Where would you stay- Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer?

Since it’s your first time there, and there will be varying interests from your group, I would stay in Nice. The transportation options are easy from Nice - trains & buses along the Riviera from Nice. Have a great time! I stayed there (Nice) five nights in 2019 and am hoping to get back in 2027.

First time, multi-generations....Nice, which has more options for getting around. Your can split up where you go. If someone wants a beach day while others want a museum, easy to go your own ways. NIce is better without a car as parking can be hard to come by and expensive. Trains or buses from Nice are frequent and convenient for many side trips from there.

As above. Nice, because of the transportation options.

Stay in Nice - take the tram from the airport - enjoy the Matisse and Chagall Museums, the markets, try socca at Chez Pipo, take the bus to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a day. You can also bus to Eze, even Monaco! Train to Antibes. So much to see and do in that area! Rick Steves’ book Snapshot of Nice & The French Riviera is very helpful, but check for updates as I recall bus numbers had changed. (I have the January 2023 edition.)

I too would choose Nice for the reasons others note. In thinking about the differences, Villefranche has some sandy beach if that is important. Most everyone you see or interact with in Villefrance will likely be a tourist/vacationer or in the tourist industry whereas Nice is a major city.

We stayed in Nice last year and visited most of the places you mentioned - some for the second time. Be sure to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It is fabulous in my opinion. And Nice itself is fun to explore. Happy travels!!

We stayed in Nice - and took the train to Cannes for a daytrip ( it’s very close ) and the bus to Monaco ( such a beautiful drive and it’s close by too ! ) - the kids will enjoy the Jacque Cousteau museum in Monaco -

I agree with others, my choice would be Nice. Not only for the transportation, but also because you have aparthotel rooms booked here, rather than hotel rooms in Villefranche. I think you will appreciate having the extra space and a kitchen. And the location in the Old Town is perfect. Have a great time!

I was there in October. I would definitely say Villefranche-sur-mer if you want something more quaint. I found it much more tame than Nice, a totally different vibe, much "toned down." Eze is gorgeous. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild has a nice area for lunch in a garden-like setting. I would suggest making a reservation. If you stay in Villefranche it is very easy to take the train and go over to Monaco for the day to see the site there (famous Casino, fancy cars, high end shopping.) Be advised that the beaches are rocky, not sandy, in this area from my recollection. St. Paul de Vence was pretty and very similar to many of the small towns we visited in France, although they all have their own feel. If we had it all to do again, we would definitely choose to stay in Villefranche over Nice because it is more serene. Kids may enjoy the boardwalk more on Nice. However, they are so close to each other it is easy to go from one to the other and satisfy the needs of all age groups you are traveling with. One note of caution, the driving in Nice was some of the most stressful we have ever done, so be alert and bring your "A game." Have a wonderful time!!

I'll add one more vote for Nice as a headquarters, but make sure to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer; it's a short train or bus ride from Nice. I had lunch there last summer at La Mère Germaine, on the terrace overlooking the beach and harbor, and it was magical. The little town is drop-dead gorgeous, but it's a bit sleepy. Nice is full of fascinating activities and places to see; everyone in your group will find plenty to do.

Another vote for Nice. It’s not my favorite place, but for sheer convenience it’s a much better choice. Villefranche is beautiful, but Nice has so much more to offer.

Brooke,
We have done both, one time a full week in Nice, and another full week in Villefranche-Sur-Mer. As other posters have said, for your group, as first-timers, Nice is the better option.
Enjoy!