Its clear and tranquil waters are hard to beat, and I’ve struggled to find a beach that’s as pretty as this ever since I visited
France has no shortage of beautiful beaches that draw in thousands of visitors each year, and while some are still relatively unknown, Nice is no stranger to tourists thanks to its location as the capital of the French Riviera.
While there are plenty of dupes for the French Riviera, there’s nothing quite like seeing the real thing, and a few years ago I decided to do just that. Attracting an estimated five million visitors each year, although I found the pebbled beaches in Nice fairly charming, it didn’t make for a relaxed seaside getaway. Fortunately, there are plenty of tranquil towns along the French coastline, and one of them is home to the prettiest beach I’ve ever seen.
Often hailed as the Jewel of the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a mere 15 minutes from Nice and a welcome break from the crowds of tourists you can expect to see in the capital during the peak summer season, myself included.
Arriving with little more than a freshly-baked baguette and a towel in my bag, lounging on the beach here was exactly what I’d hoped for from my trip the South of France — a laidback seaside with a touch of old-school charm.
Sheltered by dramatic cliffs adorned with pastel-hued homes gazing out over the azure waters, stepping off the train and glimpsing the shoreline felt like picking up a postcard.
The charming town houses roughly 5,000 year-round inhabitants and is often considered one of the region’s most beautiful, reports the Express.
Though it was high season and busy with other sun-seekers, the charming bay known as Plage des Marinières never seemed excessively crowded either, and there’s a peaceful atmosphere to the beach.
Comprising rough sand mixed with tiny stones, it also proved to be a slightly more comfortable experience than lounging on Nice’s 10km stretch of coastline.
Charming bistros and eateries dot the seafront, and while I’d brought my own provisions due to travelling on a budget, which is, in fact, doable along the glamorous French Riviera, it ensures that grabbing refreshments won’t prove problematic for day-trippers.
Though my visit lasted just one day, it’s certainly deserving of an overnight break or even several days, particularly for those seeking somewhere slightly more easy-going than Nice.
Speaking of her own visit, Louise Scott who runs the blog All Things French said: “Discover charming architecture, worn shutters, wrought-ironwork, and colour everywhere. A few shops, weekly brocante and food markets, and a terrific variety of beautiful restaurants and bistros makes relaxing for a week (or a month) in this place an absolute joy!”
Catching the train is incredibly straightforward, and while I can’t recall the exact fare when I visited, a quick glance at Trainline revealed that a one-way ticket today costs just £3.
However, a word of caution — in all my travels to beaches around the world since, I’ve yet to discover one as charming as Villefranche-sur-Mer, complete with its slightly rugged landscape and peaceful shore.
Indeed, I’d even venture to say that the South of France boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, and while it’s renowned as a posh destination, it’s certainly achievable on a budget if you’re merely seeking a relaxed beach holiday.
While Nice is certainly worth a trip, I’d highly recommend using it as a base to explore the less-visited beaches nearby.