Anchorage

Rade de Villefranche

Shelter: NW, N, NE, W, E
Seabed: sand, algae
Anchoring: Allowed

Deep natural bay between Nice and Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera, one of the deepest harbours on the Mediterranean coast with depths reaching 95 m close to shore.

Water
Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys
Pontoon
Beach
Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter from the south between Cap-Ferrat to the east and the Mont Boron to the west. No hazards in the entrance. Anchor on the north and east shores in 5 to 15 m on sand mixed with posidonia. Posidonia beds are regulated: use designated sand patches or eco-moorings where available. Holding variable in weed. Exposed to easterly swell from the Ligurian.

Practical

Water point ashore at the Darse. No fuel on the anchorage. Provisioning in Villefranche-sur-Mer village, 300 m from the landing quay. Cruise ships call regularly and run tenders across the bay, keep a lookout.

Ashore

Old town of Villefranche at the head of the bay with the 16th century Citadelle Saint-Elme and the Chapelle Saint-Pierre decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957, 200 m from the landing. Coastal path to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, 2 km east. Train station on the TER Marseille to Vintimille line.

History

The rade served as a base for the Savoyard fleet from the 14th century and later hosted the US Sixth Fleet from 1948 to 1966. The Citadelle was built in 1557 by Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy.