Hotel Dieu Marseille 

Hotel-Dieu Marseille has to be one of the finest luxury hotels in the world.

Though I have been to Marseille many times in my life, it was not until the newly refurbished hotel Dieu was featured in the Wine Spectator magazine ,,,

… in addition to the then new Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM) – that I decided to make it a destination on its own.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Location

The InterContinental Marseilles Hotel-Dieu is situated atop the Panier in the oldest part of Marseille.

You will find it within easy walking distance to all the places you want to visit, including the best museums and restaurants inside the city.

By far, it is the city’s most luxurious hotels.

You will immediately see this in the friendly, professional attitude of the staff.

You will also see it in the lavish attention paid to the hotel’s polished interior design and architecture in the lobby, dining room, as well as rooms and suites.

Many of the rooms and suites, as well as almost all public rooms, face the landmark Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica.

And there is a 18^th century sense of Grandeur here, a Belle Epoch ambiance, even though there are some very clean, modern touches to the hotel.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Rooms and Suites

I’ve visited many times since it’s opening in 2013, mostly en route to St. Tropez.

Each time, I’ve stayed in a Grand Suite or Junior suite facing the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica.

Other views include the Vieux Port or historic heart of the city.

Hotel Dieu Marseille InterContinental Touch

The InterContinental is an incredible hotel brand.

What I like best about the hotel brand is that as a company, there is a sense of “white glove” service that filters through the top executives to the staff.

Attention is paid to very small details.

Hotel Dieu Marseille: Creating Drama and Excitement

As a somewhat jaded luxury traveler, it takes a bit to get me really excited about a room or suite.

Yet there is so much drama built into the experience of the Hotel Dieu it’s difficult to pinpoint where it all begins.

I suppose it begins when making the reservation, as it already sets in motion a sense of excitement based on past visits.

Then that drama continues to build until the car smoothly ascends upward toward the curved driveway leading to what looks like a magnificent white palace.

Once you enter the large, air-conditioned lobby of the Hotel Dieu with its enormously high ceilings and aura of glamour, you feel as if you have finally arrived.

Hotel Dieu Marseille: Keys to the Suite

Opening the door to my suite is always exciting.

Though one can say I am a bit jaded, I always feel the exhilaration of a five year old the first time I see the expansive patio that overlooks the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica

It is a party-sized patio.

Even though it is only the two of us, it is such a fun place to order drinks and Hotel Dieu room service and just admire that incredible view.\

Hotel Dieu Marseille Bath

If you are a regular reader of my luxury report articles and posts, you will already know that I mostly book rooms for the bathrooms.

The Hotel Dieu has one of my favorite bathrooms in Europe.

Though I’ve only been to a handful of different rooms over the years, in each bath, I’ve had one of the old-fashioned looking baths positioned in the middle of the bathroom.

It is a deep, modern tub, quick to fill.

And each bath has a bath tray were you can put soap, a bath sponge, and even a glass of Champagne.

The shower and other areas have their own compartment.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Bed and Suite

Sometimes I’ve had a full suite, and sometimes a junior suite.

The difference is the size of the room, as well as the size of the patio if that is your request.

Of course, I prefer the full suite with its large room.

The bed of each room I’ve experienced over the years has been incredibly comfortable.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Scene

I love dressing up for European vacations, and am pleased to see that for the most part, most guests at the Hotel Dieu feel the same way.

If you were to dress up at any hotel, this one would be it.

Think of some classic James Bond film, especially one of the old ones from the 1960s where everyone was totally decked out.

Hotel Dieu Marseille: Hotspot for Fashion Influencers?

While in the lobby, it was hard not to notice one very attractive young woman with a three year old son.

Like many guests, she was very beautifully dressed.

It seemed apparent that she found the exquisite backdrop of the Hotel Dieu the perfect background for her selfies …

… as she snapped dozens of pictures of herself against the different dramatic mirrors, paintings, and sculptures of the hotel’s interior rooms.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Concierge Team

Audrey Berr has been the Chef Concierge Clefs d’Or at the InterContinental Marseille for as long as I’ve been visiting.

