43:42.06N   07:19.06E   Villefranche

We headed off very early from Antibes at 6 a.m. as the wind had changed and we were being blown about so up with the anchor after a cup of coffee for Villefranche.  Villefranche is the next bay east of Nice and well sheltered from most wind directions as the bay is deep and steep sided. The slopes rise up from the bay and although there are houses in the hills it is not too populated with a lot of greenery.

Several cruise liners including the Royal Caribbean line anchored in the bay and water buses took the passengers ashore.

Villefrance is a relaxed resort which retains the character of centuries gone by.  The narrow streets run higgledy-piggledy up and down joined by paths and shaded by trees.  The large castle next to the harbour was built by the Duke of Savoy in 1560 to guard the port and bay.  From the ramparts you have a very good view over the bay.  Inside the castle is a museum devoted to the sculptures of Volti.

Down by the fishing harbour is the Chapel of St. Peter which was decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957.  He simply outlined figures which he traced in a geometrical fashion.

The fishing harbour is known as Darse de Sante or The Health Harbour but no one knows if it is to do with the blessing of St. Peter or the healing powers of the water.  We all enjoyed several swims while we were there just in case. Although Jim did manage to get a jelly string while he was trying the healing waters.  Vinegar, sliced onion and bite cream soon had him back to full strength again.

We took the bus to Nice and wandered around the harbour area.  We looked at the packed beach of Nice and decided Nice was not for us.

After a marvellous pork chop dinner we rowed ashore for a well deserved ice-cream.