the people are friendly and very French.
One unique feature of Villefranche is the intriguing tunnels beneath some of the buildings. One vaulted street, Rue Obscure, provided shelter from centuries of bombardment, including during World War II. Walking through the tunnel is a slightly eerie experience. The bright sunshine is closed off and the low ceilings are lit by lanterns all the way along.
A day visit to Villefranche is always a pleasure and is such a short journey from Nice. But its beauty and slower pace of life will probably tempt most visitors to come back for a holiday.
Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco
A short distance by train or taxi from Villefranche, Monte Carlo is the most famous area of the Principality of Monaco. An almost legendary playground of the rich and famous since Charles III opened the first casino there in 1865, Monte Carlo is worth at least a day visit. In addition to the luxury yachts gracing the harbour quays, it is a popular embarkation port for cruise ships.
One of Monte Carlo’s most well known landmarks is the impressive Casino, designed in 1878 by Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera. Its interior, decorated in the opulent style of the Belle Époque era, is reminiscent of those days when the aristocracy played the tables. Little imagination is needed to picture the fictional James Bond at one of the roulette tables in his tuxedo. The song The Man who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo is based on an actual gambling incident in 1891. There are stunning views over Monaco from the terrace of the Casino.
Another famous venue is the Café de Paris, the renovated Art Deco style café. The price of a coffee is worth it to sit and watch the beautiful people come go. Once a favourite haunt of Edward VII, there is a popular story that the French dessert, crêpe suzette, was created here and named after one of Edward’s companions.
As a principality, Monaco is the world’s smallest sovereign state after the Vatican, covering less than 1.9 square miles. It has its own unique postage stamp and its citizens do not pay tax. The official language is French. Its hilly, complicated road network plays host to the Monaco Grand Prix every May.
From Nice to Monte Carlo, the Côte d’Azur, this glorious French Riviera, is vibrant, glamorous and an excellent centre for exploring Provence and the South of France.
 |
 |
 |
 |