On the phone before one visit I asked her about the restaurant I liked during my last trip …

… the one with all the old books on the wall.

As if by magic, she quickly knew the exact restaurant I meant, and the reservation was made.

I have plans in the future to ask her about renting a boat for the day, with a captain, to see Marseille from the sea.

Or maybe ask her about the best way to visit the Calanques, a series of rocky cliffs and bays between the city of Marseille and the town of Cassis in the south of France.

These are inlets that have been formed in the limestone cliffs, leaving a serious of tiny bays.  In the books and magazines, these cliffs look beautiful. Hikers enjoy exploring them.

Yet viewing them from a yacht – preferably with a glass of bubbly – is probably a more comfortable way to see them.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Breakfast

Because I love my patio overlooking the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, I usually like to have a room service breakfast.

But a few times in the past year, I did have breakfast served at Les Fenetres at the Hotel Dieu

It is a fantastic buffet that includes some of the most delicious, and freshest, fruit you will ever try.

As well as the usual 5 star buffet items that include yogurt, of a variety of different breads (Marseille is famous for bread), cheeses …

… and of course, made-to-order dishes like omelets, waffles, and more.

Hotel Dieu Marseille View at Breakfast

Beyond the freshness of the food, the thing I like best about breakfast at Hotel Dieu is the incredible view from the terrace.

Yes, you will see Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica and also other parts of the city.

Most tables are outdoors (the weather in Marseille is usually perfect) and it is just one of the most lovely spots in the world to have breakfast or brunch.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Dinner Options

One day, I will have dinner at the hotel and tell you all about it (be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you’ll be the first to hear).

Chefs can change, but as of my latest visit in 2019 the chef is Lionel Levy.

Mr. Levy is seen as the leader of the “new Mediterranean cuisine.”

This is a term that does not need too much translation.

This is because for centuries, if not thousands of years, Marseille has been recognized for the perfect freshness of its produce.

Also, Mr. Levy trained under acclaimed chefs such as Eric Frechon and Alain Ducasse.

Mr. Levy is in charge of the Hotel Dieu’s three restaurants.

Hotel Dieu Alcyone: The Gastronomic Restaurant

The name of this restaurant is Alcyone.  It earned its first Michelin star in 2014. For my next visit, probably next July or August, I will make a note to check it out and report back.

Hotel Dieu Les Fenetres

The name of this restaurant is taken from a type of typical Marseille building known as “3 Fenetres” (three windows).

It is a Mediterranean restaurant where Mr. Levy proudly shows off one of his signature dishes, called the “milk shake de bouillabaisse.”

Hotel Dieu Le Capian

The name of this bar gets its name from the bow of a small fishing boat with rounded contours and bright colors.

Here you can find one of the many mouthwatering cocktails like the one below.

You can also enjoy these cocktails while sitting on the terrace overlooking the Vieux-Port.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Spa

The Marseille Spa by Clarins is gorgeous.

The décor is inspired by traditional Provencal fountains.

It is a perfect place to relax for a massage.

You can really get into the traditional Marseille grove here with the hammam treatments available (a reference, perhaps, to Marseille’s Phoenician ancestry).

Swimmers will love the private pool.

And everyone who loves to relax will adore the massages, saunas, and more.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Final Thoughts

I love this hotel and always look forward to my visits each year. July and August are so hot in Marseille, so after a sticky drive from the airport it is a delicious pleasure to enter the lovely air-conditioned space of this beautiful hotel and know that relaxation and good times will only be a few moments away.

√ Marseille Logistics

Distance from the Marseilles Airport

The Hotel Dieu is located about a half an hour from the Marseille airport by taxi.

Most taxis are located at the stand at Terminal 1, and it can be a long walk – especially in the hot sun – if your plane lands at Terminal 2.

For this reason, you might ask the concierge about the ability to be picked up by a private car or taxi so you can be met when you exit baggage claim.

Distance from St. Tropez

I am usually either on my way to visit St. Tropez, or just leaving St. Tropez, when I visit the Hotel Dieu.

Depending on traffic, it is a pleasant drive of 2.5 hours.

Typically, I ask the concierge at the Hotel Dieu to arrange car service for me.

Most taxis do take credit cards.

