Rue Grande is filled with interesting art shops
Arched alleyway in Saint-Paul-de-Vece
La place de la Grande Fontaine with iconic fountain and the small wash area
Narrow cozy streets characterize the cityscape in Saint-Paul de Vence
Saint-Paul de Vence located on top of the Puy plateau surrounded by strong ramparts - ©cityxee.com
Café de la Place
Petanque at Place de Gaulle
Pétanque lessons at Place de Gaule
CityXee & Co. for lunch at Chez Andreas
One of CityXee's favorite restaurants is "Chez Andreas", located at the top of the western rampart. Here is a fabulous sunset.
Restaurant Le Tilleul
Beautiful Procençal houses at the end of Rue Grande
The start of the Henri Layet discovery trail at the cemetery
The impressive rampart along Saint-Paul
Walking along the ramparts of Saint-Paul
Discover the charm of the historic streets
Strolling through the winding streets of Saint-Paul de Vences feels like stepping into a postcard. The narrow, cobbled alleys wind past stone houses with pastel-colored shutters, small fountains and cozy, shady squares. Every corner offers new details that bear witness to the city’s rich history and Provençal charm.
A city full of life
Saint-Paul de Vence today is a vibrant and charming town where history merges with the bustle of everyday life. The Place de Gaulle is where locals and visitors meet for pétanque and a glass of pastis in the shade of the plane trees. You can also find cafés such as Café de la Place or Café de la Petite Fontaine where you can enjoy an espresso or a glass of rosé and watch life on the square.
In the small winding streets further into the city, you’ll find numerous galleries and studios where both local and international artists exhibit and sell their work. The atmosphere is buzzing with creativity and a relaxed southern French vibe.
A journey back to the Middle Ages
Porte Royale, the city’s historic gate from the 13th century, leads you directly into the old city center where you’ll quickly feel the city’s authentic atmosphere. As you pass through the gate, you step back into the Middle Ages and are greeted by a number of historical testimonies to the city’s everyday life throughout the ages, such as the old combined washhouse and fountain (La Grande Fontaine) and the town hall.
Just outside the gate you’ll find an overview map that guides you to the city’s main attractions.
Top sights in Saint-Paul de Vence
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City Gate and City Wall - Enjoy the view from the old defenses.
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Collegiale de la Conversion de Saint Paul - The beautiful church in the center of the city with decorations from the 1600s.
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Marc Chagall's grave - Visit Chagall's grave site in the small cemetery overlooking the valley.
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Place de la Grande Fontaine - The city's most photogenic corner with an old washing place and fountain.
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Fondation Maeght - An architectural gem and a must-see for art lovers.
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Place de Gaulle - The square with the iconic boules court where you can try your hand at pétanque.
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Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs - The chapel is beautifully decorated by artist Jean-Michel Folon with 1 million mosaic stones.
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See and read more about all the experiences at the end of the article.
World-class art and galleries
Art leaves its mark on Saint-Paul de Vence
Art has left its mark on Saint-Paul de Vence for more than a century. In the late 1800s and especially in the early 1900s, the village attracted artists from near and far.
Light and landscape as inspiration
It was the special light, the blossoming landscape of vines and olive trees, and the soft earthy tones of the city's architecture that created an unforgettable setting for creative expression. Painters such as Raoul Dufy, Paul Signac and Chaim Soutine were among the first artistic pioneers to find inspiration here while setting up their easels in the scenic surroundings.
The artist colony is growing
When the railroad between Nice and Vence opened in the early 1900s, it made it easier for artists and visitors to find their way to the city, which only increased its popularity. However, it was in the 1950s and 1960s that Saint-Paul de Vence really became a cultural hotspot.
A magnet for artists and stars
Picasso, Miró and Chagall - as well as film and literary stars - flocked to the city, which during this period served as an almost magical backdrop for the creative elite. Writer James Baldwin and artist Marc Chagall both had such a strong connection to Saint-Paul that they settled here for decades.
The spirit of art lives on
Today, Saint-Paul de Vence is still a vibrant art city. Throughout the small streets you'll find galleries and studios where local and international artists exhibit and sell their work.
Fondation Maeght - modern art in a class of its own
The city's identity as an art center culminates just outside the city walls at the Fondation Maeght - one of Europe's most renowned museums of modern art with works by Joan Miró, Giacometti and Calder, among others. The spirit of art is still present and can be felt in every corner of the city.
History of the city
The history of Saint-Paul de Vence - from antiquity to the heyday of art
Saint-Paul de Vence has a long and rich history that spans millennia and has shaped the city into the historical and cultural center it is today.
Settlements since antiquity
The area around the Puy plateau has been inhabited since antiquity. Already in the early Middle Ages, a community grew up around the church of Saint-Michel, which was located where the cemetery is now located outside the city walls.
Strategic fortress city in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Saint-Paul de Vence grew in importance and began to take shape as the fortified city we know today. When the county of Nice decided to break with Provence and join the Duchy of Savoy in 1388, the city took on a new strategic role as a border town.
To protect against attacks, impressive defenses were built in the 16th century. Under King François I in 1538, the ramparts and bastions of the city were reinforced according to the latest military standards of the time, designed by the famous engineer Jean de Saint-Rémy. The solid bastions with orillions protected the two city gates and created a strong fortress on the steep sides of the city.
