Saint Paul de Vence
19 km west of Nice and the airport. 17 km from Antibes. 26 km from Cannes.
Discover St Paul de Vence, a beautiful town on the French Riviera
20 km from Nice, 30 km from Antibes and 40 km from Cannes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence sits enthroned on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by 16th-century ramparts.

This iconic village on the French Riviera charms visitors with its cobbled streets, art galleries, fortifications, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside. Here, you can stroll to the sound of boules clattering on the pétanque court, stop in the shade of a fountain, and soak up an atmosphere where history and creativity come together at every turn. Here is our online guided tour of the village.

A setting between hills and the Mediterranean
Bathed in light, Saint-Paul-de-Vence overlooks a landscape of hills covered with olive trees, cypresses, and vineyards. To the south, the sea sparkles; to the north, the first peaks of the Alps outline the horizon. The pale stone houses with Roman tiles line narrow streets dotted with stairways and flower-filled squares. The facades, weathered by time, reflect the warm hues of the setting sun.

Stroll through the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
The entrance is through the Porte de Vence, which leads into the Rue Grande, the main street of the medieval village. Art galleries, craft workshops and decoration shops line the street, mingling the scents of lavender, coffee and heated stone.

In the center, the Grande Fontaine flows peacefully, surrounded by stone benches where you can sit and watch the world go by. Climbing towards the top, you reach the Collegiate Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul, built in the 12th century and enriched with side chapels over the centuries.
Outside the ramparts, the walk along the bastions offers breathtaking views: the sea on one side, the hills and neighboring villages of Vence and La Colle-sur-Loup on the other. The Chapelle des Pénitents is also one of the historic monuments not to be missed in the village of Saint Paul de Vence.
Emblematic sites
The ramparts
A masterpiece of bastioned architecture, they were built in the 16th century to protect the village. Their complete layout allows for a circular walk punctuated by exceptional views.
The Grande Fontaine
Built in 1615, it was for a long time the main water source and the heart of the weekly market.

The Collegiate Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul
A Romanesque and Gothic church, it houses beautiful works of sacred art and a bell tower that dominates the entire Vence region.

La Colombe d'Or
A legendary inn where Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, and Prévert stayed. Its walls are covered with works donated by these artists.
The Maeght Foundation
Just a few minutes' walk away, this is a mecca for modern and contemporary art, surrounded by sculpted gardens.
Local life & events
Saint-Paul-de-Vence lives to the rhythm of its Wednesday morning farmers' market, held in the Place du Jeu-de-Boules, and lively games of pétanque throughout the year.
In summer, exhibitions, concerts, and shows take over the narrow streets and the Maeght Foundation. In winter, when calm returns, you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the village and its sunny terraces. The Feast of Saint Claire (August 8-14) is also one of the traditional events not to be missed in the town.

The local cuisine features olive oil, local vegetables, Mediterranean fish, and Bellet wines.
What to see
Visit of the village.
The Collegiale church and its treasure. Chapel St Mathieu.
Museum : Fondation Maeght - paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics -
Local history museum. Municipal museum.
Leisure activities
Walks. Tennis. Horse riding center.
Exhibitions. Concerts.
Hotels
Lovingly refurbished superb 18th century country house. Fully climatised, 14 rooms incl. suites with bathrooms, TV satellite. Swimming pool, terrace with a panoramic view of the old town and the sea - Salon-bar - Private parking.
Bed and breakfast
Bed and breakfast - 3 Guest rooms in a villa with panoramic open view
Private terrace - Luxury bedding - Air conditioning - Nespresso machine
Swimming Pool - Landscaped garden -
Holiday rentals
Prestigious apartements, guest rooms, suites and luxurious villa 2 to 15 pers. Private terrace with sea view - Heated swimming pool - Tennis - Upscale services + Bed & breakfast
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Practical information
Getting there
By road: from Nice, 25 minutes via the M6202 then the D7. From Antibes, 35 minutes via the D6007.
By bus: regular services from Nice and Vence.
Market
Every Wednesday morning on the Place du Jeu-de-Boules.
Your questions about Saint-Paul-de-Vence
You have sent us many questions about St Paul de Vence. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions to provide information to all our readers.
What makes Saint-Paul-de-Vence unique on the French Riviera?
Its perfectly preserved 16th-century ramparts, panoramic views of the sea and hills, and exceptional artistic heritage, with Picasso, Chagall, and Prévert among its regular visitors, make it a place apart, steeped in history and creativity.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
In spring and fall, the light is ideal and the streets are less crowded. Summer is full of exhibitions and events, but attracts more visitors, while winter reveals a peaceful village bathed in soft light.
Is the market in Saint-Paul-de-Vence worth a visit?
Yes, every Wednesday morning, on the Place du Jeu-de-Boules, a farmers' market sells olive oil, cheese, local vegetables, and crafts in a friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors chat at the foot of the ramparts and the pétanque court.
Can you visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence in a few hours?
Yes, but it's best to allow half a day to stroll along the Rue Grande, admire the collegiate church, walk along the ramparts and visit the Maeght Foundation. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the peace and quiet after the visitors have left.
What is there to discover around Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Explore Vence and its Rosary Chapel, visit La Colle-sur-Loup for its artisans, hike in the fragrant hills or head down to the sea at Cagnes-sur-Mer. Each excursion completes the cultural and scenic experience of the village.
How to get to Saint-Paul de Vence?
Saint-Paul de Vence is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to the major cities of the French Riviera. Located just a few kilometers from Cagnes-sur-Mer and Nice, this hilltop village is easily accessible by car via the D2210 road. To plan your journey, use a map or GPS system to find the exact distance from your starting point. It takes around 20 minutes from Nice and 10 minutes from Cagnes-sur-Mer to reach this medieval gem in the Alpes-Maritimes.











NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
La Colle sur Loup (4 km), Vence (5 km) et Cagnes sur Mer (7 km).