On our last full day on the Cote d'Azur we explored the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
We visited Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short bus ride east of Nice, on a rainy day.
We visited Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short bus ride east of Nice, on a rainy day.
Quai de l'Amiral Courbet
Quai de l'Amiral Courbet
We walked from the quai, up the hill, to the old town.
We walked from the quai, up the hill, to the old town.
There are good views from Villefranche to Cap Ferrat, the terminus of the French Alpes. Cap Ferrat is also the location of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild family estate, now a museum.
There are good views from Villefranche to Cap Ferrat, the terminus of the French Alpes. Cap Ferrat is also the location of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild family estate, now a museum.
A street in old town
A street in old town
Église Saint-Michel de Villefranche-sur-Mer
Église Saint-Michel de Villefranche-sur-Mer
We took refuge from the rain under a beautiful magnolia tree near the entrance to the church. We were also surrounded by bougainvillea and sweet smelling jasmine.
We took refuge from the rain under a beautiful magnolia tree near the entrance to the church. We were also surrounded by bougainvillea and sweet smelling jasmine.
Magnolia blossom
Magnolia blossom
A view toward Cap Ferrat
A view toward Cap Ferrat
Citadel Saint-Elme, a 16th century fortification, now houses gardens, a town hall, a museum, and auditorium.
Citadel Saint-Elme, a 16th century fortification, now houses gardens, a town hall, a museum, and auditorium.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, atop Cap Ferrat, overlooks the deepwater port of Villefranche as seen from the Citadel. Our Google searches suggest that the estate at the far right of the photo, also atop Cap Ferrat, is Villa Maryland (built 1904), once owned by Paul Allen, cofounder of Microsoft.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, atop Cap Ferrat, overlooks the deepwater port of Villefranche as seen from the Citadel. Our Google searches suggest that the estate at the far right of the photo, also atop Cap Ferrat, is Villa Maryland (built 1904), once owned by Paul Allen, cofounder of Microsoft.
Parts of the Citadel are still undergoing restoration.
Parts of the Citadel are still undergoing restoration.
