French Property Hotspot: Villefranche-sur-Mer

This exclusive Riviera gem has sandy beaches, a lively harbour, seafood restaurants and a picturesque old town, writes Karen Tait…

Set between Nice and Monaco, Villefrance-sur-Mer has access to both these vibrant Mediterranean cities, while retaining a more relaxed village-like ambiance in its 16th-century citadel, cobbled streets and beautiful old town.

With scenic mountains as a backdrop and the azure sea in front, Villefranche occupies an enviable position, right at the heart of the French Riviera. It enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, with warm summers and mild winters.

There’s plenty to keep visitors and residents occupied, with sandy beaches, an array of watersports and excellent restaurants as well as hiking and other outdoor activities in the surrounding hills.

The local infrastructure is good too, with Nice airport close by, high-speed rail links, a wide range of amenities and quality healthcare facilities.

The Citadelle is one of the town’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1630, it was a military stronghold during the French Revolution. Today, you can stroll around the grounds and see the cannons, towers and battlements. At the foot of the citadel, the sandy Plage des Marinières is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque views. Colourful houses adorn the seafront, along with seafood restaurants, while fishing boats and yachts bob in the harbour.

Another landmark to add to your itinerary is the charming St-Pierre des Pecheurs chapel, restored and decorated by the famous French poet, writer, painter and film director Jean Cocteau in 1957.

In the old town, winding cobbled streets full of flowers are lined with art galleries, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Hidden beneath the vieille ville, the covered Rue Obscure is a tunnel-like medieval military street. For great views, hike up to the 16th-century Fort du Mont Alban.

There are many international homeowners in Villefranche, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with English widely spoken. Property here is certainly not cheap but it is considered a safe investment, with high demand from buyers as well as renters, especially for luxury homes.

The average price is €11,620/m³ for houses and €8,430/m² for apartments. This compares to €4,850/m² and €4,690/m³ for the Alpes-Maritimes department and €3,600/m² and €3,770/m³ for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

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