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Attracting artists for several decades, Vence is one of those small villages in Provence with which it is easy to fall in love at first sight. Medieval, fragrant, atypical and sunny, Vence, perched on the Balcons d'Azur, is the ideal place to discover the smallest secrets of the Côte d'Azur thanks to its privileged location, only 20 kilometres from Nice and Antibes, and 15 minutes from the beaches of Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Land of predilection of Marc Chagall, Jean Dubuffet and Henri Matisse, Vence is an inescapable destination leaned against the famous Baous planted with olive trees, flowers and orange trees which constellent the landscape vençois. City of Art and History, this magnificent city with a particularly mild climate throughout the year certainly delights its visitors in winter and summer.

A chic destination in the hinterland of Nice, Vence is an immense open-air museum with a special emphasis on 16th-century architectural works. With its thick ramparts built by order of Francis I, this village perched at 325 meters above sea level was then a stronghold of royal power. Inside the ramparts, the historic city, brilliantly associating nobility and local charm, is made of beautiful residences, small alleys with arcades decorated with fountains with melodious lapping. If it is an emblematic monument of Vence to see absolutely, it is well its chapel of the Rosary: conceived and decorated by Henri Matisse, this masterpiece is a monument of sacred art unique in the world. Everything in this chapel was thought and realized by the artist, from his stained glass windows to his ceramics, his ornaments, his stalls and his decoration. Situated a little away from the city centre, this chapel is a must see. But Vence still possesses many other wonders: marked by the seal of history, that which was the ancient Roman city of Vintium then the bishopric and seigneury of Villeneuve is a destination marked by the presence of its beautiful heritage. The "Colonnes des Marseillais", remains of a Roman triumphal arch, and its medieval ramparts bear witness to this. You can see the marks on the Signadour Tower Gate side as well as on the Levis Gate, the Breche Gate and the Peyra Gate side. Take advantage of the beautiful weather to walk through the tangled streets, squares and squares that make up the old town centre of Vence, to take the time to make a stop at Place du Peyra to admire its famous fountain. Take a tour around Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Cathedral, leaning against the 12th century Saint Lambert Tower : reputed to be the smallest chapel in France, it is listed as a Historic Monument thanks in particular to its mosaic by Marc Chagall entitled "Moses saved from the waters". Rich with many historical treasures, it is worth a visit ! If you like religious art, then the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs (known for its wonderful dome made of coloured tiles) and the Chapelle Sainte-Elisabeth, both listed, are also to be added to the long list of sites to see during your stay in Vence. Also, during your strolls, you will certainly cross the path of many shops, workshops and galleries of artists, we advise you to push their door to discover all the talent of these artists, whether they practice mosaic, wood sculpture, the art of the santons, the patina on wood, painting, jewellery or goldsmithing. Several guided tours are also perfect ways to visit Vence without missing a beat : you will find the "Parcours des Fontaines", the "Parcours des Chapelles", as well as the itinerary "La Côte d'Azur et les peintres".

As for hiking, Vence will definitely delight walkers, whether they are amateurs or experienced adventurers. In all, there are over 200 kilometres of marked trails towards the Baous and the Col de Vence in particular that you can take, such as the "Circuit des Blaquières", the "Circuit du Malvan", or the "Château de la Reine Jeanne". Overlooking the Mediterranean and marking the entrance to the Pre-Alps d'Azur Regional Natural Park, the Col de Vence is the scene of many activities for nature lovers. In addition to hiking, horse riding or climbing, it is a privileged place for cyclists : with its some 600 metres of altitude difference, the ascent of the Col de Vence is one of the essential stops for mountain bikers passing through the region. In addition to being famous for its sporting attractions, it is also adored by photography lovers for its magnificent panoramas over Vence and its surroundings. At night, it is also the perfect place for stargazing !

Finally, for refreshing activities, you will have to take the direction of Tourrettes-sur-Loup (5 kilometres away) to go canyoning, speleology, via ferrata and water hiking. With the family, the "Ludi Park" of La Colle sur Loup and its playgrounds including bouncy castles, mini-golf and a beach along the river will delight everyone ! And if you prefer long relaxing sessions by the sea, the beaches of Cagnes-sur-Mer and Antibes are only a few minutes away by car.

More information about the region :

Préalpes d'Azur

Côte d'Azur

Pays Niçois

Provence

Activities and Events

A light unique to Provence, known by artists who have found a place of inspiration and life.

Located in the heart of Provence, its history and location make it an essential stopover in Provence.

Visit Nice, along the Bay of Angels, on the Mediterranean coast.