Circuit Malvan
A gentle hike passing 13th century ruins
The Notre-Dame des Fleurs stands on the site of an 11th century Benedictine Abbey. The building now houses the gallery Beaubourg which exhibits contemporary works of art.
At the top of this hike lies the stronghold destroyed in the 13th century. Along the hike you can still see some sections of the wall that have survived, forgotten in the scrub land. You also pass the medieval Chapel of Saint Raphael. The building is in a bad state of repair and although a small part has been restored it is threatening to collapse.
What to bring
IGN map 3643ET is recommended for this walk.
What to see
Sights in Nice
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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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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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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.
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Gorges du Loup, Cannes Region
The narrow and beautiful Gorges du Loup cuts north-south through the hills at the foot of Gourdon, 12 km from Grasse.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in 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-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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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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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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Les Bacchanales Restaurant, Vence
Christophe Dufau opened his Vence restaurant in 2008 and topped the list of places to eat for creative cuisine. The restaurant has one Michelin star.
What to do
Things To Do in Vence
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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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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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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.
Directions
From the Notre-Dame des Fleurs the route rises north through the district of Les Cambreniers, follow the path trail ans small road to gain the track towards the St Raphael chapel, on your right and the ruins of the ancient village of Malvans on your left.
After a detour to the chapel continue north to the stream Malvan, cross the stream and continue now in a south easterly direction after stopping to admire the views. The path leads through some dense vegetation and follow the road down past La Colline de Vence hotel. Take a right here and follow it down to the next junction. Take another right and follow this road, Chemin de l'Ormee until the end keeping a southerly direction. Turning right onto Route de Grasse, turning right at the roundabout then the next right to return to the start.
