carte Saint Paul de Vence

How long does it take to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence?

It is recommended to visit outside of peak season to enjoy the tranquility of the area, as the narrow streets can quickly become overwhelmed by tourists. The ideal time to visit is in spring (April and May) or fall (October).

To explore the historic center at your leisure, allow at least half a day. This will give you time to stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the ramparts. You'll also have time to visit the collegiate church and stop at a few art galleries.

A full day is required if you want to include the Maeght Foundation in your itinerary. If you have no choice and are visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence in July or August, try to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This will allow you to avoid the hottest hours of the day and the crowds.

Art lovers can easily spend two days here. The village has around fifty workshops and galleries. The proximity of Vence, just 5 kilometers away, also enriches your stay.

Where can I download a map of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in PDF format?

You can obtain the official map by clicking on the “Download map” button above our interactive map. This handy document will accompany you during your visit to the village.

The Saint-Paul de Vence Tourist Office, located at 2 Rue Grande, can help you plan your stay or visit. The staff will provide you with a free detailed map of the village. This paper map shows all the historical monuments and points of interest.

Bonus content via NFC technology! Each heritage information panel has an explanatory text, a photo, and an NFC chip. Your smartphone becomes an interactive guide. Simply point your device at the chips to access the enhanced content.

The municipality also offers themed maps. You will find specialized maps for art and heritage tours. These free documents are available at the tourist office reception desk.

Where is the tourist office?

The Saint Paul de Vence Tourist Office is located at 2 rue Grande, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This central address places you in the heart of the historic village.

The reception desk is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It is open every day, including Sundays from April to October. Please note that it is closed from 1pm to 2pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

The team welcomes you on the village's main street. You can't miss it once you've passed through the Vence gate. The building is on your right as you head towards the historic center.

Sophie Millet-Dauré, director, and her entire team look forward to welcoming you soon to Saint-Paul de Vence. The advisors are very knowledgeable about the region. They will guide you to the best activities according to your tastes.

What are the must-see places?

The ramparts and the gate of Vence

The ramparts, unchanged since François I, have retained their parapet walk. The “spade” shape of the bastions is characteristic of the early 16th century. This fortified enclosure offers exceptional views of the Provençal countryside.

The gate is flanked by a 14th-century machicolated tower, a remnant of the medieval enclosure. This monumental entrance bears witness to the strategic importance of the village. It is a reminder that Saint-Paul was once a border stronghold.

The Maeght Foundation

Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti, Georges Braque, Alexander Calder and Fernand Léger found here an ideal place to create, where the rooms and gardens interact in perfect harmony. This institution brings together 13,000 works of modern and contemporary art.

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from September to June | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from July to August. Admission: $16 (free for children under 10 and students aged 10 to 18). Located 1.3 kilometers north of the village, the foundation is well worth a visit.

The Folon Chapel

This 17th-century chapel was once the headquarters of the Brotherhood of White Penitents. It is painted from floor to ceiling in pastel colors. Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon transformed this place into a total work of art.

The decoration of this former chapel of the White Penitents is the last work of Folon (1934-2005), a devotee of Saint Paul. The stained glass windows, mosaics, and sculptures create a unique atmosphere. Completed in 2005, it is considered one of the most beautiful contemporary chapels.

The collegiate church

A few steps from the keep stands the Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul, overlooking the entire village. It was built over several centuries, which explains the diversity of styles that can be seen inside.

The Romanesque church was converted into a collegiate church in the 17th century and contains a magnificent Baroque chapel. Here you can see relics taken from the catacombs of Rome. This architectural diversity tells the thousand-year history of the village.

The cemetery and Chagall's grave

This is where the painter Marc Chagall is buried, having spent the last years of his life in Saint-Paul between 1966 and 1985. The cemetery with its hundred-year-old cypress trees offers a peaceful setting for reflection.

Marc Chagall is buried here. His simple grave contrasts with the magnitude of his work. The Russian painter chose this village to spend his last years.

How to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence?

By car

The hilltop village is 12 miles from Nice and 11 miles from Antibes. The easiest way to get there is by car. The A8 motorway serves the region with the Cagnes-sur-Mer exit. Then follow the D436 towards Vence and then Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

There is a large paid underground car park near the fortified village. We paid around $10 for three hours. This car park is essential as vehicles are not allowed in the historic center.

By public transportation

A bus (no. 655) leaves from the SNCF train station in Cagnes sur Mer (which you can reach by TER train from all stations on the French Riviera). The bus journey takes around 30 minutes.

This economical option is ideal for a day trip. Cagnes-sur-Mer station is served by regional TER trains. This makes it easy to reach Saint-Paul from Nice, Antibes, or Cannes.

By plane

Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport is 25 minutes from the village. This proximity makes it easy for international visitors to get here. You can rent a car directly at the airport or use the shuttle buses to Cagnes-sur-Mer.

What are the best hotels in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?

The village offers several charming establishments to extend your stay. The five-star LE SAINT PAUL hotel offers a unique welcome in an exceptional setting with a strong architectural, cultural, and artistic identity, located in a 16th-century bourgeois residence in the heart of the ramparts. La Vague de Saint Paul is a 4-star hotel, restaurant, and spa nestled in the heart of the Vençoises hills, 1 km from the medieval village. The former 18th-century country house La Grande Bastide has been converted into a charming hotel with a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, offering exceptional views of the sea and the village. The guest rooms combine refinement, tranquility, comfort, and friendliness for a more intimate experience, while the vacation rentals allow you to enjoy village life without counting the days.

Also worth reading to help you plan your stay in Saint Paul de Vence:

• visit Saint Paul de Vence

• the best bed and breakfasts in Saint Paul de Vence

• the best hotels in St Paul de Vence

• list of vacation rentals in St Paul de Vence.