Hike to Saint-Paul de Vence

This hike to Saint-Paul de Vence from the center of Vence is neither too long nor too strenuous, but rather beautiful and cozy.

Tour Description – Walking Tour to Saint-Paul

The hike to Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a relatively easy 3.2 km walk, which goes through a small wooded area along the south side of the main road to the city. On the way, you pass the beautiful St Elisabeth Chapel as well as the small Malvan River, which flows on down towards Saint-Paul-de-Vence and flows out to the coast of Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Length: 3,2 km
Difficulty degree: Light
Time spent: 1 hour excluding breaks
Elevation: +/- 178 m

Tour start

The tour starts at the Media Center in Vence, on Avenue Colonel Meyere. Just across from the library, there is a water source with delicious fresh water from the Foux spring, where you can supply water before take-off. The local fountains actually get their water from this source and it is also served at certain restaurants in the city.

Then follow Avenue Colonel Meyere south and after 650 m. head left along Chemin de la Pouiraque.

Sankt Elisabeth kapellet ved den gamle vej til Saint-Paul de Vence — *The small beautiful Sainte Elisabeth Chapel is right where the old road to Saint-Paul-de-Vence begins – ©cityxee.com*

Saint-Elisabeth Chapel

Follow Chemin de la Pouiraque until you reach the beautiful little chapel of Saint-Elisabeth.

Be sure to take a look into the chapel and enjoy the beautiful frescoes by Giovanni Canavesio.

Then turn right along the old road to Saint-Paul, ancien chemin de Saint-Paul. It goes very steeply down towards the main road – Avenue Emilie Huges. On the way down you can see the destination in the distance – Saint Paul de Vence.

On the opposite side of the main road, Avenue Emile Hugues, 40 meters to the left, continues ancien chemin de Saint-Paul.

Vandreskilt med stien til Saint-Paul de Vence — *The path to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Avenue Emilie Hugues – ©cityxee.com*

Here there is a walking sign showing the path of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Follow the road that continues to go steeply downwards towards the Malvan River, where the forest trail begins.

Follow the road until you get to a waterworks. On the left side of the road becomes an almost hidden path. There are no signs, but that’s the path to follow. From here, you quickly reach the small bridge that crosses the Malvan River.

Stien kan man ane i græsset til venstre for vejen. Den leder videre ind i skoven og Malvan floden. — *The path can be noticed in the grass to the left of the road. It leads further into the forest and across the Malvan River – ©cityxee.com*

The walk through the forest

Walk across the bridge, turn left and now follow the forest path about 1 km. It starts to go up a little bit at the end, against Saint-Paul. The path ends at the road, route de Vence. There is also a small source of water where fresh spring water can be supplied. Then follow the road to the left and immediately you’ll be at Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Den hyggelige skovsti fra Vence til Saint-Paul de Vence - ©cityxee.com — *The cozy forest path from Vence to Saint-Paul-de-Vence – ©cityxee.com*

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a gem in the countryside

The artist town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence impresses from the first visit. It is VERY visited during the holiday season, so it is recommended to visit Saint-Paul out of season.

la Grande Fontaine Saint-Paul de Vence — *The charming square with the famous La Grande Fontaine from 1850 – ©cityxee.com*

For example, a cozy pit stop can be at café Le Fromager, where you can enjoy the warmth of the sun, either under the umbrella or directly in the sun, if you visit the city during the outlying seasons. Le Fromager is also one of the eateries open during the outlying seasons, many of which are otherwise closed.

By Mette Fink – 2021

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Hike to Saint-Paul de Vence