What to Wear at the Hotel Dieu

I’ve spent many summers in various regions of the Cote d’Azur.

Most visitors to the Hotel Dieu, at least in my view, tend to dress with a bit more attention to detail than other areas in the South of France.

This can be due to the fact that there are many international visitors to the Hotel Dieu …

… at least, as evidenced by the many different languages spoken in the lobby.

Men will do well to bring a sports jacket, a few white shirts, and formal slacks for the evening.

Ladies do tend to dress up a bit, especially in the evening.

… and certainly if there is a Michelin rated dinner involved.

Hotel Dieu Marseille Concierge Tip

As a general tip, you might reach out to the concierge team with a phone call or an email a few weeks before your trip.

This is especially true if it will be your first visit to Marseille, and you are not sure what to see or do.

Here is a list of my favorite things to do in Marseille

Hotel Dieu Marseille Information.

InterContinental Marseille Hôtel-Dieu

1, place Daviel – 13002 Marseille

Réservations : Tél. : 04 13 42 42 30 –  marseille@ihg.com

marseille.intercontinental.com

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Le Negresco Luxury Hotel Review

In many ways, the Belle Epoque architecture of Le Negresco Hotel in Nice, France  sets the tone for your luxury adventure in the Cote d’Azur.

This monument to Old World luxury shines its face on the sunny Promenade des Anglais facing the Mediterranean sea.

Le Negresco luxury hotel dates from 1912.

More than a century ago.

Yet magically, when you are here, you can close your eyes and easily imagine the “scene” a century earlier …

…an era seeing ladies strolling along the Promenade des Anglais dressed in beautiful white dresses and dainty white parasols

Negresco Luxury Hotel Today

The Negresco is an ongoing part of my life.

Starting in University, when we’d travel to Nice and walk by this amazing hotel.

Then, when I was a student at the Institute de Francais in nearby Villefranche-Sur-Mer, I’d walk by the Negresco several times a week.

Beyond the Negresco luxury hotel’s impressive façade, I would take note of the colorfully dressed doormen.

Instead of the customary white uniform with gold braid – and white gloves – of many luxury hotels, the Negresco doormen are attired in the manner of the household staff of 18th-century elite bourgeois households.

This includes red-plumed hats.

… Just those uniforms creates a sense of wonder ….

If a hotel puts this much effort and expense into dressing their doormen with all the details of a princess attending a royal ball, what would the luxury hotel experience be like???

Whirlwind Tour of the French Riviera

Happily, a few weeks ago I booked a room at Le Negresco on my way back to New York after a whirlwind luxury tour of the French Riviera.

Finally, all those years of wondering what the experience would be like were worth the wait!

Welcome to my Adventure!

Le Negresco luxury hotel is nicely located between Cannes and Monaco.

Distances are so close in the Cote d’Azur you can easily reside at Le Negresco and see Cannes and Monaco in a day trip.

The hotel itself overlooks the Promenade des Anglais.

This is the “promenade” (or sidewalk) adjacent to the beaches of Nice.

History of Negresco Luxury Hotel

The hotel was constructed in 1912 by Henri Negresco.

Mr. Negresco had grown up in a hotelier family, and worked in Paris.

Apparently Mr. Negresco had an eye for the precise details that luxury travelers expected in a grand hotel.

This includes “details” such as a spectacular Baccarat 16,309-crystal chandelier in the Negresco’s Royal Lounge.

The Era of Madame Jeanne Augier

In 1957, the hotel was purchased by the Augier family.

Madame Augier reinvigorated the hotel with luxurious decorations and furnishings.

This included an outstanding art collection and rooms with mink bedspreads.

Though I never met her, from what I hear Madame Augier was found of celebrities, artists, and musicians  and encouraged their visits.

Every floor of this grand hotel features multiple works of art, including painting, sculpture, and even the furniture itself.

Some of the furniture is so striking you’d expect to find it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, with a gold rope and a “do not sit here” sign on top of it.

My Arrival at Le Negresco

After the long trip two hour trip from St. Tropez, I was really looking forward to some luxury hotel relaxation.

And of course, I was excited to see the hotel from an insider’s view!

