Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Villefranche's 14th-century old town, with its tiny, evocatively named streets broken by
twisting staircases and glimpses of the sea, is reason enough to visit. Don't miss eerie, ar-
caded
rue Obscure
, a historical monument a block in from the water.
Chapelle St-Pierre
(admission €2.50; 10am-noon & 2-6pm Wed-Mon)
Villefranche was a favourite of
Jean Cocteau (1889-1963), who sought solace here in 1924 after the death of his compan-
ion Raymond Radiguet. Several years, holidays and friends later, Cocteau convinced loc-
als to let him paint the neglected, 14th-century Chapelle St-Pierre, which he transformed
into a mirage of mystical frescoes.
Scenes from St Peter's life are interspersed with references to Cocteau's cinemato-
graphic work (notably the drivers from Orpheus) and friends (Francine Weisweiller,
whose Villa Santo Sospir (
Click here
)
in St-Jean-Cap Ferrat Cocteau also decorated).
The chapel keeper will give you fascinating explanations (in French) about the meanings
of each scene.
CHURCH
Affrètement Maritime Villefranchois
( 04 93 76 65 65;
www.amv-sirenes.com
; Port de la Santé; Jun-Sep)
Offers regular
two-hour boat tours to Monaco (adult/student/child €18/16/12) and four-hour dolphin- and
whale-watching expeditions (adult/student/child €46/40/32). Since the creation of an in-
ternational marine mammal sanctuary between France, Monaco and Italy in 1999, a num-
ber of cetaceans frequent Riviera waters. Dolphins are common; more occasional are
sperm whales and fin whales.
BOAT TOUR
Sleeping & Eating
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Hôtel Welcome €€€
( 04 93 76 27 62;
www.welcomehotel.com
; 3 quai Amiral Courbet; d from €192;
)
Teetering over the water's edge at Villefranche's picturesque port, the Welcome is one
classy establishment. The 35 rooms are all different: some Cocteau-themed, others
Provençal, others art deco, but all share the same high-quality furnishings, sweeping sea
views and fantastic location (the bus and train station are just five minutes' walk).
La Grignotière €€
BRASSERIE
