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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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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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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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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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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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 Antibes
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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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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 de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Pebble beach great for watersports fans with equipment to rent
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Lovely pebble beaches along the coast towards Biot
Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
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Plage de la Gravette Beach
Horseshoe-shaped beach below Antibes' medieval ramparts
Plage de la Gravette has a lot going for it. It’s wide, sandy and it’s right in the middle of the old town, making it perfect for a quick swim while exploring Antibes, or to spread out with a picnic for the day.
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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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 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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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 Vieux Moulin Restaurant, Saint-Paul de Vence
Located in a 17th century mill in St Paul de Vence
Located in an old mill, carefully restored, the restaurant offers traditional cuisine, both simple and refined, with flavours, aromas and colours of southern French cuisine.
Nightlife in Vence
Bars & Clubs in Vence
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Casino JOA La Siesta
Newly renovated casino right on the edge of the sea on the beautiful Cote d'Azur
In this large complex in the centre of Antibes is a big nightclub and a casino. The casino has 180 machines, roulette, blackjack and poker plus a restaurant.
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The Hop Store
Irish Pub in the Old Antibes with live music & DJ's
Located in the very centre of Antibes, this bar has live music and DJ's Wednesdays to Saturdays during the summer.
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Blue Lady Pub
Live music every Friday night in this relaxed pub
This English-speaking pub is located in the heart of Old Antibes. It is a real institution for Captains and crew members.
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Happy Face Bar
Good atmosphere and live music in the centre of Antibes
This trendy bar is located in the old Antibes and is very popular with the yacht crew.
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Drinkers Club
Nice bar with live music in Old Antibes
This nice bar with good atmosphere and eclectic music has a large English-speaking, yachting clientèle.
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Cafe Brun
Wine & cocktail bar and restaurant in the heart of Antibes
A relative new-comer to Antibes bar and restaurant scene this funky joint has become one of the coolest hang out spots in the town.
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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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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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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Stade Nautique Municipal Watersports
Local public swimming pools
If you feel like a change from the beach, take a trip to the local public swimming baths. There is a 25-metre swimming pool inside, plus an outdoor 50-metre pool with a diving board.
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Kayak Hire
1hr, 2hr, half day or full day hire, to discover the French Riviera
Based in Antibes, their kayak & SUP activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
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Societe des Regates d'Antibes Sailing School
Sailing club founded in 1892 organising courses and races
They offer various sailing and windsurfing courses aimed at all ages, from 5 year old children to adults. There is also the possibility of renting a boat, or booking private lessons.
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Easy Dive School, Juan les Pins
An experienced dive centre close to the heart of Antibes
Easy Dive is a diving shop and diving centre in Antibes. There are a range of different courses for all levels from complete beginner to advanced and instructor courses.
Holiday Rentals in Vence
Holiday Rentals in Vence
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Artistic Riviera 7E Apartment
1 bedroom Apartment in Juan les Pins. Sleeps 4
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Artistic Riviera 7E Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish, romantic abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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Lovely Riviera 3F Apartment
1 bedroom Apartment in Juan les Pins. Sleeps 4
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Lovely Riviera 3F Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish and comfortable abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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Hsud0043 Villa
6 bedroom Villa in Roquefort-les-Pins. Sleeps 12
6km from Valbonne in the town of Roquefort-les-Pins, beautiful Provencal farmhouse renovated in 2021, located on a plot of approximately 3,000 m².
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Charming Riviera 3E Apartment
1 bedroom Apartment in Juan les Pins. Sleeps 4
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Charming Riviera 3E Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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Hsud0042 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Villeneuve-Loubet. Sleeps 8
7 km from Antibes, in the village of Villeuneuve-Loubet, in the residential area, beautiful modern villa situated on the plot of 800m².
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Bright and Cosy 5A Apartment
Studio bedroom Apartment in Juan les Pins. Sleeps 2
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the studio Bright and Cosy 5A Sweet Inn vacation studio offers a stylish, romantic abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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 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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La Villa Hotel, Juan les Pins
Tranquil retreat in the heart of Cap d'Antibes, offering relaxation and Mediterranean charm
La Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
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Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, Juan les Pins
Contemporary hotel with Michelin starred restaurant & private beach
This beach hotel is located in the Juan-Les-Pins area of Antibes and boasts fantastic sea views. Unlike many hotels in the area this architecture is sleek and modern and as expected, the interior mimics the opulence of the exterior.
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Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
Art Deco charm and luxury in the heart of Juan-les-Pins
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
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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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Hotel de Mougins
Peaceful Provençal hideaway surrounded by sun, gardens and timeless charm
Set in a historic 18th-century bastide, the four-star Hôtel de Mougins offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Provence. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and filled with Provençal charm, it’s the perfect base for unwinding and exploring the Côte d’Azur.
How to get to Vence
Transfers for Antibes
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to Antibes
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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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.
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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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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 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.
Property For Sale in Vence
Property for Sale in Vence
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Villa for Sale | VAL250093
5 bedroom, 575m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Nestled at the summit of a prestigious residential estate, this new 575 sq m contemporary villa embodies the very essence of luxury.
Villa for Sale | VAL250093
€7,700,000



































































