La-Colle-sur-Loup, Alpes-Maritimes
A pretty village famous for its antiques stores
La-Colle-sur-Loup is a pretty medieval village just down the road from the more famous Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It's much more tranquil, retaining a quiet charm that makes a wander around very pleasant.
Across the main road from the village there is a 12th century abbey that now houses a rather fabulous hotel and restaurant. You’ll find the tourist office on the roundabout at the entrance to the village, with the 17th century Eglise de Saint Jacque right opposite. If you want to take a wander round La-Colle-Sur-Loup and check out all the historic landmarks then make sure you call into the tourist office first for a map, the village isn’t touristy enough to have put up signs up everywhere.
The Loup river is one of the main features of the village (about a kilometre to the west) and offers refreshment during the hot summer months; the river also has two lovely public parks along the banks with play and picnic areas.
History & Culture in Vence
La-Colle-sur-Loup is more tranquil than its famous neighbour, St Paul de Vence, retaining a quiet charm that makes a wander around its narrow cobbled lanes, fountains and squares very pleasant indeed. The town has historically been associated with artists and perfume-makers, and is now known for its fine restaurants, boutiques and antique stores.
Sights & Attractions in Vence
La-Colle-sur-Loup offers several beautiful and historical buildings, such as the Canadel Priory - a 12th century abbey which now houses a rather fabulous hotel.
Another sight worth seeing is the wonderful stained glass windows and square belltower of the Saint Jacques Church.
The town also boasts the 16th century Chateau de Montfort and 'Le Gaudelet, a hunting lodge from the same era with a Renaissance facade.
Sights in Vence
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Maeght Fondation Museum, St-Paul de Vence
Just outside Saint-Paul de Vence lies one of France's most famous modern and contemporary art museums. Surrounded by pleasant gardens, this is a nice place to spend your afternoon.
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Collegiate Church (Eglise Collegiale), St-Paul de Vence
This simple church was first built in the 14th century, and finished in the 18th century. It showcases a combination of structures and styles.
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Chateau de Villeneuve, Vence
The château (more like a townhouse, so don't go looking for turrets) was originally built in the 17th century and was gifted to the town of Vence by Emile Hugues who had been the mayor.
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Rosaire Chapel, Vence
Matisse's Final Masterpiece, this chapel, was built in 1949 and designed in its entirety by Henri Matisse.
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White Penitents Chapel (The Folon Chapel), St-Paul de Vence
This chapel's oldest parts date from the 17th century, namely its three-sided tower. It now contains contemporary artwork made in 2005 by Jean-Michel Folon.
Events in Vence
The main thing that folks come to La-Colle-sur-Loup for is antiques. There's an antique fair on the second Sunday of every month as well as antique shops which take prime location on the main shopping street. Note that most of the antique stores are shut on Mondays.
If you’re coming to La-Colle-Sur-Loup for a day out then we recommend coming on a market day, as the village is a sleepy little place that is rather too quiet otherwise.
La-Colle-Sur-Loup is also known for its open air concerts during the summer, with live music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout July and August - check with the tourist office for this summer’s programme.
Dining in Vence
At the centre of La-Colle-Sur-Loup is a pedestrianised street; the old stone buildings, cobbled street and small square make it a charming place to stop for lunch. There are plenty of places to choose from whether you want a quick bite from a boulangerie or a proper lunch at a restaurant, and they all seem reasonably priced.
Restaurants in Vence
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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Le Caruso Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
This restaurant serves authentic flavours of the south, pizzas and fresh pastas as well as some interesting specialities.
Things to do in Vence
The Loup River and surrounding forest is one of the town's greatest attractions, providing an oasis of cool and peace in the summer months. Activities abound: horse riding, kayaking, canoeing, hiking or fishing for trout- or just spend the day with a picnic in one of the two public parks along the river.
There's also a children's amusement park called Ludipark and a nearby sports ground offering athletics, football and basketball, with tennis also on offer at the local club.
Things To Do in Vence
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Paintball 06, Tourrettes sur Loup
This paintball site is spread over 3 hectares of woodland with a lot of natural obstacles to dive behind, jump over and fire from.
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Azur Wine Tours, Vence
Learn about the specific terroirs of the Cote de Provence region and be guided through the different grape varieties and wines that they produce.
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Terrain des Boules, St-Paul de Vence
One of the most famous pétanque playing grounds is in the Place Général de Gaulle in Saint-Paul where expert locals take on celebrities at this quintessentially French pastime.
Where to stay in Vence
There are some very nice B&B's in the area.
Hotels in Vence
Hotels in Vence
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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Le Negresco Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsFamous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Price: €9,596
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
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Windsor Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsCharming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
Price: €2,151
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Suisse Hotel
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
23 August 20257 NightsThis five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Price: €4,706
