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Saint-Paul de Vence: A Medieval Gem in the French Riviera

Baptiste ROUSSEL, St-Paul-de-Vence (Lunon), CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Baptiste ROUSSEL, St-Paul-de-Vence (Lunon), CC BY-SA 3.0
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Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Thorsten. I'm a software engineer living in Germany and I love to travel. So I created a site for anyone starting to plan a trip.
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✔ Are you planning a self-organized trip to Saint-Paul de Vence? Then you've come to the right place. Here you will find information to help you plan your perfect stay in Saint-Paul de Vence.

✔ The most important start information for a trip to French Riviera/Côte d'Azur, can be found on the overview page.

✔ And when it comes to the actual planning, you will find the perfect planner for your trip to French Riviera/Côte d'Azur here.
Attraction
Park / Garden

Culture and history, explore and discover

Saint-Paul de Vence offers a rich tapestry of history and culture, nestled in the picturesque landscape of the French Riviera. Visitors can expect to find a charming blend of medieval architecture, vibrant art scenes, and a deep sense of historical significance. The village's narrow cobblestone streets and ancient stone walls tell stories of its past, while its thriving artistic community continues to shape its cultural identity.

All sights sorted by distance from center
1. Local Art Galleries: Saint-Paul de Vence is home to numerous art galleries showcasing works by local and international artists, reflecting the town's long-standing connection with the art world. Distance in km: 0.07
2. Colombe d'Or: This iconic hotel and restaurant has been a favorite among artists and celebrities for decades, adorned with original artworks by Picasso, Matisse, and other renowned artists. Distance in km: 0.2
3. Fondation Maeght Gardens: Surrounding the Maeght Foundation, these gardens are not only a haven of peace but also display sculptures by Miró, Giacometti, and Calder, blending art with nature. Distance in km: 0.72
4. The Maeght Foundation: This is one of the most important cultural attractions in Saint-Paul de Vence, featuring a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art in a setting designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert. Distance in km: 0.72
5. Chapelle du Rosaire: Designed by the famous artist Henri Matisse, this chapel is a masterpiece of modern religious art, known for its stunning stained-glass windows and unique interior decoration. Distance in km: 3.48
6. Cagnes-sur-Mer: Home to the Renoir Museum, this seaside town also boasts a medieval village and castle with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Distance in km: 4.28
7. Gorges du Loup: A beautiful river canyon in the hinterlands of Nice, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Distance in km: 5.25
8. Le Sentier de l'Eau: A picturesque walking trail that takes visitors through the beautiful natural landscapes around Saint-Paul de Vence, featuring water mills, wash houses, and stunning views. Distance in km: 7.22
9. Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice: A botanical garden and zoo in Nice, featuring a large greenhouse with tropical plants and various animal species. Distance in km: 8.42
10. Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice: The largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside Russia, known for its stunning architecture and religious art. Distance in km: 10.64
11. Promenade des Anglais: ⭐ ⭐ A world-famous walkway along the Mediterranean, offering stunning sea views and lined with palm trees. Distance in km: 11.73
12. Fort Carré: A 16th-century fort in Antibes, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding area. Distance in km: 11.88
13. Place Masséna: The main square in Nice, known for its distinctive checkerboard paving, vibrant atmosphere, and the beautiful Fontaine du Soleil. Distance in km: 11.95
14. Marc Chagall National Museum: ⭐ Located in Nice, this museum is dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, focusing on his religious and spiritual themes. Distance in km: 11.99
15. Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice): ⭐ ⭐ The historic heart of Nice, filled with narrow winding streets, colorful markets, and traditional restaurants. Distance in km: 12.51
16. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC): Located in Nice, MAMAC displays a significant collection of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Distance in km: 12.58
17. Matisse Museum: Located in Nice, this museum houses a large collection of works by Henri Matisse, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Distance in km: 12.61
18. La Colline du Château: Overlooking Nice, this hill offers panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Angels, along with a waterfall and remnants of old fortifications. Distance in km: 12.68
19. Antibes Old Town: ⭐ The charming old town of Antibes, with its narrow cobblestone streets, bustling market, and the Picasso Museum. Distance in km: 12.73
20. Picasso Museum, Antibes: Housed in the Château Grimaldi, this museum features a substantial collection of Picasso's works, showcasing his time in Antibes. Distance in km: 12.95
21. Port of Nice: The picturesque port of Nice is a vibrant area filled with boats, surrounded by colorful buildings, and offers a variety of dining options. Distance in km: 13.12
22. Juan-les-Pins: A popular resort town known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and the annual Jazz à Juan festival. Distance in km: 14.25
23. Garoupe Lighthouse: An iconic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Cap d'Antibes and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Distance in km: 14.77
24. Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins: This museum in Mougins combines classical, neoclassical, and modern art, including works by Picasso, who spent his last years in the town. Distance in km: 14.8
25. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: ⭐ ⭐ A beautiful villa and garden with stunning views of the Mediterranean, showcasing nine different themed gardens. Distance in km: 16.61
26. Musée International de la Parfumerie: Located in Grasse, this museum is dedicated to the history of perfume, showcasing its importance in the region's cultural heritage. Distance in km: 16.68
27. Grasse Perfumeries: ⭐ Grasse is considered the world's capital of perfume. Visitors can tour perfumeries like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard. Distance in km: 16.69
28. Cap Ferrat: One of the most prestigious locations on the French Riviera, known for its luxurious villas, beautiful gardens, and walking paths along the coast. Distance in km: 16.99
29. Villa Kerylos: ⭐ A unique villa in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, built in the style of an ancient Greek palace, with fascinating architecture and sea views. Distance in km: 17.06
30. Cap d'Antibes: A lush peninsula known for its walking trails, beautiful beaches, and the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Distance in km: 17.2
31. Villa et Jardins de la Villa Noailles: An early modernist house in Hyères, known for its architectural significance and beautiful gardens. Distance in km: 17.76
32. Paloma Beach: A picturesque and exclusive beach on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, offering clear waters and a tranquil setting. Distance in km: 17.76
33. Cannes Croisette: ⭐ ⭐ The famous waterfront avenue in Cannes, known for its prestigious film festival, luxury shops, and sandy beaches. Distance in km: 18.27
34. Le Suquet: The old quarter of Cannes, offering narrow, winding streets, a historic atmosphere, and panoramic views over the bay. Distance in km: 18.6
35. Notre-Dame de l'Espérance: A beautiful Gothic church in Cannes, offering serene interiors and stunning views over the city from its hilltop location. Distance in km: 18.61
36. La Croix des Gardes: A natural park in Cannes, offering some of the best views of the city and the bay, especially at sunset. Distance in km: 19.06
37. Eze Village: ⭐ ⭐ A stunning hilltop medieval village with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, known for its beauty and perfume factories. Distance in km: 19.58
38. Corniche Roads: The three Corniche roads offer some of the most spectacular driving routes along the French Riviera, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and coastal towns. Distance in km: 20.1
39. Lérins Islands: ⭐ ⭐ A group of four Mediterranean islands off the French Riviera, known for their natural beauty, history, and tranquility. Distance in km: 21.11
40. Île Saint-Honorat: One of the Lérins Islands, known for its Cistercian monastery, ancient ruins, and vineyards. Distance in km: 21.96
41. Trophy of Augustus: An ancient Roman monument in La Turbie, built to celebrate Emperor Augustus's victory over the Alpine tribes, offering stunning views of Monaco. Distance in km: 23.12
42. Cathedral of Monaco: ⭐ The resting place of Monaco's princes, this cathedral is known for its Roman-Byzantine style architecture and its historic significance. Distance in km: 24.45
43. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco: ⭐ A museum of marine sciences in Monaco-Ville. It's famous for its extensive collection of marine fauna and its aquariums. Distance in km: 24.7
44. Monaco Monte-Carlo: ⭐ ⭐ The glamorous district of Monaco, famous for its casino, luxury shops, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Distance in km: 24.96
45. Massif de l'Esterel: ⭐ A volcanic mountain range with dramatic landscapes, offering hiking, biking, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. Distance in km: 31.96
46. Menton's Gardens: ⭐ ⭐ Menton is renowned for its gardens, such as the Serre de la Madone and the Jardin Botanique Exotique Val Rahmeh, showcasing exotic plants and stunning landscapes. Distance in km: 32.83

