Many tourists are amazed by this beautiful little town on the French Riviera in the Provence region. The old border post of St Paul de Vence, it is located between France and Savoy, it is currently one of the medieval pearls of this southern Gallic region. A walled town that oozes art with more than 60 galleries spread through its historic streets.
St Paul de Vence surprises us from every corner. If we look outside, we see impressive views of the cypress fields and their red-roofed villages with pools and tropical palms. While if we take a look inside the restored medieval townWe were amazed by the works of art displayed by the small squares, winding streets and its historic buildings.
One of those most visited buildings is «La Colombe d'Or«, It was also very frequented by Pablo Picasso when visiting the area. Since he never had a home in this little town, he stayed in this famous hostel when he toured the Riviera. It was common then to pay for the room and food with paintings, so today you can admire two works by Picasso and Matisse, a restaurant only within reach of the most exquisite pockets.
This town currently inhabited by 3,000 people, became a prosperous medieval town for its varied trade in figs, olives and oranges. Walk the walls, the Rue Grande wave Grand fontaine (1850), located in a charming medieval square, it allows you to see how many of the old buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries maintain their charm, despite the fact that many of them house boutiques, souvenir shops or art galleries.
The Collegiate Church and the Chapel of the White Penitents They can complete the visit of the villa that only keeps two hotels within the walls. The chapel was once an ancient temple dedicated to charity work, decorated by the artist Folon with an immense mosaic of more than a million small pieces, stained glass, paintings and sculptures.
Outside the medieval enclosure we recommend moving to the Maeght and Aimé Maeght Foundation (1964). The result of a collaboration between various artists and the architect Josep Lluis Sert, shows 9,000 modern and contemporary artwork in the middle of an exuberant nature. Only five hundred meters from the foundation is the Chapel of St. Charles and Saint Claude, from the 17th century. Your visit is absolutely essential. From its old walls you can enjoy the most fascinating panoramic view of St Paul de Vence, an unforgettable place in the heart of the Blue Coast.
St-Paul de Vence in the south of France (April 2024)
- Blue Coast
- 1,230
