Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small town and commune in the Alpes-Maritimes département, on the French Riviera with a population of just under 7,000.
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Geography
Villefranche-sur-Mer is located about 4 miles (6km) east of the city of Nice, separated by Mont Boron .
History
It was first settled in 1295.
Sights
Built on the terraced hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Promenade des Marinieres stretches along the waterfront of a deep-water harbour that served as the base for the US 6th Fleet until 1967. On the water's edge is the massive wall and Citadel, a fortress built in 1557 by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy. Today, the Citadel houses the Town Hall, a congress centre, three museums, and an open air theatre.
Miscellaneous
The moderate climate, sandy beaches, and ambience of its Old Town make Villefranche-sur-Mer a popular tourist stop. Currently, real estate prices are such that property here is affordable by only the very wealthy.
In the past, Villefranche-sur-Mer was home to personalities Katherine Mansfield, Jean Cocteau, and Aldous Huxley and today its famous residents include Tina Turner.
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