Our driver parked in front of the hotel.

Then those famous, colorfully dressed doormen were quick to take our luggage into the hotel.

The receptionist was quick and efficient.

Surprisingly, she also personally escorted us to our room.

This is quite a change.

Even in some of the major luxury hotel brands, you are given the keys and that’s the end …

… or you are dispatched to a bellman.

The Anticipation of the Le Negresco Room

The Negresco luxury hotel is a very unique.

As you walk to the “elevator” you are entranced by the Rotunda before you, filled with numerous paintings and works of art.

Your first instinct is to just go explore, but you are en route to your room so you must follow the order.

First, you step into the antique elevator …

…once we exit the elevator and sink our shoes into the thick carpet, we are escorted to our room.

As we requested, it faces the azure Mediterranean sea.

… and as I anticipated, it is beautifully furnished.

For example, there is a “niche” near the full sized floor to ceiling window where the writing desk is located.

By this word, I mean a recessed space that is not big enough to be a room, just a small space where one can sit and write letters or plug in a lap top.

The view is spectacular!

The windows open to the sea.

It is not a terrace or patio, but it is possible to take a single step outside and take in the salty sea air.

After this luxurious experience, I made my way to check out the bed.

It is a single room, not a suite, yet it is large enough for two people.

The bed looks like it is fun to sleep in!

First off, it is so high off the floor I have to jump a bit to lay on top.

Le Negresco: Rubenesque Women

Then, when I lay down, I am greeted by the welcome site of cupids and rather Rubenesque women on the fabric of the old-fashioned canopy above me.

I am a woman who has too many iphones, ipads, Android devices, and other electronic media for her own good.

So I was VERY pleased to see that there are places to plug in just above the nightstand.

And there is also another “niche” carved into the wall, this one containing a minibar, the safe, etc.

Le Negresco Bathroom

Like you, perhaps, the bathroom is the most important element of a luxurious hotel stay.

Of prime importance is the bathtub.

The Negresco luxury bath of our room was large, and it filled very quickly.

This is an important quality after a long, dusty journey.

…. And the shower!

A shower is one thing.

Yet a shower “experience” is another.

The area for the shower was deep, and probably big enough for two (or three) though I didn’t try this.

It had an overhead rain shower head, and also a hand shower.

Le Negresco Rooms and Suites

There are only 100 rooms and 25 suites in this luxury hotel, a National Historic Monument.

Each is furnished with period furniture inspired by remarkable periods of French art.

And the art on every floor is unique as well.

Tina Turner and Louis Armstrong – well, at least their portraits, grace the walls on our floor.

Along with some fabulous African art sculpture.

New rooms are being continuously resigned, following the concept of Madame Augier.

For example, one of the more innovative new arrivals is the “Street Art” room with its wall hangings designed by Pierre Fray.

I am happy to say that my room must have been the new room called “The Medicis,” decked out in Renaissance style.

Le Negresco Bars and Restaurants

The Chantecler is the Negresco’s luxury two-star Michelin restaurant, known for its “old-school” table service and 18th century décor …

… yet with a focus on the lighter style of cuisine and focus on regional products that is so fashionable today.

The Negresco Bar

This bar has authentic walnut woodwork, as well as tapestry circa 1683.

With all this lavish attention to detail, you can just imagine that the people I saw walking into the bar and the restaurant were quite “decked out” as befits the refined ambiance.

Think ultra-high heels, and chic designer dresses …

… plus those adorable miniaudiere a women’s fashion accessory, generally considered a jewelry piece.

They are intended to substitute for an evening bag.

Typically, though, only a lipstick … and some emergency cash or a credit card, will fit.

Yet if you have one (I have a collection) the Negresco luxury hotel is the perfect place to wear it.

Breakfast in Le Negresco La Rotonde Brasserie and Bar

La Rotonde is the expression of the French Riviera.

Very chic and relaxed, it is the epitome of “old style” glamour.

Depending on your room type, breakfast may be included.

…. And it is such an extraordinary luxury experience you would not want to miss this!

The breakfast is buffet-style.

In terms of seating, you have your choice between the air conditioned main room …

… and the beautiful outdoor area that faces the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean sea.

