Artistes Tresor

We had the pleasure of renting this apartment a week in Sept./Oct. 2009. The apartment looked stunning in the photographs on the internet, and it fulfilled all our expectations and more.

The location could not be better in the midst of old town, the terrace and its view is superb. Further, the apartment is modern and very comfortable (not to mention the good beds!), and the decorations dot the i's. Finally, all practical arrangments went smoothly, and a very nice lady met us in the apartment and shared a lot of practical information.

Thank you - we will be back, if we may! :)

This beautiful apartment has everything you would wish for to spend a relaxing time in one of the hidden gems of the Cote D'Azur. Set centrally in Villefranche-sur-Mer and with stunning 180 degree views of the bay, harbour, Cap Ferrat and the corniches, the location is absolutely perfect.
We spent our honeymoon here and completely fell in love with the village and the apartment.
Internally, the owner (who is an artist) has created a really lovely ambience with the clean modern design delicately balanced with her own impressionistic artworks of the village and surroundings and many original features of the 17th century building.
The apartment is very spacious and has two bedrooms at the rear looking out over the pretty and historic streets, squares and churches and has another bedroom at the front which (like the living room) leads straight out onto the balcony and that view!
Though we visited Villefranche in August and it was of course busy, the village and surrounding area is so beautiful and varied that there was never any sense of being hemmed in. At other times of year no doubt all of these characteristics will ebb and flow with the seasons and the nigh on perfect climate make for endless joyl
There are many places to visit within the village including still a small,working fishing harbour with live catch, Jean Cocteau's famous painted chapel, a huge bastide, a long, clean and beautiful beach with the calmest and most bouyant sea water and of course a very good choice of restaurants (but do consult guide books and locals as they vary quite a lot).
The surrounding area includes Nice and Monaco both very close by but far enough away (!) as well as many artistic retreats and sites. We spent a most amazing day at the incredible pink Villa Rothschild (and gardens) on Cap Ferrat which is thoroughly recommended.
You do not need a car as everything is within walking distance in the village and the public transport (both trains and buses) is excellent. We also found the locals to be very helpful and friendly.
We almost don't want to go back as it would be so hard to have a better time - but we'll almost certainly be tempted!
This apartment, in this setting provided everything we'd hoped for from a visit to the Cote D'Azur.

My husband and I have just returned after spending a lovely week in Villefranche. After a long flight it was a joy to finally relax in this very charming apartment. The view alone made the trip worth while! The rooms were clean and spacious and the beds were comfy. Kitchen had everything we needed. The location in town was perfect too. We rented a scooter but train travel would be easy as the train station is only a very short walk from the apartment. All very convenient. This apartment would easily accommodate three couples or a family.

The only thing to note is that there are quite a few stairs to climb (to the apartment and throughout the village). If you have limited mobility it would prove problematic. If you enjoy this type of exercise you'll be fine! (And fit!)

We look forward to our next visit!

The location of this apartment in the old town is perfect, with an incredible view of the bay and across to St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Even despite the few days of rain and wind over the winter, we enjoyed the beautifully appointed apartment with its amenities and modern kitchen. The apartment is close to all shops, and to the train and bus service, which we used almost everyday to visit the towns nearby, as well as up and down the Riviera, from Cannes to Ventimiglia in Italy -- no need for a car at all. Plus there are spectacular sea walks all along the coast. One can be as active or relaxed as one likes from this apartment, with its easy accessibility to the many interesting sites.

The view, the town, the beautiful apartment keeps luring me back to Villefranche sur mer. We've stayed in the apartment several times after having stayed in a nearby hotel on previous visits. A hotel stay cannot compare! The apartment is so beautifully decorated and well equipped that it really is your home for however you are lucky enough to be staying. Each morning the view over the harbor draws us to the terrace for coffee and a fresh croissant just bought from the bakery down the street. And each night isn't complete without a last glass of wine while looking out over the sparkling lights of the boats in the harbor and the houses on the hills beyond. The experience is simply magical. Of course, in spite of the well equipped kitchen that makes cooking in the apartment so easy, there are so many good restaurants in the village that you will constantly be torn between sampling their food and cooking at home. Another nice thing about this location is that you don't need a car. It's a short walk to the train station where you can catch a local train to Nice or Monte Carlo and connect all over Europe. Not only that but you can either walk or take a train to the nearby villages which each provide a different view and atmosphere. In short, don't miss Villefranche sur mer and this apartment. "Artistes Tresor" is a real find!

I have stayed in this apartment four times in the past five years. When I'm not staying in "Artistes Tresor," I am dreaming about doing so and planning my next visit. The website is 100% accurate -- it truly is the best location in town. That is, if you like a mesmerizing water view, a glass wall that opens to let the sea breeze in, and a ringside seat to view the the vast array of boats coming and going in the harbor.

It's hard to say what I like most about this apartment and its location -- being in the heart of the historic village is at the top my list, though. No need for car unless you want to do some "far off" touring. The local bus from the village into Nice takes all of 10 minutes and couldn't be easier (and who in the world wants to park in Nice, anyway?). The train station is a pleasant 5 minute walk from the apartment. And then there's the village of Villefranche itself. I've happily "wasted" many days doing nothing in town except reading, relaxing on the beach, poking into the few shops, sitting on a bench and staring out to sea. (I especially love the Saturday farmers' market in the village --I live for my chances to buy from the "tapenade man!")

Our days at the apartment fall into a lovely pattern: someone walks down the apartment steps and then up the village steps (our own, free aerobics workout!) to the bakery for fresh croissants. Fresh fruit, coffee and croissants on the terrace. Lunch out somewhere sunny and warm. Shopping at local produce, meat and wine markets to make a light supper in the apartment -- after a bit of wine on the terrace overlooking the sea, of course!

The apartment is perfectly, honestly represented. It is spotless and well outfitted. I especially love having a washer and dryer available -- over the years I've learned that I can make do with very few clothes because it's so convenient to wash while on holiday. That is a huge plus. (And I have lots more room in my luggage to bring home Provencal goodies!)

My husband and I have stayed here with another couple (perfect and very spacious); with two other couples (also perfect); and, last fall, I went with 3 girlfriends (WAY perfect!).

I can't imagine staying anywhere else in the area than at "Artistes Tresor." I simply can't recommend the apartment, the village, the environs, and the owner's loving care of her beloved retreat highly enough.

Nancy (Maine, USA)

Artistes Tresor is a beautifully kept apartment in the heart of Villefranche. It has a wonderful view across the bay to Cap Ferrat from the balcony which makes the climb to the third floor worhtwhile. The owner and her agent in Villefranche are both very helpful and friendly. Useful information about the town and local area is in the apartment. Villefranche is a good base for exploring the Cote d'Azur. We had a car but you could easily do without one; trains run to Nice and Antibes to the West and to Monaco and into Italy to the East. Art lovers will enjoy the Matisse and Chagall museums in Nice and the Picasso museum in Antibes. Our kids loved Marineland in Antibes and Aqualand in Frejus.

We spent an exhilerating week at the delightful apartment Artistes Tresor,more than adequate for us being two couples.Excellent restaurants on the doorstep,also food shops.The location was perfect for visiting the surrounding area.