This charming village perched between the Col de Vence pass and the Mediterranean offers visitors some magnificent views. On the sea side, there is an unobstructed view all the way to the Cap d'Antibes: a scene that has inspired many a painter, charmed by those Provençal colours. Modigliani, Matisse, Soutine and Utrillo fell under the spell of the light in this medieval town and committed those stunning views to canvas. At the entrance to the village, in the shade of the big plane trees, the famous Place du jeu de boules, immortalised by the pétanque games of Lino Ventura and Yves Montand, is always a must-see.
Endowed with bastioned ramparts during the Renaissance in order to withstand Charles Quint's army, Saint-Paul-de-Vence still has some vestiges of its eventful past. The old stone houses on narrow side streets neighbour grand arcades, winding flights of steps and an old fountain whose peaceful babbling song creates a soothing atmosphere, typical of France's tranquil southern villages.
Stop in front of a few of the region's renowned art galleries in order to contemplate the colourful works of art, a wonderful reflection of Provence's rich heritage. A walk to the village centre is a good idea in order to visit the collegiate church, built in the 12th century then extended in the 17th century. There you can admire a magnificent painting of Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Tintoretto, along with a beautiful Way of the Cross in walnut wood.
Before leaving Saint-Paul-de-Vence, be sure to visit the Maeght Foundation, one of the renowned attractions of this village in the heights of the French Riviera. This bastion of modern art houses one of the most important collections of sculptures, etchings and paintings of the 20th century, including work by Marc Chagall, Pierre Bonnard and Fernand Léger. A walk in its garden dotted with sculptures is a must, as is a trip to the patio, where a sumptuous mosaic pool in Georges Braques' unmistakable style has pride of place. As you can see, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is brimming with countless treasures!
Town famous of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is located on a rocky outcrop. Surrounded by ramparts built by King Francis I, the site is today considered one of the most beautiful villages of Provence.
Sweet life, beautiful architecture and cultural wealth of this city are the program has been able to curry favor with many artists, poets and other famous painters in their time. Tourism hotspot, Saint-Paul-de-Vence owes its notoriety to the presence of numerous art galleries that attract lovers of fine works from around the world. From the ramparts, the village also offers an incredible view of the surrounding hills and the Mediterranean Sea not far.
Despite the large crowds of tourists every year, Saint-Paul-de-Vence has kept its authentic charm and remains a charming village and countless treasures.
The wealth of monuments, architectural heritage and beautiful scenery have attracted artists and tourists from around the world.
Founded by the king of France, Francis I, Saint-Paul-de-Vence of the walls are a replica of the citadel of Nice. Built between 1544 and 1547, they constitute one of the first bastion fortification France. From the ramparts, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valleys and other seaside surroundings.
The Maeght Foundation is a Mecca of modern and contemporary art Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly, and we find big names in the art while walking through the halls and gardens. Miró, Giacometti and Chagall and their works exhibited in this "museum" of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Very interesting, the local history museum traces the history of the city, but also that of Provence in general.
The Collegiate Church of the Conversion-de-Saint-Paul, built in the twelfth century and restored in the seventeenth, is one of the treasures of religious Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Especially you can admire a painting of St. Catherine of Alexandria by Tintoretto and a beautiful Calvary walnut.
Walking through the streets of the city, one can admire the stately tower, next to the church, which now serves as city hall, or the famous inn of La Colombe d'or. In its time it housed artists as famous as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Modigliani, Chagall or. The latter is also buried in the village cemetery.
Boasting an important cultural past, Saint-Paul-de-Vence continues to live its traditions through regular major historical and artistic events.
Oil Saint-Paul-de-Vence organizes a festival each April, offering a brissaouda (culinary specialty made with garlic and olive oil), olive oil sales or musical entertainment.
At the end of July, the Saint-Paul-de-Vence chamber music festival allows to attend numerous concerts on the Place de la Courtine, or in the courtyard of the Maeght Foundation.
In August, the village organizes the festivities of St. Clair. Processions, aperitifs, concerts, a ball, rides or fireworks are scheduled for several days.
The Feast of Harvest and Chestnuts Saint-Paul-de-Vence takes place in October. Popular meeting winemakers, this is the opportunity to attend a great local farmers market in wine tasting or chestnuts, and enjoy musical entertainment.
All year, on Wednesday morning, the farmers' market settles on the place of balls game. The program, fruit, vegetables, buns, confectionery or olive oil.
Movie Night Under the Stars
- On 6 july 2024
- Place de la Courtine
- Movie night under the stars, place de la Courtine.
