As you make your way into the beach area, you will pass this restaurant. The stairs to the train station are tucked behind the restaurant just past the last building.

The Stairs Leading to the Train Station

As you climb the stairs, take the tunnel to the other side of the train tracks and then continue your climb until you see the train station.

The Villefranche Train Station Ticket Counter

You will need to purchase your tickets before you board the train. If you are also planning on visiting Monaco on the same day, I would suggest buying a Villefranche - Nice roundtrip ticket and a separate Villefranche - Monaco roundtrip ticket. The total fare for both tickets is under 8 euro. The price to visit Nice is under 4 euro, roundtrip.

The Villefranche Train Station and Train to Nice
(Note that you must go back under the tracks to catch the Nice train)

Once you have your ticket, you must go back under the tracks to the other side of the platform as the Nice train stops there. Be aware that it only stops for a short period, so don't make the mistake of not being on the platform ready to board.

Get Off the Train When You See This Sign

Be aware that the train makes several stops in Nice. The stop that you want is the second stop from Villefranche. At any rate, the sign above is the station that you want to disembark the train at.

The Train Station in Nice

You may want to check your return schedule (or the schedule to Monaco if that is your next stop) before you depart the train station. From the train station, take any of the streets in front of it towards the ocean (away from the train station. The station is located about 12 to 14 blocks from the ocean and the area right around the station seems somewhat seedy, but is actually safe enough.

Sign to the Beach

You will see signs on almost every corner. Follow the Promenade des Anglais signs and they will lead you to the beach. Once you have arrived at the beach be aware that everything is to the left of you.

Nice's Promenade des Anglais

If you walk to the left you will come upon a wide street that runs perpendicular to the rest of the streets. This is Avenue de Verdon. If you walk up the avenue, it will cross many streets to the left. This is the designer district where you can find top clothing labels and stores.

Nice Merry-go-Round

On the right hand side of Avenue de Verdum is a large park. Be sure to check out the old Merry-go-Round. If you continue to parallel the beach (but a block in from it) you will see Rue St. Francois de Paule. This is one entrance to the historic district and is the street where the Opera House and public markets are located. From here, you can entertain yourself for hours, as the historic district opens up all around you.

Just One of the Historic District Churches

If you have no idea where you are when you emerge from the historic district, you can simply hail a taxi to take you back to the train station. The best bet is to walk it and see if you can find it on your own, but if you are pressed for time taxis are readily available.

If You Miss Villefranche, Get Off Here

If for any reason, your train does not stop at Villefranche, you can get off at the next stop Beaulieu Sur Mer and walk back to Villefranche in about 20 minutes. See the Beaulieu Sur Mer special report on the Villefranche Port Review page.

Have Fun!

Tom

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