Tuesday 6 November 2012

Most Beautiful Bay in France?

Jean Cocteau waxed lyrical about Villefranche-Sur-Mer. Here is a a flavour of Villefranche ....

One of the World’s most beautiful bays

The region, which was near and dear to the heart of the poet, reflects a set of reciprocal influences, for even if Cocteau found these places a constant source of inspiration, he has in turn deeply marked it with his footprint.

Indeed, the French Riviera in the first half of the 20th century had everything to attract artists and poets: the incredible light, the charm of the locals and their singing accents, the authentic and rustic seaside villages…  Like Picasso or Matisse before him, Cocteau found his enchanted domain – a rich source of inspiration – and when he arrived in Villefranche-sur-Mer in the 1920s, he decided to stay.

‘When I see Villefranche, I see my youth again. Pray Heaven it may never change’…. Those were his words and his prayer has been answered.

Today, his memory is evoked throughout this 700-year-old traditional fishing village of 6,700 inhabitants. Whilst welcoming about a million tourists every year (thanks to the large cruise ships which drop anchor just at the entrance of the bay) the village itself has managed to retain its authentic and charming nature, its medieval streets and, and its ochre, pink and yellow houses topped with orange tiled roofs.

As well as being a tourist hub for one of France’s most popular destinations, Villefranche’s bay is also considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The luxurious villas hidden all around the overlooking hills are known for their opulence and exclusivity, and are a testament to the region’s reputation of beauty.  From the hills, those who climb, or are lucky enough to own one of the houses, have a splendid view of the Cap-Ferrat, and form dome spots even the Cap de Nice.

Full article: ‘When I see Villefranche, I see my youth again. Pray Heaven it may never change’… Jean Cocteau on Villefranche-sur-mer'

Video: Personal Tour of Villefranche-Sur-Mer
This is video that we shot in the South of France, which highlights some of what we did when we went there on holiday. It's pretty random - I eat a millefeuille in a ladylike way, watch the boats in the harbour, tell you my top 5 favorite things about France, and show you what we ate for dinner one evening.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

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