Saint Paul de Vence is a charming fortified hilltop town in Provence, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. It is difficult to find something ugly in this picturesque town. A walk through its winding streets reveals graceful fountains, stone walls covered in vines, and statues hidden in the walls. There are stunning views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, shimmering in the background. Even the cobblestones have beauty; they are shaped like flowers.
The only downside to visiting Saint Paul is that you won’t be alone. This is a tourist trap and can be overrun at times (300 people live within the fortified walls, but 2.5 million tourists visit it annually). The other problem is that it is not the easiest city to get to, as it is not accessible by rail. But see how to get there below, which includes detailed explanations to access the town.
Get there
If you don’t have a rental car, the best way to get to Saint Paul de Vence from the main cities on the Riviera is by bus. From any city on the Riviera, take the train to Cagnes sur Mer. Exit the train station, turn right and follow the road for about a block or so. DO NOT stop at the bus stop you see on the right, but continue to the bus stop across the street on the left hand side. The bus takes about 15 minutes and goes directly to the entrance to the fortification of San Pablo.
Alternatively, if you are in Nice, take the TAM bus (ask anyone or visit the tourist office for instructions on the proper bus stop, as there are several in Nice). You’re looking for line 400 (no 410, which skips Saint Paul and goes directly to Vence), which says “NICE-VENCE-par St. Paul.” It is about an hour by bus. In all cases, you must use the bus to get there by public transport. It runs roughly every half hour, with the fewest runs at lunchtime or on Sundays and holidays.
Top Attractions in Saint Paul de Vence
The fortified town itself is an amazing site, with its medieval walls that surround the city. The entrance was erected in the 1400s and features a canon snout that was a trophy from the 1544 Battle of Cerisols in Italy.
As you walk through town, look at the artwork embedded in the walls. This includes religious statues and various other ornaments.
Walk to the south side of the village and climb the steps to the vue (view), which overlooks a beautiful cemetery, the surrounding hills and mountains. You will find Marc Chagall’s grave here; He was one of the many artists who made their home in this part of the world. At Bastion St Remy on the west side, you can see the sea. From this hill, you can see the snow-capped Alps on one side and the glistening Mediterranean Sea in the other direction.
Purchases
You can hardly take a few steps in Saint Paul without stumbling across an art gallery. As an artists’ town, it is also the place for more affordable crafts. The jewelry for sale in many of the stores is affordable and unique. You’ll also find Provencal fabrics for sale, as well as local gourmet delicacies like olive oils, wine, and fruit liqueurs.
Booking options and comparative rates
There are several places to stay and eat in Saint Paul. Like any other place that draws crowds of tourists, there is a mix of quality. Here are some recommendations:
- La Colombe d’Or is the best place for art lovers. This hotel and restaurant has played host to some of the hottest names in art – Picasso, Matisse, and Prevert among the list. You can see his works on display here. If you plan to dine here, make reservations before you go.
- Le Saint Paul is a four-star hotel with a beautiful terrace or indoor dining rooms for Michelin-starred restaurant meals. Its 15 rooms and four suites are located inside a 16th century house and decorated with Provencal furniture.
Read guest reviews, compare prices and book a hotel in St-Pau-de-Vence with TripAdvisor.
Take a look at the most beautiful villages in France
What to see nearby
Within a few minutes’ walk you will reach one of the great art galleries of the region and of France as a whole. The Maeght Foundation has an astonishing collection of modern art housed in a purpose-built gallery where architecture, grounds, and work were literally made for each other.
If you use St-Paul as your base, you will find a lot to see in the surroundings. You will need a car, but you can get the car rental company to deliver the car to you in St-Paul.
