Fountain Peyra adorns the Porte du Peyra

There are five city gates leading into Vence’s medieval town and its sights. The oldest and most impressive is the Porte du Peyrawhich dates back to the 14th century. Through this city gate you enter the charming square Place du Peyra.

Idyllic location on Place du Peyra

It is the city’s most idyllic square and here stands the beautiful urn-shaped fountain Peyra, which originates from 1822, probably the most photographed subject i Vence.

The first Peyra-fountain dates back to 1439 and was the work of Ribellin. The current Peyra-fountain, or the high fountain (Haute Fontaine) as it is also called, was created in 1822 by the architect Étienne Goby.

The Foux spring provides the good water

The water comes from Fouxsource, which is really good and drinkable water. It is rich in minerals and is wonderfully refreshing. This spring has supplied water to Vence since Roman times.

Until 1886, Fountain Peyra – “the high” – and Fountain Basse – “the low fountain” in Place Antony Mars, were the only two fountains that supplied the inhabitants of Vence with drinking water.

Vence has more than 20 fountains

Today there are more than 20 fountains located around the city and every year in May, the fountains are celebrated with floral decorations in what is called “Fête des fontaines”

By Tommy Sverre – 2022