valeria out loud

Hey WordPress! How are you? Hope you are all feeling good and enjoying some sunshine, like we finally are up in Boston today.

Here we are on days 14&15 of our France trip (almost done!). On day 14, we bid farewell to the picturesque town of Cassis and embarked on a journey to the stunning Villefranche-sur-Mer by train- about four hours away via three trains. Traveling down further south by train was fantastic for its convenience and the amazing views of the sea along the way.

Let’s get into it! ☀️

July 18- Day 14

As we left Cassis, I was pretty bummed out. It was such a beautiful place and our time felt like it flew by in an instant. We grabbed a car to take us up to the train station and along the way we were all re-struck by the beauty of the town, as we drove to a higher view seeing the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean. With a magnificent sight of the Calanques, the rugged beauty of the French Riviera.

We made it to the train station on time, we even had time to hit up the local supermarket for snacks. French Bread was our snack btw. The station looked like it was straight out of an old movie. The journey ahead was fairly easy. It was 4 hours on the train, but broken up as we had to change to local trains.

The train station in VilleFranche sur mer was about a 10 minute walk up hill to our Airbnb. The entire town is walkable because the town was built into the cliffs of the coastal mountains. The major streets flank below and above. So it is all reachable on foot- by stairs, hundreds and hundreds of stairs.

Stairs.

Upon our arrival in Villefranche-sur-Mer, we were instantly enthralled by the views along the sea. The pastel-colored houses seemed to cling to the hillsides, creating a picturesque scene. The blue sea stretched out before us, and the warm Mediterranean sun bathed the town in a golden glow. Also it was insanely hot, so we were all glowing with red faces and sweat. 😂

We settled into our accommodations, got freshened up to explore the town. Wandering through the narrow, winding stair and alleys, we discovered hidden charming boutiques and cafes. Villefranche-sur-Mer’s rich history was palpable, with remnants of its medieval past and the striking Citadel Saint-Elme perched on the hill.

The town felt like home.

For dinner, we went to Alma Goût Mediterraneé, a renowned restaurant along the water that we had heard so much about. The evening turned out to be a culinary adventure. Each dish that was presented to us was a gastronomical masterpiece, the symphony of flavors and textures were out of this world.

It was a great start to this leg of the trip.

The combination of the city’s scenic beauty, its historical charm, and the unforgettable dining experience at Alma made this day in Villefranche-sur-Mer a truly memorable one. And I couldn’t wait for day 15 to enjoy a truly lazy beach day that we all needed!

July 19-Day 15

Our first full day in Villefranche-sur-Mer was nothing short of idyllic, a perfect blend of local culture and seaside relaxation.

We started our day at the popular farmers market, a vibrant hub of activity where locals and tourists alike gathered to explore the tantalizing array of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, fragrant flowers, and artisanal crafts. The market was a fifteen minute walk away.

My favorite way to experience a new culture is through visiting the local market. But farmers markets are my favorite. The lively foreign language chatter of vendors filling the air, creating a delightful atmosphere. The colors, textures and scents of all the food around, it truly is a feast for the senses.

We grabbed some bread, pastries, and fruits for the beach and breakfasts. Oh, and because it was an experience…I bought a Jerusalem avocado the size of a newborn baby!! 😆 It was amazingly delicious.

With our market goodies in tow, we headed to the beach, where the Mediterranean had been beckoning me with its crystal-clear waters. We basked in the warm sun, swam in the refreshing sea, and marveled at the sight of yachts bobbing on the horizon. The beach was a haven of relaxation, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore provided the perfect soundtrack to our day. My favorite beach day ever!! Oh, I should mention that my husband surprised me with bottles of premade Aperol spritzes!! Woohoo!

As the sun began to dip, we left the beach to get ready for the evening. We strolled along the harbor, admiring the boats and the charming waterside restaurants. For dinner, we chose a fabulous restaurant from our walk the night before, made reservations. Lou Bantry, a fun location with a view of the harbor. The meal was fantastic and we savored each bite.

After our splendid meal, a three hour experience, we wandered through the town. The soft glow of streetlights and the twinkle of stars in the night sky added to the magic of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Our first full day in this beautiful town was a delightful mix of local culture, relaxation on the beach, and memorable dining experiences. Villefranche-sur-Mer has already woven its charm around me. Utterly enchanted.

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Thank you for stopping by to catch up, guys! We have one last full day left to talk through of this trip, where we visit Monaco and the medieval town of Eze-which I will cover in my next post. Then that is it on France. What will I do with myself then? 😆

Have a wonderful rest of your day! Talk soon.

till next post xoxo