Religious revival and Baroque influences
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the city experienced a religious revival, especially thanks to the Bishop of Vence, Antoine Godeau. He elevated the church to collegiate status in 1666, and it was during this period that the church was expanded and decorated with Baroque altarpieces and sumptuous paintings.
At the same time, the city retained its military function and even the famous engineer Vauban, responsible for France's fortifications, inspected Saint-Paul de Vence's walls in both 1693 and 1700.
From defense to sanctuary of art
After serving as a strategic defense town for centuries, Saint-Paul de Vence changed character in the 20th century. Its well-preserved medieval character, ancient walls and picturesque landscape began to attract artists from all over Europe in the late 19th century. This development laid the foundation for the city's current reputation as an artistic city and cultural center on the Côte d'Azur.
Dining with views and local flavor
Dining outdoors - gastronomy in a class of its own
Saint-Paul de Vence is not only known for its art, but also for its gastronomy. The city offers a wealth of restaurants where you can enjoy the best of southern French cuisine al fresco in a charming setting.
One of the most famous places is La Colombe d'Orwhere legendary artists like Picasso and Matisse used to dine and trade their work for meals. Classic Mediterranean dishes are served in a garden filled with artwork and history.
On Sabaï Sabaï you'll find an intimate environment and well-prepared dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, while Le Tilleul, located by a shaded square, offers both local specialties and international dishes in an informal atmosphere.
Chez Andreas (one of CITYXEE's favorites) is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. It serves authentic Italian-French cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients - from homemade pasta to tasty risottos. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and cozy terrace overlooking the valley with a stunning sunset.
For fine dining with a view, this is Les Remparts is an obvious choice. The restaurant offers modern Mediterranean cuisine with refined dishes and panoramic views of the valley.
Wherever you choose to settle, gastronomy and atmosphere go hand in hand in Saint-Paul de Vence.
Shopping and local specialties
The shops in Saint-Paul de Vence are a paradise for those who love unique finds. You'll find everything from small art galleries to shops selling local delicacies such as honey, olive oil, lavender products and handmade ceramics. You can also visit wine shops with wines from Provence or specialty shops with perfumes and soaps from nearby Grasse.
Hiking in nature and the surrounding area
Saint-Paul de Vence is surrounded by a beautiful and varied landscape that invites you for short walks or longer hikes in the Provencal hills.
Path along the ramparts with historical insights
One of the most accessible nature experiences is the enlightening path along the west side of the city ramparts. The trail starts either at the cemetery where Marc Chagall is buried or from Place Neuve just outside Porte Royale. It takes you along the city walls and allows you to experience Saint-Paul from new angles while enjoying the view of the valley. Along the way, there are small panels explaining the nature, history and culture of the area, making it an educational experience.
Hike to Vence through the forest landscape
If you want to explore more of the area on foot, you can follow The Saint-Paul à Vence hike - a short and easy hiking route that takes you through a wooded area directly to the neighboring town of Vence. The walk lasts approximately 45 minutes and follows quiet paths with shady trees and small clearings where you can take a break and enjoy the views of the hinterland.
More routes and bike rides in the hinterland
In addition, there are longer routes to other nearby villages such as La Colle-sur-Loup or up into the hills behind the coast. The area is also popular with cyclists seeking quiet roads through vineyards and wooded areas - all just a short drive from the lively Riviera coastline.
Excursions in Saint-Paul de Vence
Visit Saint-Paul de Vence, Antibes and Cannes
Discover the timeless beauty of the French Riviera with a private luxury tour tailor-made for you. Discover the charm of historic villages, coastal elegance and cinematic glamor on these carefully curated journeys from Nice. Whether you're a history buff, wine enthusiast, art lover or simply seeking unforgettable moments, these tours have something for everyone.
Read more about the tour - Saint-Paul de Vence, Antibes and Cannes Private Tour
Read more about the tour Half-day wine tasting and Saint-Paul de Vence tour from Nice
How to get to Saint-Paul de Vence
Saint-Paul de Vence is approximately 20 km from Nice and 15 km from Antibes. You can easily get there by car via the A8 highway and follow the road to Vence. There is paid parking just outside the city walls.
There are also buses from Nice (line 09) that stop close to the city gate. You can use the Rome2Rio app to see bus connections on the Côte d’zur.
The city is best suited for a day trip or an overnight stay if you want to experience the quieter atmosphere in the evening when most day trippers have gone home.
3 nearby cities
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Vence – A large medieval town with pleasant squares, art galleries and Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire (4 km).
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Tourrettes-sur-Loup – A charming mountain village known for violets, handicrafts and quaint streets with local cafés and small shops (7 km).
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Cagnes-sur-Mer – Coastal town with seafront promenade, the old town of Haut-de-Cagnes and Château Grimaldi (8 km).
By Tommy Sverre- updated 2025
Facts
Inhabitants: approx. 3.300
Altitude: 180 m
Airport: 13 km
Beach: 8 km
Nice: 19 km
Cities close by:
Vence 4 km
La Colle-sur-Loup 4 km
Villeneuve-Loubet 6 km
Cagnes-sur-Mer 7 km
Tourettes-sur-Loup 10 km
