Bonjour! Welcome to Saint Paul de Vence, one of the most authentic and well-preserved medieval villages on Cote d’Azur which seems to be frozen in time. By many, it’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in the region! Saint Paul de Vence is a fairy-tale place where you’ll find winding picturesque streets, cozy squares, hidden corners, tall stone houses, small art galleries, craft shops, and great views. Come, let us show you things to do in the village of Saint Paul de Vence, France.
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Saint Paul de Vence, France FAQ
Saint Paul de Vence is located inland in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in the Alpes-Maritimes department in Southeastern France. It sits on a hill at an altitude of approximately 300m a.s.l. The village is just a short drive from popular places like Nice, Antibes, Cannes or Eze.
Sure thing! Saint Paul de Vence is a captivating medieval village that offers a fascinating insight into how life might have looked hundreds of years ago. You might not find dozens of things to do in the village but even so, a visit to Saint Paul de Vence shouldn’t be missed. After all, it’s not without reason that it became one of the most popular destinations on Cote d’Azur!
Saint Paul de Vence is best known for being a pretty, charming, and well-preserved medieval hilltop village in the French Riviera. Since the 1920s’ it has also been a very strong magnet for countless artists and art lovers like Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, or Folon. They couldn’t resist its charm too! The village is also known for being home to Fondation Maeght, one of the world-leading cultural institutions.
Saint Paul de Vence is a perfect destination for a day trip. In just a few hours you’ll be able to visit all the places in the village, eat dinner, and walk around the ramparts. But if you want to soak into the medieval vibe for a little longer you can choose to stay for a night or two.
It’s always a good time to visit Saint Paul de Vence! The village is beautiful all year round, and you’ll get a different experience each season. We recommend visiting during the low season, from October to April – during that time you’ll be able to enjoy Saint Paul de Vence without hordes of tourists. During the high season, the village can get pretty busy, so to avoid crowds be sure to arrive early in the morning.
The closest beaches to Saint Paul de Vence village are located in Cagnes-sur-Mer, about 10km away.
Short history of Saint Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence’s history goes back hundreds of years. Thanks to its location on a hill it was considered a safer place to live so over the centuries it was gradually populated and developed. In the Middle Ages, the Counts of Provence granted several privileges to the village. In the 14th century, it became the county town of a bigger district and its strategic position was noticed – ramparts were erected and Saint Paul became an important border stronghold.
Later, in the 16th century, the village defenses were strengthened. In the 17th century, the village church was raised to the rank of a collegiate church and was decorated with magnificent altarpieces and furnishings. Saint Paul continued to play its important military role until the 18th century. In the 19th century, the hills around the village were covered with flowers, vines, and olive trees.
In the 20th century, at the beginning of the 1920s to be exact, Saint Paul de Vence started to become a popular spot for artists. Paul Signac, Raoul Dufy, Chaïm Soutine, Paul Roux, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Jacques Prévert, James Baldwin… And many more followed in their footsteps. Some only passed through, others decided to settle. All that contributed to transforming the village into a hub of the arts and culture.
Things to do in Saint Paul de Vence, France
Saint Paul de Vence village streets
Saint Paul de Vence is a tiny medieval village and you don’t need a map to explore it. Just let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the maze of cobblestone winding streets and soon you’ll discover every corner. Stone houses tightly built together, cozy squares, vaulted passageways, art galleries, craft shops, restaurants, and magnificent views of the surroundings… All of that is waiting for you in Saint Paul de Vence. Oh, and there are almost no cars or even scooters inside! Especially in the heart of the village.
Among Saint Paul de Vence village streets you’ll find points of interest like ramparts, two gates: Porte de Nice and Porte de Vence, a 17th-century fountain, Saint Paul Collegiate Church, Chapel of the White Penitents, a cemetery with Marc Chagall’s Grave, and world-renowned hotel and restaurant – La Colombe d’Or located on Place De Gaulle. The largest number of art galleries is located on Rue Grande.
Saint Paul de Vence Tourist Office is located within the village walls, right next to Porte de Vance gate in Rue Grande.
Travel tip. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, they will make exploring Saint Paul de Vence much easier.
