Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France: attractions

Saint-Paul-de-Vence (France) is a medieval village, which is considered to be a "living" art gallery. Here there were many famous guests, there is a large number of art installations, the works of the most famous contemporary artists are sold and much more. We suggest using the article to plunge into the magical world of the streets of Nice - Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

What is this miracle place?

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is located on a hill fifteen kilometers from Nice. This is not a city, since the size of the settlement does not allow it to be called that, but it is not a village, for it does not do so with cultural and historically significant places. Local residents and many tourists call this place the city of one street.

There was Saint-Paul-de-Vence (photo can be considered above) at the turn of the 8th century. In these times, the inhabitants of the coast went to the mountains, tired of the raids of the Saracens. There they built a dwelling. And in 1538 the settlement was fortified by Francis I.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is built up with small houses of 16-18 centuries made of stone. The facade or the entrance of each decorate the flowers in pots and pots, as well as climbing plants. The town was very fond of creative individuals. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that most of the buildings are devoted to galleries or workshops of artists and sculptors. At one time celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Jean-Paul Sartre, Yves Montand, Alain Delon, Marc Chagall stayed here. The latter, by the way, spent the last years of his life here and rests in the local cemetery.

Things to do?

This small town is very popular with tourists. Therefore, to go here in the morning, in order to avoid crowding and crowding at least in transport. In Saint-Paul-de-Vence there are several viewing platforms, which offer a stunning view of the valleys of Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes, monuments, installations, mosaics, various art objects are found everywhere. There are many cafes and small restaurants, where you can also touch the creativity and get inspiration. Here even the signs are a real work of art.

In addition to the fact that in Saint-Paul-de-Vence it is possible to enrich yourself culturally and have a tasty meal, there is an opportunity to buy souvenirs: various figurines and postcards with the symbols of the city, small copies of famous art installations and paintings, and much more. You can do this in souvenir shops or in a market that works from Tuesday to Sunday. Also here you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits and local flowers.

And perhaps you yourself are so imbued with the spirit of creativity that you will want to draw a picture and take it with you. To do this, you can buy paint, tassels and paper in a local shop.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: tourist attractions

In a small area, literally at every step you can find an interesting object or building. The most famous is the only hotel Golden Dove. It loved to spend time artists of the 20th century, who often paid bills with their paintings. Now the hotel has a rich collection of original works of art. Also there were famous actors, writers, poets.

In addition to the fact that the various art objects are on the streets of the town, there is also the gallery "Fund Mag". It contains collections of paintings, drawings, graphic works of the 20th century, sculptures. There are permanent and temporary expositions.

On narrow streets you can find a statue of a horse made of horseshoes, several monuments and many fountains, next to which there will always be green spaces. Also in Saint-Paul-de-Vence there is an ancient chapel of the Order of the White Penitent. When you enter it, it feels like you're in the past. On the walls of the building there are preserved the frescoes of Giovanni Canavesio.

A local cemetery deserves special attention. As mentioned above, Marc Chagall is at rest here. But not only that it is popular. A small plot does not look depressing, as one can imagine the first time. Here everything is the other way round: the cemetery seems to have become another platform for creativity.

Gastronomic tourism

If you think that if you come for a dose of inspiration, you risk staying without dinner, then you are clearly mistaken. In Saint-Paul-de-Vence there are small restaurants and cafes where you can taste not only beautiful, but also very tasty dishes. What are only inexpensive pancakes with jam!

To local delicacies are: panis (fried to a golden color of dough from chickpea flour), for pork (baked stuffed suckling pig), sea bass with fennel (stuffed fish on the grill). All this can be enjoyed on the summer terraces.

And wine lovers should visit the wine cellar, which was built in the 14th century. It is located in the heart of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Vinotheque has a large collection of Provençal wines, which can be siped on the spot or bought as a souvenir. Here are the best vintage wines and products of the best wine cellars in France. Also in the cellar you can find bottles of armagnac, calvados, vodka, liquor.

Festivals and holidays

No city can do without thematic holidays. Constant in Saint-Paul-de-Vence such events for fifteen:

• Festivals of the exhibition in the gallery "Fund Mag" in winter and summer;
• March festival of poets and a holiday of olive oil;
• June holidays of music and Saint Jean;
• Summer festival in the open air;
• July Provençal pentac competition and ball;
• The August holiday of Saint Claire;
• September days of cultural heritage;
• October Feast of Chestnuts;
• December Christmas Fair.

On such days the influx of tourists into the small Saint-Paul-de-Vence becomes even greater. But the planned events amaze with its varied and rich program. And since it takes only an hour to get to the town, you can stop for the night in Nice, so that you will fully feel the spirit of the planned celebrations that last for several days.

Nice route - Saint-Paul-de-Vence: how to get to?

The road from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence takes about an hour by bus. Route № 400. The ticket price is 1 euro. On weekdays the bus runs every 20-25 minutes from 6:55 to 20:20. On Saturdays, dispatch occurs once an hour from 7:50 to 20:30. On Sundays and public holidays, buses from Nice run 1-2 times per hour from 8:00 to 20:30.

By car to Saint-Paul-de-Vence you can reach the A8 motorway by taking the number 48 road to Marseille. The city is fifteen minutes drive from the main highway. You can park the car in multi-level parking at the entrance to the settlement.

Reviews of tourists

Enjoy magnificent creativity, architecture and Mediterranean landscapes. After all, despite the small size of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, there is something to do here. And this is noticed by all who have already visited the concentration of creativity. No one remained indifferent either to the narrow streets, nor to architecture, nor to delicious food, let alone to art. Visitors to this town want to come back here again to truly relax their soul and body.