As you enter, you are greeted by the receptionist and brought to your table.

Then you have your choice of a beverage and it is brought to your table.

The Le Negresco Buffet Offerings

At the buffet you will find fresh fruit, a variety of breads, cereal, cheese.

Almost any item you could wish for.

Protein fanatics will also find hard boiled eggs, as well as a station where you can boil eggs yourself to your liking.

If you desire more, other hot breakfast items such as omelets are available on a separate menu.

Le Negresco Activities

The concierge will be happy to provide options for other activities.

On this particular visit, after breakfast we just took advantage of the proximity to the Promenade to take a seat in the sunshine and watch everyone having fun on this beautiful stretch of beach.

Much of our attention was focused on the para gliding on the beach, just a few feet from where we were sitting.

Le Negresco: On the Beach

On the beach, families, friends, and others set up their towels on the pebbles.

Important to know there is no sand on these beaches. Yet the pebbles are small, not too hard, and you can get used to it

Final Thoughts On Le Negresco

When you visit Nice, you will not want to miss this luxury hotel experience.

It is not just a luxury hotel.

And it’s not even “just an experience.”
Le Negr

When you book a room here, you are vicariously living a hundred years of history.

You are re-living the initial concept of Mr. Negresco, who launched this hotel at the height of the Belle Epoque.

…You are living the reincarnation of the Negresco, through the eyes of Madame Jeanne Augier who made the renovation and decoration of the hotel her life’s passion.

… and there is a bit of Eloise – the fictional little girl who grew up in Manhattan’s Pierre Hotel here as well.

I remember coming home from an evening on the town in Nice, and not wanting to go to my room …

… I just wanted to walk around “the museum” that is the luxury Negresco’s airy, round-shaped interior and just inhale the stories of all the places the ancient furniture has been.

Some other Favorite Hotels …

Hotel Grand Timeo in Taormina Sicily

Review: Belmond Grand Timeo

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11 Fun Things to Do in Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Are you looking for a seaside village to visit in the South of France?

The Cote d’Azur is gorgeous all year round.

Especially summer, where it is a glittering playground for the rich and famous.

Antibes. Cannes. St. Ferret. Monaco.

These famous, sun-soaked villages have their charms

I’ve visited them all.

And spent several weekends as a guest in exclusive hotels like Hotel du Cap Eden Roc in Cap d’Antibes, and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.

And of course, I’ve enjoyed every single minute staying at these luxurious resorts.

I mean, what can be more relaxing than lying on a cushioned beach chair enjoying a coupe of Champagne?

All while looking over the blue Mediterranean sea?

Of course, it was fun.

And I will certainly weekend at these resorts again.

Yet for a real taste of what a true Mediterranean seaside village is, consider Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

The word “Mer” means sea in French, so as an FYI this village should not be confused with Villefranche-sur-Saône and Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

The “Undiscovered” French Riviera

The famous French painter Jean Cocteau described Villefranche-Sur-Mer as ‘a source of myth and inspiration.”

And maybe that is the secret to its subtle, bewitching charm.

Now it is possible that you will not read a review of Villefranche-Sur-Mer in Vogue, Travel & Leisure, or any other glossy publication.

Though ONCE I did see the name of this seaside village on a dress at Neiman-Marcus.

Villefranche-Sur-Mer: A Must Visit

Even so, please take my word for it that Villefranche-Sur-Mer is a “must visit” when you are in the South of France.

In fact, if you are driving from the Nice Airport to St. Tropez, you’ll drive right by my summer apartment on the main road, the Avenue du Maréchal Foch.

My Summer Apartment in Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Yes, it is true.

I spent the better part of four summers in Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

My lovely apartment had a fantastic view overlooking the village and the Old City.

And most important, the gorgeous blue harbor.

Each morning, a few large Ocean liners would sail into the port.

One would think that this influx of day trippers would disturb the quiet of the town.

Yet the city never felt super busy.

Not even in the height of summer.

I loved going to the gorgeous, relatively uncrowded Villefranche-Sur-Mer beach.

On Saturdays and Tuesdays, there was also a fresh market in the flower-lined park right in front of my apartment.

