Villeneuve Loubet, Alpes-Maritimes

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.

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.

“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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

​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.