Villefranche-sur-Mer
and the Côte d'Azur

Dear Friends,

Villefranche-sur-Mer is my favorite little village on the French Riviera. Unlike most of the French Riviera, Villefranche has retained its authenticity as a true medieval French village. That, combined with its breathtaking sea views, makes it a gem. Nestled between its more sophisticated neighbors, Nice and Monaco, this picturesque seaside town gives access to all the area has to offer — art, cuisine, culture, and glamour — but has managed to retain the flavor and authenticity of a typical French fishing village. Get to know the baker, the fruit vendor, the coffee barista — as in any rural French village. But here, you can also stroll along the harbor or walk to a crescent-shaped sandy beach. And you can hop on a train or boat to explore many wonderful places nearby, without having to rent a car.

The lovely old town is colorful, with brightly painted buildings against a backdrop of dazzling sea. Multicolored shutters and awnings contrast with ancient stone buildings, some from Roman times. Tiny alleys wind up through the town, offering a glimpse of the harbor here and there, and little squares are furnished for outdoor dining. Most of our villas and apartments have balconies and terraces to take advantage of the irresistible views over the harbor and Cap Ferrat.

Villefranche is inviting year round. The people are exceptionally friendly and the area is famous for its marvelous warm microclimate, created by the enormous wall of rock that stands behind it at the foot of the Alps. Consider staying in Villefranche not only for spring, fall and summer, but also for winter holidays. The Côte d'Azur has long been a favorite destination for Parisians and northern Europeans wintering on the coast.

Picasso, Matisse and Chagall were captivated by the light and color here. Come see their work and follow in their footsteps. You, too, will enjoy the people, colors and sunshine that drew them here.

A bientôt,

Kit

1. WEATHER: The French Riviera enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate, with exceptional sunshine more than 300 days a year and mild temperatures for most of the year. June and September are favorite months (wine harvest is mid-September), and the weather is quite pleasant even into winter, when the tourists are gone.

2. BREATHTAKING VIEWS: The coastline passes through many beautiful towns and villages, as it winds around stunning cliffs and sweeping beaches. Lush vegetation spills down the hillside, with olive trees, Mediterranean pines, citrus trees and bougainvillea.

3. NO DRIVING REQUIRED: No need to rent a car! You can travel by boat or by train; regional trains connect the towns of the Côte d'Azur, from Cannes to Ventimiglia in Italy. (Don't miss the Friday market, just over the border in Italy, where the French go to buy Italian goods at excellent prices.)

4. GREAT HIKING & BIKING: There are wonderful walks of different varieties begin right outside your door. Stroll along the Port de la Darse, or walk around Cap Ferrat. Explore WWII forts and crumbling hilltop castles in the surrounding countryside. Avid cyclists will love the challenging cycling behind the Riviera. The GR5 runs north from Nice and the GR51, the "Balcony of the Côte d'Azur," runs along the Mediterranean coast.

5. EXCEPTIONAL FOOD & WINE: Start the morning with fresh croissants from the local patisserie. For lunch, try a salade niçoise at a beachside café in Nice. Enjoy a glass of wine on your balcony as the sun sets, then head out to one of the wonderful restaurants and outdoor cafés in Villefranche with fresh fish and regional cuisine.

6. THE CHARM OF PROVENCE WITH THE GLAMOUR OF THE RIVIERA: Villefranche is a quaint French fishing village, yet it is surrounded by a very cosmopolitan, sophisticated international scene. Many international businesses are located in the area, along with a world-famous language school, attracting an interesting international community. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live in the south of France, consider spending a month or two learning French.

7. HISTORY: Villefranche's ancient citadel dates to Roman times and now houses three museums. All around, ancient villages display the history of the area in their architecture.

8. WATER: The Bay of Villefranche, dotted with yachts and sailboats, changes colors with the light, from turquoise to dark blue. All kinds of water sports are available, from water-skiing to sailing, to daytrips on the sea.

9. ART: The Côte d'Azur was the playground of Picasso, Matisse and Chagall. See the Musée Picasso in Antibes (30 min) and the Musée Matisse in Nice (10 min), the Maeght Foundation and Sculpture Garden in St Paul de Vence (30 min), and the Matisse Chapel in Vence (30 min).

10. DAYTRIPS: There is more to see and do than you will have time: Visit Monaco, the world's oldest ruling monarchy (15 min), Cannes (40 min), St Tropez (1.5-2.5 hrs), Aix en Provence (1.5 hrs), Corsica (4-5 hrs by boat), just for starters.

NEWS FROM
EUROPE

Castles!