Visit of the old town and the 'Port Royal de la Darse'

Walking Tour – 1hr 30mins

On leaving the cruise ship terminal, turn to your right and discover St Peter's Chapel (A) which was entirely decorated by the French artist, author and film-maker Jean COCTEAU.

From the Quai de l'Amiral Courbet take the Rue de l’Eglise and discover to your right the famous Rue Obscure (B) (covered street): 130 meters long, it is situated on the line of the first ramparts (end of the 13th c.) and formed the continuation of the defensive perimeter.

Follow it to the end, you will encounter a narrow passage and arrive at the Place du Conseil (C). This is the square where the town authorities met to take important decisions, as would the town council today.
Admire, in passing, the panorama over the bay.

Now take the Rue du Poilu, then right onto the Rue de May and continue to St Michael's Church (D) which was built in the 18th cenutry and, due to the influence of Piedmont, shows all the characteristics of the Italian Baroque style. Don't hesitate to make visit!

Exiting the church, climb back up a few steps to the Rue de l’Eglise and take the time to look to your left at the lectern-painting "La Côte d'Azur des Peintres" (The Painters' Côte d'Azur).

Now redescend to Rue du Poilu and Place Amélie Pollonnais where you can enjoy the shops, restaurants and cafés.

Head next for the Citadel (E): impressive fortress built between 1554 and 1557 to defend the town. Since 1981 it has housed the Town Hall and four museums in addition to some most beautiful gardens.

On exiting this fortress enclosure, you can take, to your right, the coastal footpath which circuits the citadel and thus reach the Port de la Darse (F). Built in the mid-14th century, at the same time as the citadel, it would have to await the 18th century and its elevation to the status of Royal Port for the start of the great works of construction such as the lighthouse, rope factory, dry-dock for boat repair...

Back on your feet, the visit is over.

Pratical Information:

The Citadel Museums

Ph: 00 33 (0)4 93 76 33 27 - E-mail

Free admission

October to May: 10.00 - 12.00 am / 2.00 - 5.30 pm

June to September: 10.00 - 12.00 am / 3.00 - 6.30 pm

Closed on Sunday mornings.

Annual clossing in November.

La Chapelle St-Pierre

Ph: 00 33 (0)4 93 76 90 70

Entrance: € 2.50 / person

Autumn - winter : 10.00 - 12.00 am / 2.00 - 6.00 pm

Spring - summer : 10.00 - 12.00 am / 3.00 - 7.00 pm

Closed on tuesdays.

Annual closing mid-november to mid-december.

Commented visits of the olt town and the Citadel are proposed by the Tourist Office, throughout the year, available in english, every Friday mornings.

1 hr 45 mins

Price: € 5.00 / person

Free for children under 12

Information:
Tourist Office* * * of Villefranche sur mer
Ph: +33 (0) 4 93 01 73 68 - Fax : 00 33 (0)4 93 76 63 65 - E-mail