In 1886, six kilometers east of Nice, a Russian marine biological station was founded, belonging to the Kiev University of Saint Vladimir. Its history began with the transfer of a former Sardinian penal colony building to the Russian fleet in the 1850s. Initially, it stored coal for fueling military ships, and later a scientific station was organized.

A significant contribution to the development of the station was made by the renowned zoologist Alexei Alexeevich Korotnev, who was also its director. The main focus was on studying marine flora and fauna. The station had a small museum, a garden, guest rooms, and the yacht 'Velella' for research. Funding was provided by a state subsidy of 9600 rubles per year. The station actively accepted students for internships in marine biology, which distinguished it from other research centers. It was well-equipped and held a good reputation, always attracting Russian scientists and laboratory assistants.

After the October Revolution, funding ceased, but the station continued to operate under the leadership of Professor Davydov. A special committee was created to raise funds, which secured a loan from the Czech Academy of Sciences. The Belgrade and Krakow Academies also provided support. Work continued until 1932, when one of the staff transferred the station to the University of Paris without the committee's and scientists' consent. Protests were ineffective, and Grigory Semyonovich Tregubov was appointed as the director from the French side. From that moment on, the station became inaccessible to Russian zoologists. Professor Mikhail Mikhailovich Novikov noted that the Russian emigration lost an institution created and managed by Russians for over forty years.

Currently, the station is known as the 'Oceanological Observatory of Villefranche.'