Rade de Villefranche is entered between Pointe des Sans Culottes, the SE extremity of the Mont Boron promontory, and Pointe Malalongue, the SW extremity of Cap Ferrat, 1 mile SE. The bay extends N for 1.5 miles and offers sheltered anchorage to vessels of any size. It is used by vessels that cannot enter Nice.
The W coast of the bay is dominated by the promontory of Mont Boron. The E coast is formed by the rugged and moderately- elevated promontory of Cap Ferrat.
Cap Ferrat Light is shown from a structure, 32m high, standing close N of Pointe Malalongue. A large hotel, very prominent from seaward, stands 0.2 mile E of the light. A prominent signal station surmounts the summit of Cap Ferrat, which is 138m high and stands 0.5 mile N of Point Malalongue.
Anse de l'Espalmador, at the E side of the bay, offers shelter from E winds.
Caution
Speed is limited to 5 knots within an area which extends 1 mile S from the head of the bay.
Anchoring, fishing, and diving prohibited areas, the limits of which are shown on the chart, lie in the vicinity of Pointe des Sans Cullottes; in the vicinity of the shore, close NNW of Pointe Malalongue; and SW of Cap Ferrat. They extend up to 1.5 miles seaward.
This bay may sometimes be used by sea planes fighting forest fires.
Superbe rade et bon abri sauf par Sud-Ouest.