It was a great way to get the freshest colorful vegetables and the best possible cheese.

The Fromager, a young guy with an enormous beard, sourced the cheese from farmers from all over France.

And when that gigantic wheel of cheese was finished, it was done!

Avenue du Maréchal Foch, this small town “main street,” had almost everything anyone would need.

Like a hair salon, stationery shop, and of course more than a few cafes and bars.

Where is VilleFrance-Sur-Mer?

This magical village is located between the bustling Harbor city of Nice, and the elegant forested retreat of St. Ferrat.

It is a gently curving 20 or 30 minute drive from the Nice airport along the gorgeous azur coast.

In fact, if you were speeding down the highway from Nice, you might miss Villefranche-Sur-Mer completely.

There is no dramatic “Hollywood” like sign marking it as such.

And the lovely port, with its restaurants in a horseshoe shape along the promenade, can not be seen from the road.

Only a spot of green – the quaint Villefranche-Sur-Mer Park, and the subdued Tourist Office on the corner – will alert you that you have arrived.

What is VilleFranche-Sur-Mer (and how did I end up there?)

In 2009, I realized I traveled to France so often it was high time I learned the language.

I began to teach myself French using the computer-based Rosetta Stone, and got pretty good at comprehension.

Then I thought why not just spend a summer in France in some sort of immersion program.

I searched the Internet and found there was an immersion school in the South of France, and off I went.

What to Do in Villefranche-Sur-Mer?

There is a lot to do in Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

For most people (friends traveling together, couples, and families with children) a few days will be more than enough to explore the many attractions.

Yet to get a real feel for VilleFranche-Sur-Mer, and its delightful small village charm, you should consider renting an apartment for a week or more.

The Beach

The Beach at Villefranche-Sur-Mer is beautiful.

After class at the Institute de Francais, a lot of my fellow students went for a swim.

Even at five o’clock the weather is sunny and gorgeous.

Families with young children like the beaches in Villefranche-Sur-Mer because very small children can wade far into the water.

You will also find that his shallow water is great for water sports.

Rent a Boat

One great idea is to rent a boat and have your skipper take you around the coast line.

Renting a boat and a skipper in Villefranche-Sur-Mer is a bit more affordable than in Cannes.

Or the other glittering hot spots.

If renting a private boat is not for you, you can find organized boat tours with an Internet search.

Visit the Historic sites

Most people today just think of Villefranche-Sur-Mer as a vacation spot on the French Riviera.

Years earlier, the idea of just lying idly on the beach was incomprehensible.

Laughable.

This is because Villefranche-Sur-Mer has long been of great military importance.

The town owes its stature to its bay (la Rade de Villefranche).

This is one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean Sea (95 meters), allowing safe anchorage for large ships.

And thousands of years ago, this coastal region was important to the Greeks and Romans for trade and expansion.

Settlers in Villefranche-Sur-Mer were constantly under attack from seafaring conquerors.

Various rulers over the years erected military fortresses and citadels that stand today.

Taking The Old City Tour

The Old City is beautiful by day.

And mysterious by night.

And also … a bit scary.

If you have a vivid imagination, it’s easy to let nefarious illusions run wild.

This is especially true if you have read the dramatic history, as I have.

You will find a more detailed explanation of what to see and do at the end of this post, but here are my immediate suggestions.

On a bright clear summer day, you will love to see the colorful blue, yellow, and red facades of the ancient houses.

You will want to take thousands of pictures, as everywhere you turn is the perfect view.

And here’s the thing.

People live in close quarters in the Old City.

You will have a literal open window into other people’s lives.

If you tour the area at mealtimes, you will see families and groups of friends in the process of either cooking a meal or enjoying it on their patio or deck.

You will overhear their conversation, though most of the time it is in Italian or French.

In terms of seeking out monuments and points of interest, you might enjoy snapping some Instagram photos of the Saint-Elme Citidel.

Also the Saint-Pierre Chapel with its murals painted by Jean Cocteau.

Port Royal de la Darse.

My personal favorite place to visit is the Port Royal de la Darse.

This port was built in 1550 by the Ducks of Savoy to counter attacks by the sea.

