Day 1 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Welcome to saint-Paul-de-Vence! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.
Begin the afternoon in the pedestrianized Old Town, stroll the ramparts, wander the art galleries, linger by the village fountain, and take it all in. At the entrance of the village you will find the luxurious Colombe d`Or hotel with its priceless art collection and Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant. Continue on through the village via rue Grande which crosses the village from north to south. The street boasts luxurious art galleries, small squares and beautiful buildings which indicate how prosperous the village was in the medieval ages. This is a great area to have lunch in one of the charming cafes and soak in the atmosphere and laid-back vibe.
After lunch head to the southern tip of the village and walk through the large Porte de Nice gate to enjoy the magnificent view towards Nice and the coastline. You will also find a great view of the cemetery where Marc Chagall resides. From the cemetery stroll around the city walls dating from the reign of the French King Francis I to enjoy some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Make sure to visit to the 13th-century Collégiale dela Conversion de St Paul, located at the highest point of the village and built in a Provencal Romanesque style with its large square tower.
Once you have finished your stroll around the Old Town, we recommend a visit to the Maeght Foundation, located about a half mile out of town. This gallery was founded in the late 1960`s by Aime Maeght, a gallery owner from Cagnes, who befriended several artists and decided to promote the works of innovative artists. The museum offers some beautiful modern art in a natural setting.
As night approaches make your way to one of the local restaurants in the center of town. There are some nice restaurants by the walls facing west and on Place des Tilleuls, just above the main (northern) entrance to the village.
Day 2 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Start the day off early and head to the small neighboring town of Vence, just a few miles further inland. Get here early and check out the special atmosphere on the market street, ruedu Marché, a daily food market. Vence`s pedestrian and circular old town are filled with treasures along their picturesque streets with stunning views over the hills surrounded by medieval walls. Explore the beautiful squares, small alleyways, fountains and old streets with attractive facades to get lost in. Among some highlights here is the Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary that dates originally from the 4th-century, the tower of Saint-Lambert, and the Chapelle des Penitents Blancs on Rue Isnard. While strolling around in Vence, make sure to sample the spring water from the many fountains which can be spotted here, and relax at one of the many cafes set up in the historical center.
As afternoon approaches make your way outside the historic walls and take a stroll around the Place du Frene and the Place du Grand Jardin next to the Porte du Peyra. Markets are held here daily in the main square. The entrance of Porte du Peyra, an original entrance although rebuilt in the early 19th-century; the Porte d`Orient added in the 18th-century; the Porte du Signadour, an original 13th-century gateway; le Pontis, added in 1863, and the Portail Levis, an original entrance although the tower that originally stood above the gates has now been lost.
After a busy day of sightseeing, enjoy some country cuisine for dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants around town. We recommend you take the time to wander the streets of Vence at night, meet the town`s locals and sample the delicious local wines.
Additional Days in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Should you be able to spend additional days in Saint-Paul-de-Vence take a day trip to the medieval town of Eze. The village sits high above the sea offering fancy boutiques, steep cobbled streets, magnificent views and famous perfume outlets. It is the superstar of hill villages and probably the most visited in the region. Perched above the village on top of the mountain, the Jardin Exotique d`Eze boasts spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the hills below. Stone staircases and paths snake among sculptures, statues, and the countless species of plants and cacti indigenous to the climate of the Cote d`Azur. Since 1949, the ruins of an old chateau have been home to hundreds of different plants 1,400 feet above the sea. Make sure to pay a visit to the perfume outlets to watch the production process and shop the fragrance collections.
Alternatively, enjoy a day trip to Grasse, a quaint medieval town renowned capital of the world`s perfume industry since the 16th-century. Three-quarters of the world`s essences are produced here from thousands of tons of petals, including violets, daffodils, wild lavender, and jasmine. Visitors from all over the world enjoy the perfume museum and free tours of their perfume factories, but you will also want to take in the never-ending fields of lavender that dominate the area`s hilly landscape. Discover the fascinating historic town with beautiful streets and winding staircases packed with charming boutiques, fountains, picturesque squares with welcoming cafe terraces, and vaulted passageways. Grasse also offers 16th-century ramparts, medieval houses raised in the 17th and 18th centuries, superb private mansions (Hotel de Cabris, Hotel de Ponteves, Court de Font michel), numerous chapels and magnificent 18th-century villas.
Your Last Day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home.
