Villefranche sur Mer

The Bay of Villefranche, coddled between the Cap Ferrat (on the left) and the Cape of Nice (right), is known for reaching a significant depth only a short distance from the shore, and therefore has become an important port for the US Navy, among others.

The unspoiled town of Villefranche overlooks a beautiful natural harbor, known as much for being a naval port as for luxury yachting, with a lively waterfront lined by bars and cafés.

The medieval Chapelle St. Pierre on the quay, once used for storing fishing nets, was renovated in 1957, when Jean Cocteau added lavish frescoes. Steep lanes climb up from the harbor, turning into tunnels beneath the tightly packed buildings.

The vaulted rue Obscure, a covered lane under the harbor-front houses, runs 400-feet along the medieval rampart, dating from 1260. This "dark street" has provided shelter from bombardment as recently as WWII.

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