To do · La Citadelle
Photo: Côte d'Azur France
Citadelle Saint-Elme
A fortress built in 1557 that you can wander for free – ramparts, gardens and an open-air theatre above the bay, with the town hall tucked inside.

| What | To do |
|---|---|
| Where | La Citadelle |
| Address | Place Emmanuel Philibert, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer |
| Season and hours | Free access all year, every day; closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. |
More with kids in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Plage des MarinièresThe town's biggest beach, curving round the head of the rade with the old town in view…
Plage de la DarseA pebble beach tucked behind the walls of the old royal harbour, quieter than the…
Rue ObscureA 130-metre covered street that served as a soldiers' sentry walk in the 14th century …
Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Jean Cocteau)The fishermen's chapel Cocteau painted inside and out in 1956–57, with scenes of St…
my Adventure Villefranche-sur-Mer (pirate treasure hunt)A phone-based exploration game in which old pirate 'Barbe à Monocle' sends families…
AMV boat trips (dolphin outings and coastal cruises)A family firm sailing since 1992, whose trips from the harbour include a coastal run to…
All of Villefranche-sur-Mer with kids The Villefranche-sur-Mer city guide
Checked on cotedazurfrance.fr, explorenicecotedazur.com, October 2026. Check seasons and hours with the place before you go.
Is this your place? Become a Metro Mode partner →