Saturday, September 24, 2011

Villefranche-Sur-Mer...

















The Cote D'Azur is dotted with some of the most beautiful towns and villages by the sea, and Villefranche-Sur-Mer, between Nice and Beaulieu, is one of those picture-postcard perfect places. It has a lovely harbour, which is deep enough for cruiseships, forts and citadels with sweeping views, as well as a stunning old town to wander through including the famous covered street Rue Obscure...


















Every winding alley, cobbled street, vista with churches, imposing facades, shutters, and lanterns is a photographer's paradise. There are markets with attractive, fresh produce...

















plus the town also has a strong base for art and culture, with many artists choosing to reside here because of the light, colour, and inspiration. At the citadel, there is a selection of four museums and galleries to visit, including the Volti museum which displays local sculptor's voluptuous female forms.....


















Look at these expressive faces from the History Museum - photographs from times gone by...


















Artist and writer Jean Cocteau lived and worked on the Riviera (a museum dedicated to all his works is at Menton along the coast) and in Villefranche he decorated both the exterior and interior of 13th century St Peter's Chapel. The interior murals are whimsical and delicate depictions of different scenes from the life of St Peter....



















Villefranche is easily accessible - by bus or train from Nice. Enjoy your visit!

9 comments:

French Girl in Seattle said...

Well I DID enjoy going back with you this morning, while l am sipping my coffee in bed, on a cloudy Seattle day. How I loved my visit to Villefranche just a few weeks ago. It was brutally hot that day and the walk from the harbor to the citadel was quite a workout but the views from up there were worth it. If you get a chance when you return, don't miss lunch at the terrace of la Mère Germaine, a local institution. Not cheap, but well worth it. Bon dimanche! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Lynne with an e said...

I'm afraid if I visit I will never want to leave so I will just continue to experience the French Riviera through your beautiful blog. Nice (no pun intended) to see that you're settling in and finding your way about and already off exploring.

Fly Girl said...

Absolutely stunning! The charm and beauty is almost overwhelming. And you thought you wouldn't find as many vivid pix as Mexico!

A Cuban In London said...

Oh, my God! Your new header is heavenly! ANd that second photo from top to bottom is priceless. Loved it. Many thanks. You might swapped countires and continents but the quality of the images is the same.

Greetings from - a sweltering (autumn? What autumn? It's the summer that never came in July and August) - London.

Catherine said...

Hi Cuban - the header is actually the view from my apartment terrace- stunning eh??

Catherine said...

Hi Veronique, Louciao, Flygirl - glad you are enjoying the treats of the Riviera.....

J.Rylie.C said...

Beautiful shadow shots.

My shadow shot post, have a lovely weekend!

Jilly said...

Just adore your collages - particularly love that second one with all the glorious colours of Villefranche. All gorgeous tho.

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