All about Vence

Vence is perfect located

Vence is also a modern city full of culture, art and history that goes back more than 2000 years.

Here you will find clear traces of the Romans, a medieval town with France’s smallest cathedral and works of art by Henri Matisse, which attract tourists from all over the world and many other interesting things.

As Vence is not a very large city, much of the inhabitants’ everyday life and interesting experiences are concentrated in and around the old medieval city.

Life is lived both inside and outside the old walls and this is especially evident around Port Peyra. Here is the popular Henry’s bar just outside the city walls and only 20 meters within the city walls you will find the old Place Peyra with cozy outdoor restaurants and small charming shops.

Romans, Medieval City & Vence’s history

Vence’s history goes far back to the beginning of the paleolithic and neolithic ages (the stone age) which is uncovered by archaeological finds. A small Celto-Ligurian tribe settled here and founded Vence.

In 151 BC the Romans occupied the city and there are several significant sites and ruins which bear witness to the Roman occupation.

Around the third century, the village converted to Christianity and a century later, the diocese of Vence was founded. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Cathedral was built to replace a former pagan temple dedicated to the planet Mars.

At the height of the French Riviera, this beautiful medieval town has managed to preserve its narrow streets and shady squares within the thousand-year-old walls with the soothing song of the fountains in the background.

The city is surrounded by olive trees at the foot of the Baou mountain range. A bell tower with geometric lines reaches beyond the ocher roofs, the very image of a typical locality in Nice’s hinterland.

Among the best preserved in France

Architecture enthusiasts will notice Vence’s very special layout: in the 14th century, the houses were built at the back of the ramparts to protect them. Therefore, these medieval constructions are among the best preserved in France!

Admire the details of the houses with blue-colored slatted shutters along the ancient Roman road: they seem to tell the story of an entire era. Continue your journey through time all the way to Place Godeau, where you will see an ancient Roman pillar that was probably part of a temple.

The charming square is located at the foot of the impressive Cathedral of the Church of the Nativity, which overlooks the houses of the old town.

By Steen Meedom – 2022