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St. Paul de Vence

St. Paul de Vence is a medieval village sitting prettily on a hill in the French Riviera. Famous artists have come to find inspiration in these well worn cobblestone streets with overhanging vines trailing down stone houses. The scent of oranges permeate the air as you navigate your way around the village tucked neatly within walls built in the 16th century on orders from Francis I after repeated attacks and occupation by the Spanish army under Charles V. 

I followed the route along the ramparts for breathtaking views of the valley and snow-capped Alps in the distance. Le Baou (rocky cliff) of Saint Jeannet rises 800 meters (2,624 ft.) above sea level and attracts mountain climbers. 

The Mediterranean Sea is visible from the west ramparts of St. Paul. Down the hill is a vineyard producing a variety of wine that was once tasted by Francis I when he visited the village. You can enjoy the wines of St. Paul too. Check this link for more info. https://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en/markets-wine/saint-paul-de-vences-wines/

One of several fountains found in St. Paul. Donkeys drank from these troughs as they scaled the steep slopes of the village with their cargo. I noticed some fountains with a stone sink nearby. Very handy for cooking preparations or washing dishes. Women did laundry in the communal washhouse by the main fountain on the former market square.

After circling the little village, I found this quiet alley that reminded me of the St. Paul de Vence I used to know. It looks so peaceful in early spring. There were visitors in mid-April but not an overwhelming lot.

St. Paul de Vence has drawn artists since the 1920s and more followed their lead. Marc Chagall lived here for 19 years. Matisse, Picasso, Leger, to name a few, visited and left their paintings in exchange for a room at La Colombe D'Or, whose premises shelter an enviable collection of art. It's no wonder St. Paul is an artist's haven and art galleries thrive on Rue Grande.

There are places from our travels that linger in our thoughts longer than the rest. 

At the Place de Tilleul, café life is alive and well under the Provençal sun.

How to get there from Nice:
Take Bus 400 from Rue Verdun/Albert 1ere bus stop in front of Le Méridien Hotel. It's a scenic one hour ride to St. Paul de Vence. Buses leave every 30-45 minutes. The fare is 1.50 euros and you can pay the driver directly. Check the schedule here: https://static.saint-pauldevence.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ligne-400.pdf

*Please be aware that there are stairs to climb as you go meandering in this hilltop village.

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie


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Location: St Paul de Vence, France

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