Discover: Accommodation options in Saint Paul de Vence
Fountain of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
In the heart of the village, in the middle of Rue Grande, you’ll find a beautiful fountain. It was first built in the 17th century and later redesigned in 1850. It stands on the former market square which has always been one of the busiest spots in the village, a place where locals headed to fetch water, do the laundry in a vaulted washhouse, and water the animals. The Fountain of Saint Paul de-Vence has been classified as a Historic Monument. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most iconic spots in the village.
Saint Paul Collegiate Church
Saint Paul Collegiate Church (fr. Collégiale Saint Paul) is located at the highest point of the village on Place de l’Église, right next to the remains of the former castle (now Town Hall). Its construction lasted from the 14th to 18th century, thanks to which the church features a blend of various architectural styles. In 1666 it was raised to the status of a Collegiate Church, and soon after various improvements, and artworks were added. Today, the main attraction is the chapel dedicated to Saint Clement which houses relics from catacombs in Rome. Saint Paul Collegiate Church has been classified as a Historic Monument. Entrance is free.
Book now: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Cannes & Gourdon Small Group Day Trip from Nice
Folon Chapel
Folon Chapel, or Chapel of the White Penitents, is a 17th-century chapel located just a few steps from Saint Paul Collegiate Church. It was restored in the early 2000s and then entirely redecorated by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. It was the last project he worked on before he died in 2005. Nowadays, you can explore this unique place with very impressive works of art.
Entrance to Folon Chapel costs €3 for a normal ticket and is free for children under 12 years old (April 2024). Guided tours are available on request. For current prices and opening hours visit saint-pauldevence.com website. The ticket includes entry to the Museum of Local History.
Museum of Local History
If you decide to visit Folon Chapel, you can also take a look at the Museum of Local History (fr. Musée d’Histoire Locale) afterward as the entrance is included with the ticket. It’s located in a traditional stone house opposite the chapel. Inside you’ll find wax models of the characters from Saint-Paul de Vence’s history, all dressed in period costumes showcasing the village’s past. All created by the famous Grévin Museum in Paris.
Ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence
Village ramparts date back to the 16th century, forming a 1km long perimeter around the village. King François I ordered the construction to strengthen village defenses. Since then, they have undergone only slight modifications and remained almost intact. An interesting fact is that dozens of houses had to be demolished and almost 450 inhabitants were forced to leave to build fortifications. Ramparts were listed as a Historical Monument in 1945.
Nowadays you can admire ramparts from the outside during a short, about 30-minute, walk. Village prepared a guided path that stretches from Porte de Nice to Porte de Vence. Thanks to the info-panels you’ll learn not only about military history but also about the landscapes and agriculture. During the walk, you’ll also be able to admire amazing views over the countryside, mountains and the coast. Near Porte de Nice gates, you’ll find a dedicated viewpoint on the ramparts.
Book now: The Best of the French Riviera Full Day Tour
La Colombe d’Or
Nowadays, La Colombe d’Or is a legendary hotel and restaurant. In the past, it was a place where great artists (like Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Léger, or Folon) liked dining and even living. Apparently, they could do that for free in exchange for paintings as the owner, Paul Roux, was an art collector. Restaurant walls are still adorned with their paintings! If you wish to dine there, remember to book in advance, as you can imagine La Colombe d’Or is very popular!
La Colombe d’Or is located on a Place du Général de Gaulle square, a place where the villagers like to gather, play pétanque games, or just drink a coffee in Café de la Place.
Saint Paul de Vence Cemetery
The village cemetery is located just outside Porte de Nice gate. It became famous thanks to the fact that the famous painter Marc Chagall’s grave is located there. And by the look at it, we can say that it looks like he has many fans! From the cemetery, you can also admire nice views of the surrounding areas.
Saint Paul de Vence viewpoints
For nice views over Saint Paul de Vence perched village, head down either to Route de la Colle or Route des Serres. These are two parallel streets so it doesn’t matter which one you choose (we prefer Route de la Colle as it’s located slightly higher). They are located only about 5 minutes on foot from Porte de Vence gate.
