Villefranche-sur-Mer on the Côte D'Azur

If you are in the south of France then I definitely recommend that you visit Villefranche-sur-Mer. 

It is a small town nestled between Nice and Monaco on the Côte D'Azur and is one of the most beautifully picturesque places I have ever been lucky enough to visit.

The stunning (and very expensive!) homes perch on the side of the steep cliffs which rise out of the impossibly blue Mediterranean Sea.

The train station is right above the shingle beach and two minutes from the heart of this small, quaint town. Trains are a great way to get around the south of France, they are inexpensive and very reliable although they can become quite crowded.

Often in the centre of Villefranche there is a market selling handmade jewellery, soaps, leather handbags and other lovely trinkets. It's a great place for picking up items that are a little different to what you would find on the high street, perfect for buying gifts!

Wandering through the quiet, narrow streets which climb up into the cliffs is so beautiful and the views over the bay get even more spectacular the higher you climb. The Chapelle Saint Pierre was built in the 14th Century and the unusual interior was repainted by French artist Jean Cocteau in 1957. It's one of the most interesting chapels in this area of France.

There are many gorgeous cafes and restaurants along the waters edge that offer great food with the added bonus of the beautiful view out over the bay. Sitting having lunch with a glass of French wine in hand admiring the beautiful view is the perfect way to spend an afternoon!

Travel tip shared by Emma Gray
www.emmastraveltales.co.uk