La Baleine Joyeuse

OK.
Paid 5.10 € for two colas. Cozy little spot by the water that only serves food at certain times.
Not in a touristy area so if you’re looking for life happening around you then go to the other side of the citadale. If you want to sip a coffee and be away from people go here.

Four stars for the food and prices. The name means «the happy whale.». This is not your typical Villefranche restaurant. This is the local’s lunch spot and it’s packed by 12:30. The food is good and the prices the best in the town. Our local friend told us about it and we were not disappointed. I had the grilled salmon for 13 € and my wife’s ham and cheese omelette for 9 € were well priced. My large beer was 5 € and she had 50cl of wine for 7.50 €. That’s a big pour! The locals ordered a glass of ice and dropped a cube in their rose wine (the local favorite).
It’s a bit of a walk, maybe 10 minutes, but fun. From the citadel parking lot «Wilson» take the road that hugs around behind the citadel to the old port called Darse. It’s at the end of the walkway at the old port. You won’t miss it.