One Day Visit to Villefranche and Monaco

We had a one day visit to Villefranche and Monaco and had the best time! Villefranche turned out to be one of my favorite spots during our 17 day European Vacation!

If you're cruising the Mediterranean and your ship stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you're in for a treat. This little French Riviera town is beautiful on its own, but it also makes a great starting point for exploring nearby Monaco.

Visiting Villefranche and Monaco in One Day

During our Mediterranean cruise, we arrived in Villefranche in the morning and decided to make the most of our day by visiting both Villefranche and Monaco. We had breakfast in town, walked to the train station, took the train to Monaco, explored the famous Grand Prix circuit and harbor, visited the Prince's car collection, and then headed back to Villefranche for a beach afternoon, lunch, shopping, and an Aperol Spritz before returning to the ship.

It was a full day, but it gave us a little taste of everything I love about the French Riviera! The beautiful water, colorful villages, amazing food, European trains, beaches, and time in Monaco made the day feel so special.

Arriving in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Our cruise ship arrived in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a gorgeous seaside village tucked along the French Riviera.

One of the best things about visiting Villefranche on a cruise is that you don't need to go far to start exploring. The town is right along the water, with colorful buildings climbing up the hillside and restaurants and shops lining the waterfront.

We started our day with breakfast at Lou Bantry, which was the perfect way to ease into our French Riviera adventure.

Breakfast at Lou Bantry

After getting off the ship, we walked into town and stopped at Lou Bantry for breakfast.

I love starting a travel day this way. Instead of rushing straight to the next destination, we got to sit down, have some breakfast, and take in the atmosphere of Villefranche.

And, of course, when you're in France, you have to have a baguette at some point! The baguette and French omelette were so delicious!

Taking the Train from Villefranche to Monaco

After breakfast, we walked toward the train station and caught the train to Monaco.

The train ride itself is such a beautiful way to experience the French Riviera. The route follows the coastline, so you get glimpses of the Mediterranean and the little towns tucked into the hillsides.

The train from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Monaco is an easy and inexpensive way to explore the French Riviera. Tickets start at around $6 per person each way, and the direct ride takes only about 15 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it an especially convenient option for cruise passengers.

Exploring Monaco

As soon as we arrived in Monaco, we started walking.

Monaco is one of those places where walking around is part of the experience. There are beautiful views everywhere, huge yachts in the harbor, luxury cars, and a completely different feel from the quieter village of Villefranche.

We decided to explore Monaco on foot, which also allowed us to see quite a bit in a short amount of time.

Walking the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit

One of the highlights for our family was walking along the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

It's pretty wild to see the famous Formula 1 streets in person and realize that these are actual city streets that transform into a race track during the Monaco Grand Prix.

We walked along portions of the circuit and took in the views from the streets around Monte Carlo. Even if you're not a huge Formula 1 fan, it's fun to see one of the world's most famous race tracks in person.

Visiting the Prince's Car Collection

We also visited the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco, which was such a fun stop.

The collection includes an impressive assortment of vintage, historic, and Formula 1 race cars, making the museum an especially fun stop for our family. The kids made sure they wore their Formula 1 shirts for his visit.

Even if you're not someone who would normally plan a trip around a car museum, this was worth adding to our Monaco day.

Back to Villefranche

After exploring Monaco, we headed back to the train station and took the train back to Villefranche.

This is one reason I really liked doing Monaco as a day trip from Villefranche. We were able to explore another country and still come back to our cruise port with plenty of time to enjoy Villefranche before getting back on the ship.

An Afternoon at Villefranche Beach

When we got back to Villefranche, we headed to the beach.

After walking around Monaco for hours, putting our feet in the Mediterranean and relaxing by the water was exactly what we needed. The beach in Villefranche is beautiful, with clear blue water and the colorful town rising up behind it.

We spent some time enjoying the beach before grabbing lunch.

Lunch at Marinières Plage Restaurant

We had lunch at Marinières Plage Restaurant, right on the beach. After a morning of exploring, a relaxed lunch by the water was perfect.

I had the chicken caesar salad with a side of French fries and it was so good! It was the refreshing lunch I needed for this hot summer day!

Shopping Along the Waterfront

After lunch and some beach time, we wandered along the waterfront and did a little shopping. Villefranche is much more relaxed than Monaco, and I loved ending our day here.

There are colorful buildings, little shops, restaurants, boats bobbing in the harbor, and beautiful views in every direction.

An Aperol Spritz Before Getting Back on the Ship

Before heading back to the cruise ship, we grabbed an Aperol Spritz to go, because apparently that is legal here.

There is something about sipping an Aperol Spritz while walking along the French Riviera that makes you feel like you're really on vacation!

We wandered back toward the ship with our drinks, taking in the views one last time.

Sunset in the South of France

By the end of the day, we had experienced so much, a French breakfast, a train ride along the Mediterranean, Monaco, the Grand Prix circuit, the harbor, the Prince's car collection, a beach afternoon, lunch by the water and shopping!

It was a beautiful sunset view from our cruise ship balcony in the south of France.

Can You Visit Monaco and Villefranche in One Day?

Absolutely! If your cruise stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer, I think visiting Monaco is a great option if you want to explore beyond the port.

Our day worked well because we kept transportation simple and used the train. We explored Monaco in the morning and saved the afternoon for enjoying Villefranche.

Our One-Day Itinerary

Morning

Arrive in Villefranche-sur-Mer from the cruise ship
Walk into town
Breakfast at Lou Bantry
Walk to the train station
Train to Monaco

Late Morning + Afternoon

Walk around Monaco
Explore the Monaco Grand Prix circuit
Stroll through the harbor
Visit the Prince's Car Collection
Train back to Villefranche

Afternoon + Evening

Relax at Villefranche Beach
Lunch at Marinières Plage Restaurant
Shop along the waterfront
Grab an Aperol Spritz
Head back to the cruise ship

Tips for a Villefranche + Monaco Day Trip

Start early. Having a full day makes it much easier to enjoy both places without feeling rushed.
Take the train. The train makes getting between Villefranche and Monaco easy and gives you gorgeous coastal views along the way.
Wear comfortable shoes. We did a LOT of walking, especially in Monaco.
Leave time for Villefranche. Don't spend the entire day in Monaco and rush back to the ship. Villefranche itself is beautiful and deserves some time.
Bring or wear a swimsuit. If you're visiting during the warmer months, having time for a beach stop is such a nice way to end the day.
Don't overplan it. Some of my favorite moments were simply walking along the water, looking at the boats, shopping, and enjoying a drink before heading back to the ship.