The Citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer, classified as a Historic Monument, is a bastioned fortress that was built from 1554 on behalf of the Duke of Savoy Emmanuel-Philibert.

Built to fulfill the role of sentries of the harbour, this fortress suffered many more or less glorious sieges in the service of the house of Savoy.After the attachment of the County of Nice to France in 1860, l a Citadel retained its military vocation until 1965, when it was bought by the Commune de Villefranche, which set up an administrative and cultural centre there.

It's a good idea to visit with your family.
It offers a magnificent view of the harbour.

Visiting times
October to May: 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm
June to September: 10am-12pm and 3pm-6.30pm
Closed Sunday morning
Closed in November

Free entry

Free parking and parking for tourist buses nearby

Call to book a guided tour.

Open on sunday