One of my favorite restaurants overlooks this ruin.

I spent many wonderful moments eating fresh fish and watching the sunset against this dramatic stone fortress.

The citadel has been renovated.

Inside you can find an open air theater where Wednesdays (and possibly other nights of the week) you can watch films.

Musee Volti

I do recommend that you check out the Musee Volti.

Antoniucci Volti was is one of the most important Late Modern sculptors to have worked figuratively in the 20th century.

He made his home and studio in VilleFranche-Sur-Mer.

A museum dedicated to his art is located in the casemates of the Citadel.

Volti enjoyed working with iron and other metals, and most of his work focused on female nudes

Restaurants in VilleFranche-Sur-Mer

I ate out most nights in VilleFranche-Sur-Mer, with my plate principal (what we call an entrée in the USA) being a different type of grilled fish.

You will find some excellent restaurants in the “interior” of the old city (or in other words, tables scattered along the steep stairs that lead down to the port).

Yet virtually every night, I had dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the horse-shoe shaped port.

Prices were fairly similar across the board, though some restaurants “appeared” more expensive because in addition to a cut of fish, you would have a salad or side dish included in the price.

Quality was also fairly good across the board. The fish was always fresh (as it must be in a fishing village).

That said, the biggest difference between the waterfront restaurants was the attitude of the staff.

The more expensive restaurants had nicely uniformed, handsome young waiters who spoke excellent English.

They spoke other languages as well (German, Italian, Spanish).

The owners were invariably charming gentlemen of fashion, who would great old and new guests with great warmth and enthusiasm.

Where to Sit In Villefranche-Sur-Mer Restaurants

At the waterfront restaurants, you can sit inside and also outside.

Many restaurants have nicely designed interiors.

I usually prefer to sit outside with a sea view.

You have two choices for sitting outdoors by the sea.

One way is to sit outside directly in front of the restaurant.

The advantages to this are many.

1. You can easily get the waiter’s attention when you need something (another drink, a slice of lemon).

2. You have a better view of the people promenading down the cobblestone streets.

The Mediterranean sea will still be in front of you, but at a slight distance.

Here, you can still see people getting in and out of the little buoys that take people to and from their yachts.

The other manner of seating is to take a table on the other side of the cobble stone promenade.

There are also two advantages.

1.    You are very close to the ocean. You may even see fish leaping out of the water.

2.    It is VERY romantic.

If you both look out at the ocean you are not even aware hundreds of people are walking up and down the boardwalk.

At any rate, over the course of the summer I always visited different restaurants and tried different views.

Restaurants In VilleFranche-Sur-Mer

Below is a personal list of my favorite restaurants in Villefranche-sur-mer.

L’Oursin Blue

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Villefranche-Sur-Mer.  I would take a bit more care to dress up here, even though the dress code in Villefranche-Sur-Mer is fairly casual.

There is an aura of elegance here and a very good management team. The owner is often present, and customer service is very good.

It is a great place to people watch (though every restaurant on the port has the same promenade view).

And also it is a great place to people watch people within the restaurant. A very elite crowd.

Le Mere Germaine

In the same category of L’Oursin Blue in terms of the sophisticated ambiance and attention to detail.

This is an older, highly respected restaurant with great service.

On Saturday nights, you can see Ferraris and other luxury class automobiles drive up from St. Ferrat.

Travestere

More casual than the previous two restaurants, I probably came here a few times a week.

The daily fresh fish was good, and it is the closest restaurant to the stairs leading up to the old port city.

Restaurant La Trinquette

I came here with almost the entire school from the Institute de Francais for an evening of dinner and (provided) entertainment from one of the instructors who had charm and great artistic musical talent.

The food was fine. We were inside, yet if you can snag some of the outdoor tables that would be suggested.

Hotels in Villefranche Sur Mer

While I have personally seen the rooms and two well-known hotels, the Hotel Welcome by the Port and the Hôtel Le Versailles across the street from my apartment on Avenue du Maréchal Foch.

The rooms at both hotels are fine, and the hotels are kept up nicely.

But it might be more fun for you to rent a great apartment with a patio where you can make your own breakfast.

