French Riviera
Villefranche
Villefranche
sur-Mer
A private crossing from Beaulieu-sur-Mer into one of the deepest natural harbours on the Mediterranean, with the old town's pastel façades rising straight from the water.
Why Villefranche
A bay deep enough for the largest ships.
The Rade de Villefranche is one of the deepest natural harbours on the Mediterranean, which is why cruise ships and superyachts anchor here rather than dock. From a private boat, you cross the same bay at your own pace, with the old town's ochre and yellow buildings, the Citadel and the waterfront chapel visible from the water — a view most visitors on land never quite get.
Getting there
Just past Cap Ferrat.
On the water
The bay, from the sea.
Good to know
Villefranche by boat.
Why is Villefranche-sur-Mer's bay so well known?
It's one of the deepest natural harbours on the Mediterranean, which is why large cruise ships and superyachts anchor offshore here — a private boat lets you get close to that same water without needing to dock.
Can we see the old town from the water?
Yes. The pastel-coloured waterfront, the Citadel and the harbour are all visible from a boat crossing the bay.
Is Villefranche included in a full-day charter?
Typically yes — it sits naturally on the route just beyond Cap Ferrat, and can be combined with other stops depending on your day.
Which boat is better for Villefranche?
Both suit it well. M/Y Gio gives more room to enjoy the bay at a slower pace; Basta suits a quicker stop within a more active day.
Your day to Villefranche
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One of the Mediterranean's deepest bays.
Aboard Basta from €750 / 8 hours, or M/Y Gio from €1,572 / day · Skipper included · Fuel not included