Villas for rent in Villefranche

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There are some places in the South of France which should not be missed. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of them. Having one of the top 5 most beautiful bays in the world, this picturesque harbour, with its curving bay and pastel houses rising steeply into the hills, offers scenic perfection. No wonder pictures of Villefranche-sur-Mer are in all the guidebooks; it's a photographer's paradise. Brightly painted fishing boats bob alongside Villefranche's pretty quayside lined with enticing restaurants whose blackboards proclaim freshly caught 'loup de mer', 'st pierre', 'rouget' and other delices of the Mediterranean. But there's more to Villefranche-sur-Mer than just the port. Exploring the traditional alleyways behind the harbour reveal a charming medieval quarter, shaded lanes of shops and cafés opening into peaceful leafy squares. This gem, whose bay is shared by the exclusive St Jean Cap Ferrat isthmus to its left, is located between the bustling cities of Nice and Monaco. Villefranche-sur-Mer should definitely be on your 'must-see' list.

Its well-protected large 'U' shaped bay attracts some of the most spectacular super yachts in the world throughout the season. The very long stretch of sandy beach with its safe bathing and umberella tree-lined pines shading the end of the beach, ensures many beachgoers throughout the year. Locals have allocated a a small bay right at the end of the beach for dogs, so if you are travelling with your four-legged friend and want to share the beauty of the bay, this is the spot!

Sites to see in Villefranche-sur-Mer:

- Chapel of St Pierre des Pecheurs, dates back to the 14th century and was used by fishermen for storage. In 1957, Jean Cocteau, the French artist, revisualised the church combining art with spirtuality.

- Rue Obscure, located in the heart of the old town, dates back to 1260 when it was built to allow soliders easy access through the village. It remains as it was and is illuminated by lanterns.

- Citadel St Elme - the castle, built in the 16th century to guard against attack from the sea from the famous pirate Barbarossa (Red Beard), is now used as the local town hall (Mairie). Accessing the castle you have to walk across the original drawbridge, a must for all castle lovers! It also houses the Volti museum - with a permanent collection of Volti's sculptures. In the warmer summer months, the castle hosts outdoor films and musical nights. An absolutely magical venue within the ancient castle walls and under a dark starry night.

- The castle walk connects the village with its port of La Darse. Walk around the cobbled-stoned base of the castle, with the sea lapping on one side of the path and the castle walls on the other. In the port of La Darse are a few restaurants and bars.

- Le Trinquette Jazz Club in La Darse - live music Wednesday-Sunday nights.

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