Skip to main content
SeeAntibes

White Penitents Chapel (The Folon Chapel), St-Paul de Vence

17th-century chapel with colourful contemporary art

featured in Sights & sites

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.

The first traces of the brotherhood of White Penitents in Saint-Paul de Vence date back to 1581. They formed an association of pious laymen who did good works to earn forgiveness for their sins. Their charity work with the underprivileged included caring for the sick, handing out clothing and food to the needy, and giving grain to farmers in trouble. They would also offer food and shelter to lost travellers and penniless pilgrims. The brotherhood existed in Saint-Paul de Vence until the beginning of the 1920s. This chapel was their headquarters.

In 2005, a huge project was undertaken here by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon to decorate the interior of the chapel in a manner which encapsulates the work of the White Penitents. On Folon's death in 2005, the work was continued by a select group of artisans. Look out for the mosaic of stained glass windows.

Visitor comments

  • "Observing its sober and discreet façade it's not possible to imagine how beautifully decorated is this 17th century chapel. Entering it takes us to a world of color, quietness and delicate beauty, conveyed by the gorgeous mosaics conceived by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. The ticket bought to enter this chapel allows one to visit the small and nice museum..." - Trip Advisor
  • "Beautiful and must see.. only need a few minutes.. buy ticket across the sidewalk at separate museum entrance." - Trip Advisor
  • "No one had told us about the 'Folon' chapel. It doesn't seem to be mentioned in the guidebooks and we only found the chapel because we went to the St Paul History Museum. The curator immediately offered to open the chapel up for us and we had no idea what she was talking about but were so grateful that we had listened and followed. She was very enthusiastic with all the details she wanted to share about the creation of this peaceful evocative space with the beautiful modern mosaics and sensitive sculptures. This was the highlight of our visit to St Paul de Vence." - Trip Advisor

When to come

Open every day:

  • May 1st to September 30th - 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00
  • October 1st to April 30th - 10:30-12:30 and 14:00-16:00
  • Closed in November, December 25th and January 1st

How to get passes

Tickets on sale opposite the chapel, at the Musée d'Histoire Locale.

Ticket includes admission to the chapel and the local history for 4€. Reduced price of 3€ for students and children up to 16. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) for 12€, groups of more than 10 people, 3€ each. Free for children under 6.

Location

Map of the surrounding area