St. Paul de Vence: artists' village in Provence – holidays in the South of France

A village full of history and character

St. Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval villages in Provence – Côte d'Azur. The city walls were built in the 16th century by order of King Francis I, and today they form one of the best-preserved fortresses in the region. As soon as you walk through the stone city gate (Porte Royale), you will experience this for yourself.
Within the walls, narrow streets wind their way, paved with round cobblestones that glisten in the sun. Old houses with blue shutters, climbing plants and fragrant lavender frame your walk. On warm days, the gentle splashing of the fountain can be heard in the village square, the Place de la Grande Fontaine, while local residents do their daily shopping or chat in the shade. The main street, the Rue Grande, is the lively heart of the village. Here you will find numerous small shops, art galleries and boutiques. Most of the shops are located on this street, where artists and craftsmen proudly display their work: from ceramics and jewellery to paintings and olive oil.

Artists' village with a legendary reputation

St. Paul de Vence is known worldwide as an artists' village. More than a hundred years ago, artists, writers and actors came to St. Paul de Vence, attracted by the special light, the tranquillity, the hospitable atmosphere and the beautiful view over the valley.
Marc Chagall was one of the most famous residents. He lived here for almost twenty years and is buried in the village cemetery. Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger were also regular visitors, as were film stars such as Yves Montand and Simone Signoret.
Their presence has shaped St. Paul de Vence into what it is today: a place where art and everyday life come together. You will still find modern and classic art in the many galleries in the Rue Grande and on the squares.
The Maeght Foundation, one of the most important modern art museums in France, is located just outside the village. This museum, surrounded by pine trees and sculptures, displays works by Chagall, Miró, Giacometti, and Braque. It is an absolute must for art lovers.

Things to do in St. Paul de Vence

In addition to its many galleries, St. Paul de Vence offers  a number of historical and cultural highlights that are worth visiting:

• Eglise Collégiale de la Conversion de Saint-Paul – the village church with frescoes and works of art from the 16th century.
  
  
• Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs – also known as the Chapelle Folon, with beautiful stained-glass windows and modern mosaics.
  
  
• Place du Jeu de Boules – a cozy square where the locals play pétanque, with the iconic restaurant La Colombe d'Or in the background.
  
  
• Fondation Maeght – museum of modern art, a five-minute walk outside the city walls.
  
  
• The city walls– stroll along the city walls for a panoramic view of Provence and the Mediterranean coast.

Five Popular Restaurants in St. Paul de Vence

1. La Colombe d'Or – well-known restaurant where Picasso and Chagall once sat at the table. The walls are covered with original works of art.
   
   
2. Le Tilleul – lively terrace with a view over the valley and a menu full of Provencal dishes.
   
   
3. Restaurant Alain Llorca – a Michelin-starred restaurant just outside the village, with Mediterranean flavours and sea views.
   
   
4. Café de la Place – ideal spot for a light lunch or glass of rosé while watching the pétanque players.
   
   
5. Dolce Italia – cozy trattoria with pastas and pizzas, popular with families.
   
   Popular dishes in the village include salade niçoise, ratatouille, grilled fish from the Mediterranean Sea, and of course local cheeses with a glass of wine from Provence.

Practical tips for your visit

• Visit the village early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the cobbled streets are charming but sometimes slippery.
• Reserve a table in popular restaurants in advance, especially when visiting in July or August.
• Bring your camera – the light and views are spectacular.
• Combine your visit with a day on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea or a walk through the surrounding hills.

Events and festivities

St. Paul de Vence is lively all year round, but the village is especially vibrant in summer. On the 14th of July, a French national holiday (Fête Nationale), there are celebrations in the streets, houses decorated with flags and a large fireworks display. In August, the Festival de Musique de Saint-Paul takes place, an open-air classical music festival. In addition, there are various art markets and culinary events in the spring and autumn and French national holidays are also celebrated. Those who stay in a holiday home in Provence or a luxury holiday home in the south of France around this time  will experience the village at its liveliest.
For nature lovers,  this is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the South of France  and can be ideally combined with a stay in a holiday villa in Provence – Côte d'Azur.

Hiking and cycling in the area

The surroundings of St. Paul de Vence are ideal for active holidays. Walking routes depart from the village through the rolling countryside, past olive groves and lavender fields. Cyclists can head towards Vence, La Colle-sur-Loup or Tourrettes-sur-Loup, where they can enjoy magnificent views of the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Paul de Vence

1. Where exactly is St. Paul de Vence located?
The village is located between Nice and Vence, about 15 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea.

2. How much time do you need for a visit?
On average, half a day to a day, depending on whether you also want to visit the Fondation Maeght.

3. What makes St. Paul de Vence so special?
The combination of art, Provencal atmosphere, gastronomy and the view over the sea and hills.

4. Is the village easily accessible?
Yes, take the A8 motorway towards Nice or Antibes; you can park just outside the city walls.

5. When is the best time to travel?
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.