Parks, Gardens & Green Areas in the city, relax and enjoy

Saint-Paul de Vence, nestled in the enchanting French Riviera, offers a serene escape with its picturesque landscapes and tranquil ambiance. Visitors can expect to find a harmonious blend of natural beauty and artistic charm, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. The village's cobblestone streets and historic architecture provide a peaceful backdrop for leisurely strolls and quiet reflection.

1. Fondation Maeght Gardens: Art-filled gardens at a renowned modern art museum.

The Fondation Maeght is a museum dedicated to modern art, and its gardens are an extension of this artistic experience. Visitors can wander through beautifully landscaped grounds that feature sculptures and installations by famous artists such as Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti. The gardens offer a serene environment where art and nature blend seamlessly, providing a unique cultural experience.

Type: garden | Fee: €16 for adults
2. Le Jardin Exotique d'Èze: A stunning exotic garden with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Located in the nearby village of Èze, this exotic garden is perched on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the French Riviera. The garden is home to a variety of succulents and cacti, as well as sculptures by Jean-Philippe Richard. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk among the plants while taking in the stunning vistas of the sea and surrounding landscape.

Type: garden | Fee: €6 for adults
3. Parc Naturel Départemental de la Grande Corniche: A vast natural park offering hiking trails and panoramic views.

This large natural park stretches over several communes and offers a variety of hiking trails that provide stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline. The park is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers who want to explore the natural beauty of the Côte d'Azur away from the bustling tourist areas.

Type: park | Fee: free
4. Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret: A historic botanical garden with diverse plant species.

Located in Antibes, the Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret is a historic garden established in the 19th century. It features a wide variety of plant species from around the world, particularly those suited to the Mediterranean climate. The garden is a peaceful retreat where visitors can learn about the diverse flora while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Type: garden | Fee: free

Tourist Information Offices

Here you can find the main tourist information offices where you can get maps, brochures, and assistance with planning your visit.

1. Office de Tourisme

Tourist information center

Address: 2 Rue Grande, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

What's the best way to get around as a tourist in Saint-Paul de Vence?

Saint-Paul de Vence is a picturesque village where walking is the best way to explore its narrow, cobblestone streets and charming alleys. The village's compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the historic architecture and stunning views. Public transportation options are limited within the village itself, but nearby towns are accessible via regional bus services.

The village center is pedestrian-friendly, with many areas restricted to foot traffic, creating a pleasant environment for strolling. For those looking to travel beyond the village, the local bus service, Ligne d'Azur, connects Saint-Paul de Vence to nearby cities like Nice and Vence. Ride-sharing services like Uber may not be as readily available due to the village's small size, but taxis can be arranged. While cycling in the village itself might be challenging due to the steep and narrow streets, bike rentals are available in nearby towns for those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside. Practical tips include wearing comfortable shoes for walking and checking bus schedules in advance, as services may be infrequent.