Fondation Maeght
Fondation Maeght is located about 1.5km from Saint Paul de Vence’s old town. It’s the first independent art foundation in France and one of the world-leading cultural institutions. Inside you’ll find a museum and sculpture garden that houses one of the most important European collections of works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Maeght Foundation is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It’s a perfect place in Saint Paul de Vence for art lovers.
Entrance costs €16 for a normal ticket, €11 for students and children under 18 years old, and is free for children under 10 years old (April 2024). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit fondation-maeght.com website.
Book now: Eze & Saint-Paul de Vence Private Half-Day Tour
How to get to Saint Paul de Vence, France?
Saint Paul de Vence is located about 20km from Nice or Antibes, 30km from Cannes or Gourdon, and 40km from Eze. The most convenient way to get to the village is by car or by bus.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
Where to park in Saint Paul de Vence?
You can either leave your car in the closed garage – Parking Indigo, or you can try to find a spot along Route des Serres. Both options are paid, located just a few steps from the village entrance.
To Saint Paul de Vence by public transport
Your best and fastest choice will be to take a train to Cagnes-sur-Mer (possible from many nearby places like Nice, Cannes, Menton, Antibes, or Villefranche-sur-Mer) and then take a bus to Saint Paul de Vence village. You can also try to find direct bus connections. To learn more about train/bus connections that interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
To Saint Paul de Vence by taxi
The most expensive option but also available from almost every place you might be on Cote d’Azur. For example, a trip from Nice will take about 25min (€50-65) and 20min from Antibes (€45-55). To learn more about taxi connections that interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Camping Saint Paul de Vence
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping River, Camping Pinèdes, or Camping Apv Au Vallon Rouge might interest you. They are located near Saint Paul de Vence.
To Saint Paul de Vence with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options visit GetYourGuide and Viator websites.
Book now: Provence and its Medieval Villages Full-Day Tour
Things to do in Saint Paul de Vence, France – Summing up
Now you know what Saint Paul de Vence is all about and why many consider it one of the most beautiful villages on Cote d’Azur. Amazingly, until today it retained its medieval appearance almost untouched. But thanks to that we have an awesome opportunity to step back in time for a little while and try to imagine how life might have been hundreds of years ago. We are sure that Saint Paul de Vence will enchant you from the first steps.
Discover: Accommodation options in Saint Paul de Vence
Our video from Saint Paul de Vence
Our opinion about Saint Paul de Vence
For us, a visit to Saint Paul de Vence was a day trip from Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it two times – the first time in October and the second in January. In October the village was quite busy, especially after 10AM when most tourists started to arrive. But in January we were two of just a handful of people out there and exploring was a totally different experience, allowing us to feel Saint Paul de Vence’s medieval vibe even more.
We really like Saint Paul de Vence and think it’s a lovely postcard-worthy village with a great vibe. Wandering among its charming streets and taking a peek into the galleries was a pure pleasure. We totally get why it became so popular! Be sure not to miss it while on the French Riviera.
Travel tip. If you’d like to experience an even more authentic medieval village, without any touristy things, be sure to head to nearby Peillon or Sainte-Agnes.
Book now: Provence Countryside Small Group Day Trip with Grasse Perfumery
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Saint Paul de Vence?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Saint Paul de Vence:
Where to sleep in Saint Paul de Vence?
Hotel Le Saint Paul
Located in the enchanting village of Saint Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers luxurious accommodation in a historic setting. Guests can indulge in elegant rooms featuring traditional Provencal décor and modern amenities, with some rooms boasting amazing views of the surroundings. With its intimate atmosphere this hotel provides a serene retreat for discerning travelers seeking a mesmerizing French experience.
Orangerie St Paul
Located within the village, Orangerie St Paul offers charming accommodation in a tranquil setting. It features elegantly appointed room with modern amenities, overlooking the lush gardens and surroundings. Guests can unwind in the serene atmosphere, explore the cobblestone streets of the village, or visit nearby attractions.
Etoile De Saint Paul
Located in the heart of Saint Paul de Vence, Etoile De Saint Paul offers comfortable and stylish accommodation surrounded by the village's historic charm. The property features beautifully decorated suites with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while swimming in the pool, or take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets of this medieval village.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
