Known as the 'City of Art', Vence has a rich history of attracting artists and writers, from D H Lawrence to Chagall and Matisse.
Vence, Alpes-Maritimes
A village with a rich history of art and literature
The old town retains its ancient walls, within which are tightly packed houses centred around a small square with a beautiful church and lively cafés. The church is actually the town cathedral, which houses a very beautiful and classic Chagall mosaic. The streets are filled with art galleries, gift shops and beautifully decorated buildings - you can happily spend hours browsing.
The medieval town centre is surrounded by a slighter newer town that spreads into the surrounding hillsides. At its heart is the Place du Grand Jardin, where there is an excellent local produce market every morning; antique dealers congregate here every Wednesday morning too.
Events in Vence
Vence has been a market town for many centuries, and this tradition continues with an excellent daily produce market just outside the city walls in the shady Place du Grand Jardin. Here you'll find local honey and Provençal herbs, fresh fish and baskets of flowers, oranges and olives grown in the surrounding countryside.
The town offers plenty of events and festivals throughout the year, of which the Nuits du Sud is probably the liveliest, when the Place du Grand Jardin is transformed into a big open-air concert venue for two weeks during July and August.
Events in Vence
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Vence
Vence has a rich history of attracting artists and writers, from D H Lawrence to Chagall and Matisse. While touristy, Vence does not attract the shoulder to shoulder hordes you'll find in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Sights & Attractions in Vence
The church in Place Clemenceau is actually the town cathedral, which houses a very beautiful and classic Chagall mosaic.
The town's gates are also definitely worth seeing, there are five gates cut out of the rock, each one has its own character and history.
Just outside the town is the very famous Chapelle du Rosaire - also known as Matisse's Final Masterpiece. You can either walk there in about 10-15 minutes, or there is a bus that drops you right outside.
Sights in Vence
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Rosaire Chapel, Vence
Matisse's final masterpiece
Matisse's Final Masterpiece, this chapel, was built in 1949 and designed in its entirety by Henri Matisse.
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Maeght Fondation Museum, St-Paul de Vence
Top French contemporary and modern art museum
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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White Penitents Chapel (The Folon Chapel), St-Paul de Vence
17th-century chapel with colourful contemporary art
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.
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Collegiate Church (Eglise Collegiale), St-Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence parish church
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
Contemporary & modern art displays in a historic chateau
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.
Beaches in Vence
Beaches in Nice
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Pebble beach at the centre of Cagnes sur Mer with lifeguards
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Sandy beach with disabled access and lifeguard in peak season
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
Sand and pebble beach close to Nice airport, has disabled access
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
A pebble beach with watersports, ideal for families
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Plage du Carras Beach
Pebbly beach not far from Nice centre with disabled access
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
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Plage de Lenval Beach
Pebbly beach at the west end of the Promenade des Anglais
This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
Dining in Vence
Right opposite the square is a number of restaurants, cafés and ice cream shops - if you like to be in the hustle and bustle then it’s a great place to stop for lunch or a quick coffee.
Otherwise, there are lots of lovely places to eat in the old town. Place du Peyra has a boulangerie and a couple of restaurants right by the old fountain, or you can sit in the shade of the trees opposite the cathedral in Place Clemenceau. Every tiny square and narrow lane has some sort of restaurant tucked away on it, so have a wander round and take your pick.
Restaurants in Vence
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Seasonal gourmet dining inspired by the Provençal countryside
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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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Modern Provençal cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting
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
Michelin starred restaurant north of Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine cleverly devised by Laurent Paccini
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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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Exceptional Provençal dining surrounded by masterpieces
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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Le Tilleul Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Creative & sophisticated cuisine using seasonal regional fresh products
In the shade of the large hundred year old lime tree, Le Tilleul has a big and beautiful sunny terrace.
Nightlife in Vence
Bars & Clubs in Vence
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High Club Nightclub
Every weekend the biggest DJ's & international artists perform here
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
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Le Bar du Negresco
Atmospheric bar of the Hotel Le Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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La Havane Live Jazz
Live jazz and salsa music in a Cuban style bar
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
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Casino du Palais de la Mediterranee
A luxurious casino in the centre of Nice
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
Wine, food to go with wine, music and dance
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Le 6 Nightclub, Vieux Nice
Popular gay club with dj’s, cabaret, disco and more!
