Villefranche-sur-Mer

As usual, we want to see and do as much as possible while we are here. Last night over dinner, we decided to take the train to the nearby village Villefranche-sur-Mer. As we were walking to the train station, we passed by this van and I couldn't resist taking a picture. Wouldn't that be a cool job?

Trains run frequently and it cost the 3 of us 7,80 euros for the return trip to Villefranche. It is a pretty port with a steep old town and a great sandy beach. We began our visit with "smoko" at a cafe overlooking the water.

While we were having coffee, we overheard a band so we walked upward to the Citadel where we found some vets, cadets and other miltary personnel including a marching band. Because we arrived after the beginning of the proceedings, we weren't sure about the purpose of the event, but it was serendipitous nonetheless.

I asked this gent if I could take his photo and he kindly obliged.

The Citadel was built in 1557 to defend the town and was restored in 1981. It houses the Town Hall, a conference centre and 4 museums. We went to see the Volti Museum which featured bronze, copper and terracotta female figures. The building itself was a beautiful venue for the sculptures.

... including Keith.

Views from the Citadel overlooking the city, beach and port. 

As luck would have it, we found a wonderful spot to have lunch. Our first restaurant choice was not open so we went to le Bistrot de La Rade around the corner. Once again, everything we ordered was superb. Keith began with  the fish soup  - la soupe de poisson. The flavour was amazing and the wine was pretty good too!

I chose la salade niçoise.

For the main course I ordered le dorade et des legumes. It was ever so good.

Brian chose le plat du jour et le dessert combination. Very flavourful lasagna for his main followed by la tarte citron which he kindly shared with us - yum!

The weather was beautiful and Villefranche-sur-Mer was a lovely spot to spend a Sunday. All of us are still suffering a little from jet-lag, so we took the train home late afternoon to prepare for our first day of school which begins tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes next post.