Help me plan a day in Villefranche plus Cap Ferrat

I enjoyed both the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (takes time due to extensive gardens) and the Villa Kerylos (quicker; based on ancient Greek villa design). The Villa Ephrussi gets a lot more visitors than the Villa Kerylos. I went on a Sunday when there was a special, flower-related event and the previous day had been a total rain-out. Don't do that.

As with Cap d'Antibes, the footpath around the southern tip of the peninsula isn't a stroll in the park. Seeing a bit of the coast may be enough for you.

Some of the tourist offices in the area will have a map of the peninsula (and also of Cap d'Antibes), which would be helpful. I got my copy in Nice, but Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer might be other sources.

Villefranche is cute but rather small. If you get an early start you may have trouble filling the morning.

I did not have a car and do not know what the parking situation will be, though I remember seeing cars parked in the street in the general area of the Villa Ephrussi. I walked Beaulieu-Kerylos-Ephrussi-eastern perimeter (last bit trickier than I like), then back through the center of the peninsula and to Villefranche. It was a lot of walking. You certainly can walk from Villefranche to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, but whether it makes sense depends partly on how much walking you plan to do in Villefranche itself and on the peninsula. Be careful about the weather, because there's often not a place to find shelter quickly once you get onto the peninsula.

Sounds like I park twice...do the two separately....thanks for the timing info..maybe we should plan for lunch in Cap Ferrat. This all helps.

Parking in Villefranche is extremely difficult unless you are there in the depths of the off-season. The roads are also winding, hilly, and very narrow.

Parking on Cap Ferrat is less difficult but on busy days can be tight, especially in the more northerly areas. A lot of the areas further south are private and parking is not permitted.

The train station is just over the town end of the beach in Villefranche.

Villefranche has suffered from the onslaught of the Cruise Ships, and is full of tourists when the ships are in port.

That whole area is beautiful, and compact. I love to walk in both areas.

I wonder if there is a way I can find out what days a ship is in port in VSM? I could plan accordingly.

Oh by the way, there are at least 2 little buses which connect the towns and at least one which goes down Cap Ferrat about mid way and also stops at the Rothschild's Villa. Easier than finding parking. One (the number 81) stops at both Beaulieu sur Mer station and Villefranche station on the way around the rock into Nice and the other (the 83) goes from Beaulieu to Eze sur Mer and then up the goat trail to Eze le Village. You think I joke? Look at the map.

Have a look at the bus map at http://www.lignesdazur.com/en/maps/71 and the main page at http://www.lignesdazur.com/en which is the official website of the operator. They also have a good app for both android and iPhone where you can put your tickets, if you have data.

Fares are really really cheap.

Have a wonderful time...

I have stayed in VF a few times and recommend Le Cosmo for lunch, almost waterfront and good food. I also have had lunch at the Villa d'Ephrussi, in the garden. Mostly salads, good, a bit pricey but I plan to lunch there this fall again. I cannot speak to parking but I know VF has signs with how many spaces are available.

Yes there are cruise ships but many people go off to other towns immediately. Some do hang about but I did not find it too bad. There are a plethora of lunch spots in VF.

Be sure to go to the Citadel in VF, once across the drawbridge turn left into a small garden that has peeking views to the sea. I like the sculpture art too, I believe you have to pay for that.

Enjoy the area.

Yes, the Citadel has several museum-like spaces. I enjoyed them. One or more of them may be free.

I've just remembered that one of the shop owners in Villefranche commented to me that most of the people off the cruise ships head to Monaco. That could still leave enough in VF to swamp the little town, so it would be good to check ahead of time. I usually just Google "ships in port Villefranche-sur-Mer" and follow a couple of likely-looking links.

Got all your info down. Thanks so much and thanks also for not making me feel like I am asking dumb questions.