Port Report
Villefranche Sur Mer
Villefranche, France
A Port of Call of
Splendour
of the Seas
May 15, 1999
Images by Kjell & Lois Evensen
Background
Image: Roadside Flowers of Villefranche
Villefranche
is the port city to Nice and Monaco. We have visited
those two cities
during previous port calls to Villefranche and have
explored this little village
several times before. Villefranche is our favorite
Mediterranean port of call. The people
are friendly, the city is clean, and there are photographs
begging to be taken. We enjoy walking
around on our own, stopping occasionally at a sidewalk
restaurant,
and exploring the back streets; our favorite souvenirs
are our photographs.
This time in Villefranche, we started our walk at
an
old fort overlooking the sea. The fort is now
used as offices.
This is a look straight down to the sea below the
fort.
This photo puts the size of the cactus into perspective.
From a path along the a lower wall of the fort, we
could
see our ship, Splendour of the Seas, waiting
in the harbor.
At the end of the wall, we passed one of the many
marinas.
The South of France is ablaze with beautiful flowers.
Winding roads overlook the sea.
Curves on the roads are so tight that mirrors are
necessary to see oncoming traffic.
We hiked into the walls of the fort.
Blooming cactus cling to the walls.
When we reached the top of the hill we found the
fort entrance
which is across a now-dry deep moat we had walked through
earlier.
We changed direction to walk down into the little
town by the sea.
Everywhere we looked we saw another photograph that
will be a perfect post card.
We stopped at a seaside restaurant where we could
see our ship in the distance.
Artists were drawing the lovely flowers, balconies,
and homes that we had just photographed.
Villefranche's narrow streets are exceptionally neat
and clean.
At the top of another narrow street, we discovered
a different view of the sea.
What a lovely place to call home.
This track leads through the mountains to Monaco
and, of course, Monte Carlo.
We concluded our walk about Villefranche along the
seashore.
This boat probably brought some of the fish that
was served in Villefranche today.
Did you ever wonder what the ship's photographers
do during their days off?
Have a desire for Chinese food? You can find
it seaside in Villefranche.
This scene brings Phantom of the Opera to
mind.
This view of the sea is from a small bar one block
from the sea.
We moved to the outdoor restaurant we always visit
while we're in Villefranche.
If you love ice cream, this treat is a little bit of
heaven.
The dove arrived too late at the next table to share
our snack.
And, the last glance at Villefranche until our next
visit. |
