Villefranche, France

 April 12, 2025

Today’s adventure took us to Villefranche, France.  This was a “free village” - free of taxes- hence the name Villefranche which means free village.  The king at the time whose name escapes me, declared that the village should be free of taxes if the villagers helped with irrigation.  That has long since been reversed of course.  It’s a quaint fishing village just east of Nice on the Mediterranean.  We toured the town on our own, ate lunch and then joined a tour which took us through the village again and ultimately to the Rothschild museum/mansion.  Lots of history there but I’m too worn out to do much more writing tonight and will add pics when I have the energy!

It’s essentially a fishing village on a steep hillside so getting around looks like this:

This is the home/villa of Béatrice de Rothschild - an heiress to a banking fortune who had many houses.  I won’t bore you with all the interior photos but it is decorated in the style of Marie Antionette.  It sits high upon the hilltop with views from every room.

This is a small example and is quite restrained compared to most of the rooms.

An amazing French garden is maintained as it was in her time and there are myriad other gardens as you descend along the back of the hill.

Watching the main fountain was like watching a ballet. 

And here are the happy travelers!