I've Lived in the French Riviera for 18 Years, and This Is the Most Charming Small Town in the Region

"Villefranche (as it is commonly called) is a 10-minute bus ride from Nice's buzzing port district, where we would gather for after-work drinks on Friday nights. I guess they sensed something that I didn't know at the time, however. Villefranche may be joined to Nice at its eastern hip, but it feels a world away from the bustle of the big city-even on the days when a cruise ship is anchored in its magnificent bay."

"You may recognize the village from the movies, too. Flicks like "To Catch a Thief" and "Never Say Never Again," alongside modern favorites such as "Pitch Perfect 3," were shot here. The village was also used to film Saint-Tropez scenes in the second season of Emily in Paris. Rumor has it that the fourth season of The White Lotus is on its way to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat across the bay, as well."

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a compact coastal resort adjacent to Nice, with colorful waterfront houses cascading to a calm, yacht-speckled bay. The village sits a ten-minute bus ride from Nice's buzzing port but maintains a markedly quieter, village atmosphere that often feels like a film set. The town has hosted classic and contemporary film and television productions and even stood in for Saint-Tropez on screen. Cruise ships sometimes anchor in its magnificent bay, yet the village retains serene, postcard charm and provides easy access to city life while offering Mediterranean harbor living.

Read at Travel + Leisure