Audio tour Americans and Their Slice of Paradise on the French Riviera - Part 1

Welcome to this guided tour which highlights the history of the American presence in the beautiful towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Full of stories, this audioguide shares the history of this small slice of paradise on the French Riviera. You’ll learn the characteristics of each town and their connection with the Navy. I hope that you enjoy this discovery!

This course was designed to be conducted on foot without any difficulty. It is made up of 2 parts with 6 stops each totaling about an hour and a half between:

-        Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer

-        Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

You can follow whichever order you prefer.

My name is Caitlin and I will be your guide. I am originally from Virginia. I am an American without any connection to the local history or the U.S. Navy, but since I was 12 years old, I’ve been obsessed with everything French. I came here in 2022 for an 8-week internship with the Association Les Americains et la 6e Flotte à Villefranche-sur-Mer through the school France Langue. During this time, I was surprised to discover this wealth of history of my country and its relationship with this area. During my internship, I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing American veterans and their families who came here when Villefranche was the home port of the 6th Fleet during the 50s and 60s. Because of this project, I fell in love with this town and its history. I hope that in following in the footsteps of these sailors who considered Villefranche and the surrounding area their second home, that you will fall in love as well.

To begin our journey, locate the sign for Maeterlinck Boulevard. If you take the bus, you’ll get off at the stop with the same name.

If you come from Nice, you’ll find yourself on the sidewalk closest to the sea. If you come from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu, or Menton for example, you’ll have to cross the street.

Use the landmarks on the Maps app on your phone or your GPS to make sure you’re in the right spot. And don’t forget to peruse the photos on your tablet or smartphone as we explore.