1.         What's there to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
There's a huge amount to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer from beach based activities, to exploring the immense history of the Old Town, to just relaxing in one of the many cafes, bars or restaurants.   Please click here to see the full list of activities.  Once you have booked the apartment, we will be happy to give you as much detail as you would like to help you plan your itinerary.

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2.         How do I get to Villefranche-sur-Mer?
There are many direct flights to Nice from the UK.  Please click here to see full details of how to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer.

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3.         Is Villefranche a good place for a family holiday?
Absolutely!  The children love the beach, the train rides and are welcomed in restaurants.  There are two children'splaygrounds near the apartment, one at Port Darse and the other at the Octroi. You may want to consider, however, if your child still requires a buggy that the Old Town is built into the hillside and there are three flights of stairs to the apartment.

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4.         Shops, restaurants and services are in Villefranche?
Shopping: There's a great variety of shops in Villefranche from curio to antiques to designer fashions, arts, etc.  On Sunday there's a wonderful flea market (Brocante) in the Old Town in Place Pollonnais and on Saturday's there is a Farmers Market.

Grocery Stores: There are four grocery stores in Villefranche. One of them is in the heart of the Old Town on Rue du Poilu. Two others are at the Basse Corniche level of town and the third is at the Col of Villefranche, up on the hillside. Just a bit farther away are two super markets, either walking distance (about 20 minutes to each), or you can take the bus. Most are closed at lunch time, in line with French custom.

Speciality Shops There are five Boulangeries and Pattiseries in Villefranche - four of which are in the main village and one at the Col of Villefranche.  Most are open throughout the day.  There are three butchers shops in town - one in the Old Town in the Place de la Paix, one at the Col of Villefranche and one at the Spar market.  There are four green grocers.…and of course the wonderful daily fruit and veg. market in Nice (except for Mondays when it becomes a vast antiques market).

Restaurants: There are many restaurants in Villefranche: at the Col, the Basse Corniche, in the Old Town, and on the waterfront.  We obviously have our favourites and will be happy to make suggestions, but you will probably also enjoy exploring on your own.

Pharmacy: There are several pharmacies in Villefranche and a 24 hour pharmacy in Nice (Rue Massena) just ten minutes away. There are also a number of doctors in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Banks: Located at the Basse Corniche level of town, they have ATMs so cash withdrawal is easy. There is also an ATM in the car park near Hotel Welcome (Old Town).

Post Office and Police Station: These can be found in between the top of the Old Town (Place de la Paix) and the Basse Corniche level of town.

Tourist Office: Villefranche has a superb tourist office with lots of useful information and very helpful staff who speak English quite well.

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5.         Will I need a car?
You don't really need a car to enjoy your stay in our apartment in Villefranche.  You can get to the apartment very easily from the airport by either taxi or bus.  Please click here for travel options.  Once in Villefranche-sur-Mer there are so many interesting things to see and do that are all within easy walking distance.  Public transport is superb for visiting further along the coast (to either Nice or Monaco) and all the major sites along the Cote are easily visited using either the bus or the train.  Both the train station and bus stop are within a short walk of the apartment. 

If you plan to go further afield during your visit, then it's very easy to arrange car rental for part of your stay.

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6.         How do I book?
In the first instance, please contact us with your reservation requirements (do not book any flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us).  Once availability is confirmed we then require a 50% deposit to confirm your booking.  The balance is required prior to your holiday starting.  We require a £500 security deposit and a charge of £50 will be made for lost keys.

We can accept payment by cheque made payable to Mr F Macdonald.

If you need to cancel we will do our best to refund your money.   This is a family owned apartment but if we can fully rebook your apartment, we are happy to refund your deposit.

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7.         Do I need to bring my own linen?
No, we supply sheets, pillow cases, blankets, duvets and pillows, but please bring your own bath & beach towels. There is a washing machine and iron in the apartment.

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8.         Are children welcome?
Children are welcome.  Please note that there are three flights of stairs to the apartment which may limit you if you have a buggy or pushchair.  Please also note that anything damaged or broken will need to be replaced.

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9.         Will I need a hair dryer or an iron ?
Please bring your own hair dryer (don't forget an adapator!).  There is an iron and ironing board in the apartment.

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10.       Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately we have a no pets policy.

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11.       Will I need an electrical adaptor?
Yes, please bring an electrical adaptor (for charging mobile phones, hair dryers, etc).

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12.       Is there a bank nearby?
Yes, there are several banks within walking distance.  We would recommend, however, that you bring out a reasonable supply of Euros with you.  Most restaurants also accept credit cards and travellers cheques.

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13.       What's the weather like?
Villefranche-sur-Mer benefits from its own special micro-climate making the weather here absolutely perfect.  It doesn't get too hot in to summer …not too cold in the winter.  There is little rain at any time of the year and visitors enjoy the fabulous blue skies for which  the French Riviera is famous.

Dining al fresco is a year round pleasure - although you made need a sweater if you sit in the shade in winter.  Summers have occasional heat waves lasting for a week or so when temperatures rise above the mid 80s.  The sea temperature is perfect for swimming from mid-May to the end of October - sometimes it's great starting as early as mid-April.

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14.       How will I find the apartment and get the keys?
Prior to your arrival we will liaise with you to confirm your arrival details, including how you plan to reach Villefranche and the apartment.  We will also send you information about Villefranche and the apartment to help you get acquainted with the area before you arrive. In the meantime, to see where the apartment is in Villefranche-sur-Mer, please click here.

We will arrange for you to get the keys before leaving home.  Obviously at any time we're here to answer any questions you may have and provide additional information.

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15.       What are the arrival/departure times?
Please make sure that you leave the apartment by 11am. Guests can arrive at the apartment after 3pm. You are able to leave your cases in the upstairs landing if you intend to leave after 11am or arrive before 3pm.


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