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
Things to do in Vence
Nature lovers are also provided for, with over 200 kilometres of marked pathways in the area, including a pleasant woodland trail to the neighbouring town of Saint Paul de Vence. Vence is a popular stopping point for road cyclists, as the Col de Vence departs from the town and is a stage in the famous Paris-Nice cycle race.
Things To Do in Vence
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Paintball 06, Tourrettes sur Loup
Shoot paint pellets & chase your friends with Paintball 06
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
Discover great wines & the stunning scenery of Provence
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
Pétanque with the locals and the stars
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.
Watersports in Vence
Watersports in Vence
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White Water Rafting
Half day trips for 4 to 8 people suitable for all abilities from age 7
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding
2hr session including 1 hour tuition suitable for all ages and abilities
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Join a team of professionals for a great experience
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Jet Evasion Watersports
Jets-Skis and sea scooters, broad selection of discovery outings at sea
Located on Carras beach in Nice, Jet Evasion rents licence-free jet skis & sea scooters.
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Nikaia Watersports
A huge variety of watersports available on the Nice beachfront
The beach front of Nice is the best place for watersports and situated at the heart of the city front is the company Nikaia Watersports.
Holiday Rentals in Vence
Holiday Rentals in Vence
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
5 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 10
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
4 bedroom Villa in La Roquette-sur-Var. Sleeps 8
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Saint Paul de Vence. Sleeps 6
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Hsud0081 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 8
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 6
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
4 bedroom Villa in La Gaude. Sleeps 8
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
Hotels in Vence
There are several lovely places to stay in and around Vence. There are some magnificent views down to the coast and the sea from most of the properties.
Hotels in Vence
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Luxurious Provençal retreat with a spa, lagoon and gourmet dining
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Toile Blanche Hotel, St Paul de Vence
Boutique luxury and artistic charm on the edge of Saint-Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
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Windsor Hotel
Artists invest the space & rooms with contemporary art installations
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
Beachfront luxurious hotel part of the leading hotels of the world
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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Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Five-star boutique hotel blending Provençal elegance, art, and gourmet dining
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
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Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
Excellent location, close to all sights and shops within walking distance
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
How to get to Vence
Transfers for Nice
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to the city centre
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Property For Sale in Vence
Property for Sale in Vence
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Villa for Sale | VAL250108
5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 828m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
A contemporary villa facing the village of Saint-Paul de Vence.
Villa for Sale | VAL250108
€6,900,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250055
5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Vence
An exceptional property that's located in Vence.
Villa for Sale | VAL250055
€1,580,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260149
5 bedroom 5 bathroom, 249.15m² Villa in Vence
Nestled in a preserved natural setting, this exceptional property perfectly embodies the refined art of Provençal living. Fully renovated with remarkable taste, from floor to ceiling, it combines timeless elegance, high-end materials, and authenticity.
Villa for Sale | val260149
€1,995,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250126
5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 288m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Nestled on the verdant heights of Vence, this elegant Provençal villa captivates with its timeless architecture and generous proportions. It offers 288 sq m under Carrez law and 362 sq m of living space, enhanced by an exceptional panoramic view stretching across the Mediterranean to Cap d’Antibes. Set at the heart of a vast landscaped plot of 6,194 sq m, the property is a true haven of serenity, where the authentic charm of Provence blends harmoniously with modern comfort.
Villa for Sale | VAL250126
€1,750,000 -
Villa for Sale | bsm260453
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 233.09m², Villa in La Gaude
Nestled within the prestigious Domaine de l'Étoile, in a peaceful and verdant setting, this charming 233 sqm villa is set on a beautifully landscaped 2,700 sqm plot.
Villa for Sale | bsm260453
€1,260,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250050
6 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 551m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Joint-sole agency. Ideally located in the private and sought-after area of Hauts de Saint Paul, this exceptional Provençal villa enjoys a privileged location, offering a beautiful view of the sea as well as of the emblematic village of Saint Paul de Vence, a true jewel of the French Riviera.
Villa for Sale | VAL250050
€5,980,000




























































































