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Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera and a popular vacation spot.

A Spectacular vistas of the coast and surrounding hills

As France’s most important port, Marseille boasts connections with Africa, Italy and Spain.

The strong mistral wind blows away all traces of pollution and provides a clarity of air so pure that many famous artists have been attracted to the city: Cézanne; Braque; Derain; Dufy and Marquet. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera and a popular vacation spot. Villefranche is located about six kilometres east of Nice and 10 kilometres south west of Monaco.

The three ‘corniches’ or main roads linking Nice to Italy pass through Villefranche and offer spectacular vistas of the coast and surrounding hills. Built on terraced hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the old town is an intricate labyrinth of steep paved streets and lanes with limited car traffic access.

The South of France is always a hugely popular holiday destination for passengers and to leave your luxury MSC cruise liner and come ashore at Villefranche is to experience the finest attractions of this corner of the Riviera. Our day trip packages offer the best deals on outings in this area, taking in the exciting and cosmopolitan cities of Nice and Monaco. If you journeyed with us to Toulon and visited the medieval village of Hyères, then you will love Eze, a stunning hilltop village adorned with rambling bougainvillea and with panoramic views over the sea. Contrast this with the bustling Nice, taking in the main architectural sights and relaxing on the elegant Cours Saleya with its coloured building facades and lively cafes.

Those with an interest in royalty and glamour will want to leave the ship for the outing to Monaco, playground of the rich and famous, former place of residence of the Princess Grace and home to the famous Casino favoured by James Bond!

 		Cruise to Villefranche - France - Grand Cruises - MSC Cruises

Directions


A bus shuttle service and a taxi service to the city centre is available.

Port average temperature

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

VILLEFRANCHE Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average high °C (°F) 10
(51)		 11
(53)		 14
(58)		 17
(63)		 21
(70)		 25
(78)		 28
(84)		 28
(83)		 25
(77)		 20
(68)		 14
(58)		 11
(53)
Average low °C (°F) 2
(37)		 3
(38)		 5
(42)		 8
(47)		 12
(54)		 16
(61)		 18
(66)		 18
(65)		 15
(60)		 11
(52)		 6
(44)		 3
(38)
 VHF01GC - NICE & EZE  (4.5 hours ) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Shopping  Leave Villefranche and follow the scenic coastal road that offers lovely views of Nice, Villefranche and Cap Ferrat before arriving at the medieval cliff-top town of Eze. Pass the XIV century double gateway and enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of the town. A stop for shopping is scheduled at the renowned Fragonard perfume factory to learn about French perfume techniques and purchase sample fragrances. Next we will continue on to Nice, capital of the “Côte d’Azur”. Here we will admire the famous seafront boulevard known as the “Promenade des Anglais”, the legendary “Negresco” Hotel with its delightful rococo façade and pass by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its brightly coloured ceramics and six onion domes. Finally we will visit the old town and have some free time on the attractive “Cours Saleya”, a colourful square in Nice old town.Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per person $62.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   


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 VHF03GC - NICE (4.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  After leaving the port of Villefrance-sur-Mer, a short coach drive will take you to the wonderful city of Nice, one of the most popular resorts on the beautiful French Riviera. You will have a chance to enjoy the view from the famous palm-lined Promenade des Anglais that overlooks the sea, take a look at the legendary Negresco Hotel with its delightful Rococo façade and pass by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its brightly coloured ceramics and six onion domes. The last stop on your tour will be Nice’s historical quarter, where you can spend some free time exploring the attractive Cours Saleya market square and its rich produce as well as the nearby open-air cafés and souvenir shops. Your tour ends with your return to the port and your ship.

Price per person $57.00 Adults $40.00 Children

   


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 VHF04GC - THE JEWELS OF MONACO & MONTECARLO (4.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Best Seller  Depart from the port and drive along the coastal road passing St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, Eze-sur-Mer to the Principality of Monaco. Our first stop will be at the Rock of Monaco where we will park before heading up into the old town. Our guide will lead us through the narrow uphill streets, past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III are buried (outside view), and the fairytale Prince’s Palace. We will also see one of the most famous buildings of the Principality: Monaco’s legendary Casino which stands next to the glamorous Hotel de Paris. Here we will have a guided tour of the elegant square and surrounding buildings before enjoying some free time. Please note: the tour does not include an internal viewing of or admission to the Casino. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

Price per person $65.00 Adults $46.00 Children

   


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 VHF05GC - MONACO, MONTE CARLO & ÈZE (approx. 5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Shopping  Best Seller  The coastal route taken by your coach from the port to the Principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo will first take you past the pretty towns of St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze, giving you wonderful views to enjoy on the way. After parking at the Rock of Monaco, you will head up to the old town. The friendly guide will lead you through the narrow uphill streets, past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III are buried (outside view), and the fairytale Prince’s Palace. You will also get to see one of Monaco’s most famous buildings: the legendary Casino, which stands next to the glamorous Hôtel de Paris. Following a guided tour of the elegant square and the surrounding buildings, you will continue on to the medieval town of Èze, entering via the 14th century double gateway. You can decide to follow your guide for a guided walking tour through the narrow streets or having a shopping stop at the renowned Fragonard perfume factory. A good opportunity learn about French perfume techniques and, if so inspired, to splurge on some fragrance samples. Please note: the tour does not include an internal viewing of or admission to the Casino. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

Price per person $70.00 Adults $49.00 Children

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.