Hôtel Le Versailles

This hotel was directly across from my apartment in Villefrance-Sur-Mer. 

From my patio, I could even see people having breakfast and relaxing by the pool.

Some of my classmates actually chose to stay at this hotel rather than rent an apartment, so I had drinks on the patio a few times as well.

Though they have a very nice looking restaurant, I never dined there.

The hotel itself is modern and clean.

The one room I saw was perfectly fine for one person, but unless you got a bigger room it might be a bit cramped for two people.

It is nicely situated just off the Avenue du Maréchal Foch and the bus from Nice stops just in front of it.

You are also close to the park and the path where you will make your way down to the port and its restaurants.

Welcome Hotel

Just like its name, this is a hotel where the “locals” and groups of friends arrange to meet and hang out.

Though I never went there for dinner, I really enjoyed going there for drinks with friends.

It faces the water, and it is a good spot to people-watch.

In terms of a hotel, it has an excellent location right in the middle of the action.

Safety in Villefranche-Sur-Mer 

It is easy to feel that you are in a small town when you are in Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

After all, if you walk down the street it seems as if everyone knows one another.

And usually they do.

I am the kind of person who likes to go everywhere alone.

Because the evenings are so beautiful, I usually walked back late after dinner rather than take a cab.

Yet many places in Villefranche-sur-Mer are very dimly lit, so it’s a good idea to take the usual precautions you would in any city.

Final Thoughts

I loved spending summers in Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

Typically, I’d go to Nice a few times a week.

Nice is just twenty minutes away.

Then you could also visit several attractions in the opposite direction, such as the city of Eze and the Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Lunch at the Chevre d’Or is not to be missed!

Enjoy your time in Villefranche-Sur-Mer!

Map of Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Visit the Villefranche-Sur-Mer Tourist Office

The post 11 Fun Things to Do In Villefranche-Sur-Mer appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Welcome to your guide to the French Riviera.

St Tropez, Nice, Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Marseille … all these glittering cities are at your fingertips.

The South of France is the best place to enjoy the gorgeous weather and good times.

If you base yourself in the beautiful city of Nice, you are a short train ride from Antibes and Cannes to your right, and Monte Carlo and Monaco to her left.

I’ve spent my summers in the South of France for the last decade.

Your guide to the French Riviera includes my favorite cities.

Centrally based in Villefranche-Sur-Mer, I spent my weekday in that charming fishing village …

… but my weekends at glitzy resorts like St. Tropez and Cap d’Antibes in the French Riviera.

In this article, I’ll give you an overview of my favorite cities as well as the best hotels, the best restaurants, and the most fun thing to do in each.

Nice in the French Riviera

Nice is considered the “gateway city” to the South of France.

You will find much to see and do.

During the summer, Nice is home to an annual jazz festival, as well as several other exciting events.

Nice is also home to one of the most glamorous and opulent hotels in the world, Le Negresco

This jewel case of a hotel is a destination of its own.

And just 20 minutes from Nice is the delightful village of Villefrance-Sur-Mer

St. Tropez in the French Riviera

I spend a few weekends every year in St. Tropez, city of the best beach clubs in the world.

Your guide to the French Riviera includes this magical city.

You can find a wide variety of hotels in St. Tropez, but my favorite is the classic “jet set” hotel Byblos

What makes Byblos so special?

A lot of people think it is due to the way Bridget Bardot turned this small fishing village into a glamorous hot spot when she shot a film here.

Yet this once classic village was actually a famous weekend escape for fashionable Parisians in the 1920s.

The famous sensualist writer Collette, for example, used to spend her weekends here with her third husband Maurice Goudeket.

What Collette liked about St. Tropez was that she could get away from the crowds of Paris and just relax in her simple cottage in the woods.

Today the scene is quite different.

In the port, you will find the largest yachts you have seen, without many owners in site.

Instead, you will have a glimpse into the (possibly) glamorous life of the yacht crew…

Marseille, France

And then you can discover Marseille France in the French Riviera

Marseille is a beautiful region.

My favorite hotel is Hotel Dieu Marseille

You will find many things to see and do in Marseille!

Here is a link to my favorite things!

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