Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice – top things to do in one day is the fifth part of the article South of France itinerary 12 days in Provence and the French Riviera
Is Saint-Paul-de-Vence worth visiting?
If you are in the area of Nice you definitely have to include Saint-Paul-de-Vence in your South of France itinerary. The charming small town is one of the oldest cities on the French Riviera and one of the favorite places to walk in the region. Over the years, it has been home to various artists and writers, which increases its popularity among artistic circles. The picturesque views that unfold, the proximity to the resorts of the Cote d’Azur, art workshops and galleries make a favorite place to visit for tourists, both local and foreign.
You won’t find peace and quiet here, and be prepared for crowds, especially in the summer season. Nevertheless, the beautiful town with houses from the 16th – 18th centuries is definitely worth a visit.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice – how do we get there?
The picturesque small town is located in the south of France in Provence, just 19 km from Nice and not far from Antibes and Grasse and it is not difficult to organize a day trip.
How to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice?
- By rent-a-car. Near the entrance to the old town, there is a 7-story underground paid parking lot where you can leave your car.
- By bus. You can take bus 400 from Parc Phoenix Station in Nice. Timetable and ticket prices of the line.
- By train + bus from Gare de Nice Ville
- By bike or scooter
- By Uber or taxi
Top things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in just a day
See more:
How to spend 4 days in 10 villages and towns near Nice France
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Visit the medieval town
Allow yourself to get lost in the charming narrow streets of the medieval town. Stone streets, stone houses covered with flowers will take you back in time. Look down. The pavers are arranged in the shapes of different flowers and birds.
Visit the galleries
The heyday of Saint-Paul-de-Vence came at the beginning of the 20th century, when Parisian artists came here to work. Among them are Marc Chagall who spent the last years of his life here and is buried in St. Paul de Vence), Paul Signac, Modigliani and many others.
Many artists are currently opening galleries here. In the town you will find numerous galleries for traditional and contemporary art.
The Peyra fountain
The large fountain was built in 1850. It is the starting point for the narrow streets that surround the Place Eglise. And once
you’ve explored the center of the village, you can follow the fortifications along the north and south sides of the village with far-reaching views in both directions, across vineyards and all the way to the Mediterranean.
The fountains of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Тhe old fountains are typical of the medieval town. You will find dozens of them – big, small, picturesque, simple.
The Eglise Square
Following the stairs to the right of the Peyra Fountain, you reach the Place Eglise. It is a beautiful square with a 12th-century tower, the town hall of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the baroque chapel of the White Penitents and the Collegiate church with its origins in the 13th century.
The Esperon Tower
The 12th-century Esperon Tower was once used as a gunpowder store and prison.
The Chapel of the White Penitents
The chapel dates from the 17th century. The walls are decorated by the local artist Jean-Michel Fallon.
The house of the poet Jacques Prevert
The poet spent part of his life in this house. It is not open to visitors.
The hidden restaurants
The hidden restaurants are charming designed in typically Provençal style. Away from the crowds, here you will find delicious food in the midst of silence, tranquility and an abundance of greenery.
The perfumeries
The region of Provence is popular with perfume production. Enter one of the perfumeries and buy an original French perfume.
Visit the nougat shops
Try the nougat of Provence. Arranged on the windows with taste, it looks very appetizing.
History of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
After the Roman Empire fell, it could no longer protect the coastal settlements from the constant raids of the Saracens. Unable to withstand their attacks, in the 7th century the local inhabitants retreated from the coast inland and began to build fortified towns in the mountains – the so-called village perche, or “stone nests”. Saint-Paul-de-Vence becomes one of these nests. In 1538, by order of Francis I, the fortified city was surrounded by a wall.
The heyday of Saint Paul de Vence came at the beginning of the 20th century, when Parisian artists came here to work. The new arrivals stayed at the Hotel Le Robinson (now La Colombe D’Or – The Golden Dove) and often lacking finances, they paid with their work. So now on the walls of the hotel you can see the works of cult artists of that time, and there are so many of them that the exposition often changes.
The place is also popular among the writers Jacques Préver, Jean-Paul Sartre, Andre Gide, Jean Cocteau. Later, the town became popular among world cinema stars.
What to visit in the Saint-Paul-de-Vence area?
See more:
How to spend 4 days in 10 villages and towns near Nice France
- You can combine your visit to Saint Paul de Vence with a visit to the Château-musée Grimaldi and the Musée Renoir.
- A day trip to Saint Paul de Vence, Antibes and Cannes from Nice
- A day trip to the medieval villages of Grasse, Gourdon, Saint Paul de Vance from Nice
- Full day tour of the most beautiful villages of Provence
- Saint Paul and Antibes with wine tasting
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