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Villeneuve Loubet, Alpes-Maritimes
Coastal resort with a lovely Medieval village
| Updated 30 September 2016 30/09/2016
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet is a delightful area split into two parts - a seaside resort with plenty of outdoor activities and a fascinating old town.
The best way to discover the old village is to take a bus or leave your car in the large "Plans" car park and walk along the river. Starting at the mouth of the Loup (meaning "wolf") river it is a short stroll to the old town of Villeneuve-Loubet. It is interlaced with pretty lanes which open up into characterful squares with art galleries and cafes. There is a 13th century castle with a cobbled courtyard and ramparts & walls to explore. The village itself was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office, call in to ask for details. It provides a welcome respite from the busy coastal resorts.
The beach resort of Villeneuve Loubet Plage is dominated by the purpose built, 1500 bed apartment block which is supposed to resemble three large white waves rolling in from the sea. At 70 metres high, they dominate the horizon and certainly draw your attention. Whilst they may not be to everyone's taste, the architect has created that rare apartment block where every flat has a terrace and a view.
History & Culture in Villeneuve Loubet
The main events in history occurred during the 20th century with the town being one of many important battle sites during World War II. it was liberated by the First Special Service Force on August 26, 1944. The tower of the castle was damaged by a shell fired by the US Navy, and dozens of soldiers from both sides were killed or wounded. In 2006, the bodies of fourteen Germans who were killed during the fighting were discovered in a mass grave near the town by a local medical student.
Villeneuve-Loubet is also the birthplace of the famous 19th century Provencal chef and father of "haute-cuisine", Auguste Escoffier, The Musée de l'Arte Culinaire documents his career, with exhibits including his menus and recipes, as well as old cooking implements and kitchen devices.
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Sights & Attractions in Villeneuve Loubet
The old town's history is fascinating- it was a battle site of WWII and was liberated by the First Special Service Force on August 26, 1944 after the US Navy had shelled the tower. In 2006, the bodies of fourteen Germans who were killed during the fighting were discovered in a mass grave near the town by a local medical student. The old village was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office. Villeneuve-Loubet is also the birthplace of the famous 19th century Provencal chef and father of "haute-cuisine", Auguste Escoffier, The Musée de l'Arte Culinaire documents his career.
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Beaches in Villeneuve Loubet
"Plages" means beaches and Villeneuve-Loubet is fringed by 4km of beaches, all of which hold the Blue Flag award for cleanliness. There are 3 main beaches, where you can try all sorts of watersports, as well as a marina where you can hire boats. The port area has many good restaurants and all the beaches have restaurants and snack bars. There are facilities for disabled swimmers and even, that rarest of pleasures on the Riviera… a sandy beach! Particularly good for families is the "Plage des Kids" which is equipped with table tennis, mini-golf and other entertainments.
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Events in Villeneuve Loubet
It is a bustling town with plenty of interesting events on - check out our events calendar to see what is on while you're there!
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Things to Do in Villeneuve Loubet
As well as the beaches there are also a number of parks, most notably the Parc du Vaugrenier, a large woodland area that is home to many wild animals and Mediterranean plants as well as Roman archaeological excavations, walking paths and a childrens playground. Entry is free of charge and it is open year-round.
Villeneuve-Loubet is a great base for action-lovers, as well as being a starting point for many hikes and bike rides there are also a number of adventure parks in the area where you can test your head for heights by navigating the forest via ropes and bridges. Try Canyon Forest at the Parc Rives des Loup for courses to suit all ages.
The Golfe de Villeneuve-Loubet has undergone recent upgrades, and has a 9-hole course, restaurant, putting green, driving range, and proshop. It's not the most glamorous club on the Riviera (for those see our golfing section) but it is affordable and accessible.
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Dining in Villeneuve Loubet
There's a nice selection of restaurants in the marina and along the beachfront offering great sea views. La Flibuste-Martin is the Michelin Guide's choice for an elegant seafood meal, while the pizzas at Pizzati are very popular. In the old town L'Auberge Fleurie is a lovely and well-priced place for lunch, or head to Au Garcon Boucher for very good, honest French food- this place is packed with locals.
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Where to Stay in Villeneuve Loubet
The hotel accommodation here tends to be on the budget side. Neighbouring Cagnes sur Mer has a better selection of boutique style places to stay.
Where to Stay in Antibes
​Access to Villeneuve-Loubet from Nice is very easy; either hop on the train, take the bus or hire a bike and follow the green cycle path all the way from the Promenade des Anglais, it's flat and is an easy hour-long ride.
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