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Saint Paul de Vence village

2 Rue Grande, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a village situated atop a hill, a few kms inland from Cagnes-sur-Mer (between Nice and Antibes). It was created around the X-XII centuries and was ruled by the Counts of Provence before joining the County of Savoy in 1388. The village is known as one of Provence's most beautiful and for having been the residence of famous artists such as Marc Chagall (buried there), Matisse, Modigliani, Jacques Prévert, Simone Signoret or Jean Giono. Highlights include the 16th century city walls, the the Sainte-Croix Chapel, the Collegial Church of the Conversion-de-Saint-Paul, the Maeght foundation (a contemporary art museum), and La Colombe d’or inn where many artists have stayed and which houses some of their artwork.

Access & Transport

The village is 6km from the coastline of Cagnes-sur-Mer, in the "arrière-pays" (hinterland) and 20km west from Nice city centre. It is also 16km north of Antibes.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest travellers to visit the Fondation Maeght museum and have lunch in the village. The Renoir Museum is also nearby in Cagnes sur Mer.

Meta review

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is regularly featured in travel magazines covering Provence and the greater Nice area. Visitors there seem to enjoy the village setting, its narrow streets and several of its attractions such as the Fondation Maeght and the Chapelle des Penitents blancs. The museum is popular for its Giacometti and Miro works with some larger statues located outdoor, which makes for a very pleasant experience. The main drawback is the expensive entrance price. The chapel gets excellent reviews for its mosaics and Folon paintings.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Helps preserve the region's architectural and cultural heritage and brings some economic influx to the village; although that comes with a degree of over-commercialization

Conclusion

Saint Paul de Vence is the quintessential "perched village" of south-eastern France: it has a beautiful setting, narrow medieval streets, a mix of religious buildings, city walls and great food. The only time when you should think twice about visiting is from mid-July to end August as it can feel a bit like a tourist trap then.

Key positive

Mix of cultural activities and countryside charm

Short drive away from Nice, Antibes or even Cannes

Key negative

Can feel overly touristy

Suitability

Most of the village, but not all streets, are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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