If you are only going to Villefranche-sur-Mer for the beaches, it might be a bit of a shame, because the town itself has a lot to offer too. However, no-one will blame you, because after all, the beaches are why most tourists come to Villefranche.

The enchanting bay of Villefranche and the magnificent panoramas are among the most beautiful in the whole world. Moreover, unlike the beaches in Nice, which have rather large stones and are not very comfortable to walk on, the beaches in Villefranche are made up of much smaller stones, in some places even sand. It is also worth noting that there are no private beaches in Villefranche, all the beaches are free.

Plage des Marinières

The biggest, the most famous and the most beautiful, is the Plage des Marinières. The beach is about one kilometre long. On one side of the beach is the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer and on the other side is a wooded hill with steep cliffs rising in the background.

The beach has coarse sand, but it is easy on the feet and lying on it is also comfortable.

The beach is just a few steps from the train station and there is also a road directly above it, along with a parking lot for 400 cars, which makes the beach very accessible along its entire length, but it also means that it is often crowded and noisy due to cars and trains passing just a few meters from the beach. Another inconvenience is the not-so-clean water. This is mainly due to boats from the nearby fishing harbour.

There are several refreshment places and even a liquor store a short walk from the beach. There are also showers and toilets. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

Plage de la Darse

Plage de la Darse is located in the very west of the town, just beyond Port Royal de la Darce. If you are looking for a more peaceful beach where you can enjoy a bit more privacy, this is the beach in Villefranche for you. What is more, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the water, which is the cleanest of all the beaches in Villefranche. There is a shower on the beach, but you will not find any other facilities or lifeguards. At the same time, there is no parking by the beach, so you must go there from the town on foot or by boat. The beach is made up of large, pointed rocks, so it is definitely not recommended to walk barefoot on the beach. However, if you do not mind wearing shoes, you will have plenty of space and quiet for yourself on this beach.

Plage de l’Ange Gardien

Plage de l’Ange Gardien is located at the very end of the Marinières beach to the east of the town. Again, this beach is not as easily accessible as Marinières beach, but if you want to avoid the crowds this beach may be of interest to you.

It is not exactly easy to park near the beach, so it is recommended to walk there. Again, the sand is rather coarse and sharp, so rubber shoes are advisable. The beach is also accessible for dogs. There is a beach volleyball court a short walk from the beach.