The picturesque setting of Villefranche-sur-Mer and its proximity to everything the French Riviera has to offer is what makes the property for sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer so sought-after. The French commune shares a border with Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, offering phenomenal panoramic views. Set on a steep hillside and reaching down to the beautiful bay, the coastal town was once an unassuming fishing village.
The natural scenery of Villefranche-sur-Mer is breathtaking, which only helps to complement the local architecture. Altogether, the town has provided the setting for many holywood films ranging from Hitchcock’s pictures to the Bourne movies. In addition to the striking backdrop, the area has perfect Mediterranean weather – warmth, sunshine and mild temperatures practically every day of the year.
Many celebrities and members of Hollywood’s elite have chosen to make their homes here, and some of the best properties can be found in the hills above the town. When you own property in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll also be a short train ride away from Cannes and Monaco, no more than 6km from Nice and half an hour from Italy. Rental income is high here, too, since it’s a popular holiday destination.
Multi-bedroom apartments in Villefranche-sur-Mer offer expansive living spaces, lovely outdoor areas and sea views. Your apartment may have access to a swimming pool, a tennis court or include caretaker service, which is especially helpful if you’ll be renting the property out part of the time. Also, many of the apartments in these luxury residences are often located close to beaches and shops.
For more space, consider a sleek, modern mansion or villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The master bedroom may have a private terrace, and multiple floors can often be accessed via a lift. Other characteristic features of homes in Villefranche-sur-Mer are infinity pools, gardens with olive or citrus trees, central video surveillance, fireplaces, en-suite bedrooms and additional living space for guests or staff.
Villefranche-sur-Mer’s old town is well-kept and best for shopping, having lunch in a quaint restaurant or simply people-watching. Its narrow, medieval alleyways are bordered by 13th-century colourful houses that form a sort of vaulted walkway. The Rue Obscure, which is a semi-hidden passageway, dates back to 1260 and is definitely worth a stroll.
There’s a lot of history in Villefranche-sur-Mer, and much of it has been preserved. The Fort Sainte-Elme citadel was built in the mid-1500s, and today it houses the town hall, a conference centre, museums with maritime memorabilia, gardens and an open-air theatre. The 16th-century Chapelle Saint-Pierre is known for its murals, which were painted by Jean Cocteau in 1957 and depict the life of the saint and local fishermen. La Darse, the old harbour, which dates back to the 17th century, is now an oceanic observatory.
Villefranche-sur-Mer has one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural harbours, making for a great place to swim, snorkel or go paddleboarding with the kids. Yachts can be seen in the bay, alongside traditional fishing boats. The area is also easy to explore on foot, and there are several wonderful walks in the hills that look down on the water.
From May to October, shop at the craft market for artisan products, clothing and jewellery. There’s also another market that runs twice a week throughout the whole year and sells produce, flowers, clothing and jewellery. When you need a break from shopping, have lunch or dinner at one of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s waterfront restaurants.
So, if you are looking for a luxury property for sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer, speak to HOMEHUNTS. Our expert property agents will search the entire market to find you a selection of properties based on your specific search criteria. Search the selection of luxury homes on our website or speak directly to one of our property consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
