The South of France has long been a hotspot for the celebrity elite. St Tropez and Cannes are regular haunts for the likes of Kate Moss and Phillip Green who can often be seen enjoying the lush beaches.

Whilst these two spots are undoubtedly the most popular, the Côte d’Azur boasts such a wide variety of places; the majority of which can be found tucked away waiting to be found.

South of France

Indeed, this is true for Villefranche Sur Mer. Located just 10km south of Monaco, Villefranche is quickly becoming a popular stop for many cruise ships thanks to the fact the small town boats the deepest natural harbour in the Mediterranean.

Admittedly at times the small town can feel overcrowded with the influx of tourists from nearby cruise ships but for the majority of the time the town is left alone for locals to enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious food and quaint French streets.

Another beauty of Villefranche is its proximity to Italy. The Italian border is just 15 kilometres away, meaning day trips to Italy are more than manageable. Closer to home are the likes of St Paul de Vence and Grasse, both quaint French towns which are equally enjoyable.

There is something for everyone in this part of the world; whether you want to sit outside a cafè nursing an espresso and watch the world go by or navigate your way through cobbled French streets with an abundance of shops and restaurants.

The beauty of Villefranche is the slower pace of life compared to the likes of Cannes and St Tropez. If you are more inclined to head where the locals head, Villefranche is the place for you. Whilst looking out over the stunning port and sipping a glass of rosè wine, it’s hard to believe this beautiful town is just a short flight away from the UK.