Sightseeing: The Chapelle St-Pierre (Pl. Pollanais, Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m. - noon and 4 - 8:30 p.m.), a 14th-century Romanesque chapel, is decorated with images painted by artist Jean Cocteau. Wander along Quai Courbet, town's atmospheric fishing port. The Citadelle, also known as Fort Sainte Elme, was built in the 16th century. Today it houses city hall, public gardens and a couple of art museums. Particularly worth visiting is its Musee Volti (open Wednesday - Monday, 10 a.m. - noon and 3 - 5 p.m.; Sundays only from 10 a.m. - noon) which showcases the work of local-born sculptor Antoniucci Volti; he's known for voluptuous bronze sculptures of women.

Beaching it: Plage de Villefranche-sur-Mer is located northwest of old town -- about a ten minute walk.

Take a boat trip: Advance reservations are highly recommended; one option is Vedette la Sirene - Affretement Maritime Villefranchois (ph: 04 93 76 65 65, fax: 04 93 76 97 87).

Go snorkeling: Contact Aqua Pro Dive International (ph: 04 93 01 71 04, fax: 04 93 01 72 90, e-mail: apdi-pantxoa@wanadoo.fr)

Take a city tour: Book your tour in advance with the Villefranche tourist office (ph: 04 93 01 73 68, e-mail: ot@villefranche-sur-mer.com), and a guide will be waiting for you at the cruise terminal. Two different walking tours are available: a two-hour trip through the old city, and an 1 1/2-hour stroll toward the Darse Royal Harbour along the ramparts of the Citadel on the seafront.

Visit the soap factory: At La Savonnerie de Villefranche, you can watch and learn (and smell!) as soap is made -- and, of course, stop in the gift shop to grab a few souvenirs. Admission is free.

Language

French, though English is generally understood.

Getting Around

Villefranche is very walkable and compact.

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships anchor in the harbor and tender passengers to a small terminal in the heart of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Staying in Touch

Chez Net (5 Place du Marche -- behind the Hotel Welcome), from 10 a.m. - midnight); 15 minutes cost 2.50 euros, one hour is 7 euros.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money

The euro. There are ATM machines and exchange bureaus in town.

Hanging Around

Ooh la la! Villefranche is a charming village with lots of great cafes and a handful of fun shops.

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