Vence is a jewel which, by good fortune or skill, has never lost its character. A sort of magic, a timeless grace inhabits this charming and privileged place. Many painters have felt the need to capture the countryside and its colours on their canvases : Matisse, Dufy, Chagall, Dubuffet, Soutine, Arman…and many others.

A starting point for memorable excursions in the back country and in the Alps, the Vence countryside is one of the most sought-after locations in the Côte d’Azur. For that reason, it is one of the most sought-after locations of the Côte d’Azur.

In the foothills of the Alps, which resemble a balcony over the Mediterranean and the Riviera, a large selection of prestigious and other accommodations combine to make Vence a recognised and envied centre for tourism, one of the last secrets of the Côte d’Azur.

From the two stars of The Saint Martin to the one star of the Bacchanales as well as all the incomparable delights of the little restaurants in the old town, that gives a wide choice. Wandering in the streets of the historic centre , which have kept all their character, to little shady squares or sun-bathed terraces , you will discover here a savory fragrance of Provence.

What You Should See...

At the beginning of the last century, Vence had only 3000 inhabitants, living essentially from the grape-vine and the olive-tree.

The old town is one of those rare mediaeval towns which has retained its walls. You will find the Marseille columns, vestiges of the great era of Rome in the 3rd century, the tower and the Château of the Villeneuves,the five gates, the former bishop’s palace, the Cathedral and its treasures. The squares (among which is hidden the“place Vieille,” which is the smallest square in France), the fountains (including that of the "Peyra”classed as a Historic Monument, tiny streets such as the rue des “Portique”s, which remind you immediately of the Middle Ages.

Guided tours are available, all through the year ; allowing you to discover 20 centuries of history and tradition.

...The Historic town, an open-air museum.

More than 2000 years of history are spread out before visitors (itinerary of the Historic city available at the Vence Tourist Office).

The Cathedral “Notre-Dame de la Nativité”, with its origins in the 4th century, was built on the ruins of a Roman-Byzantine church of that time and also perhaps on an earlier Gallo-Roman temple, consecrated as a Christian church. That building was destroyed by the Saracens. Several worked stones bear witness to that Carolingian period (ninth century). The cathedral has also many remains classed as Historic Monuments and many Roman inscriptions of the third century A.D.

To the north the Belvedere, built under king René, presents a panorama over the Lubiane Valley, the Baous (mountains) and the Rosary Chapel.

Nearby is the château de Villeneuve – Fondation Emile Hugues on the western wall of the Historic town, near the place where there is the famous Ash tree that was painted by Soutine. It is today an important centre for modern and contemporary art, an absolute must on the Road of the Contemporary Art Exhibitions, not far from the famous Fondation Maeght.

Within its walls Vence also has many artists ‘galleries and workshops. Although some are not open for a visit, the majority remain open to the public.

...Near the Historic Centre

Vence, the road of sacred art Vence, of which the diocese, the smallest in the Kingdo of France,, still today, has numerous chapels offer left to us down the centuries by the builders of sacred art. (Itinerary on the tour of the chapels available at the Vence Tourist office).

The “Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs” has a bell-tower of architectural interest-a remarkable dome in varnished polychrome tiles. Notice the stalls and the floor which retains its ancient brick-built octagonal pavement.

The famous Rosary Chapel conceived and decorated by Henri Matisse. The Chapel is also a masterpiece of sacred art conceived by Matisse.

Vence, a tour of the waters At the foot of the Baous , traversed by three rivers, Vence has two springs, more than 24 fountains and a public wash house (Itinerary on the tours of the waters available at the Vence Tourist Office)