St Paul de Vence
St Paul de Vence is the art centre of the Cote d'Azur.
In the middle ages it was an important fortified border town. The ramparts were built in the 16th century by Francois 1 to withstand artillery attacks. Vauban visited the town in 1693 and wrote to Louis 1X: "Le soleil est le plus beau de toute la Provence". Getting there Take the train to Cagnes sur Mer and then bus 400 - takes 15 minutes - to St Paul de Vence |
Tourist office
2 rue Grande Tel: 04 93 32 86 95 The staff speak English and it is here you book the guided tours - such as the Folon Chapel and artists' studios, as well as a petangue lesson with a master player. The petanque pitch here is the most famous in France. 
Enter the entrance tunnel under the walls and continue along rue Grande seeing the sights listed below from
* First stop |
* First stop
A theme of crocodiles is found at Galerie Sainte Colombe at 1 rue Grande 04 93 32 87 36 |
Visit Galerie Frederic Got and meet Philippe Marthon, art consultant, at 17 rue Grande 04 93 32 59 85 |
Pause awhile and admire the medieval town at 'The four corners'.
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The 'Mona Lisa' is for sale at Capuchino. You can buy clothes here too.
37 rue Grande 04 93 58 96 38 |
Rest a moment in La Placette before you visit...
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...and talk to the artist who painted this at
Atelier de la Courtine 83a rue Grande 08 99 10 33 44 |
Time for lunch
Chez Andreas, Rempart Ouest, 04 93 32 98 32 |
Snacks, a meal or drinks at Cafe de la Place, 1 Place de General de Gaulle. 04 93 32 80 03
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Watch the locals playing petanque (boules). You can even have a lesson. Call the tourist office or email serviceguide@saint-pauldevence.com
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Hotel and restaurant Colombe d'Or is to be found near the entrance to the village.
Founded in 1920 it has 13 rooms and 12 suites. The food is traditional, the dining room seats 70. The terrace seats 100. Must book well ahead. Tel: 04 93 32 80 02 email: contact@la-colombe-dor.com |
Restaurant Le Vieux Moulin is situated just outside the village. Formerly a mill, the cuisine is provencal and Italian. Fifty can be seated in the dining room and 40 on the terrace.
Non-stop service in the Summer. Tel: 04 93 58 36 76 Important: closed from 15 December to 1 March |