Walk in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

Artists' village on the French Riviera

About Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in southeast France. A town of 3,000 inhabitants with medieval origins on the French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is well known for its museums and galleries of modern and contemporary art.

Route map

(click on objectives for extended version)

1. Porte de Vence

The Porte de Vence is the gateway to the north, near the General de Gaulle Square. Here we admire the thick walls of the citadel. Immediately after entering the gate, on the right is the cannon, the Lacan cannon, guarding the gate. The gate dates back to the 14th century.

The Lacan Tunnel

Porte de Vence

saint paul de vence

2. The Great Fountain

La Grande Fontaine, in translation The Big Fountain is a little square redesigned twice, in the 17th and 19th centuries. This is the central point of the village. This is where the villagers used to get their water and the laundresses did their laundry. The square is a Y-branch of three streets.

fountain

Helene's Bench

Elena's bank

3. Nice Gate

We arrive at the southern end of the village, at La Placette, passing under the arches of the cobbled street. Here is the Porte de Nice and, of course, the fortification wall. Behind the wall is the cemetery. This is also the most spectacular viewpoint. We can see both the Mediterranean in the Nice area and the first mountain peaks.

The Pontis

bastion

cemetery

view of the Mediterranean Sea

Baou St. Jeannet

belvedere point

4. Godet House

Casa Godet is a perfume shop founded in 1901. Many popular perfume essences were created here, some under their own brand.

perfumes

perfume collection

Godet perfume house

5. Chapel of the White Penitents

We turn down the same gorgeous street and at the fountain we turn half right, and right again. We arrive at the Chapelle des Penitents Blancs, i.e. Chapel of the White Penitents decorated by J.-M. Folon.

Donjon Town Hall

alley

Chapel of the White Penitents

6. Collegiate Church

The Eglise Collegiale or Collegiate Church was built in the 14th century. It still preserves valuable furnishings. The Romanesque choir contrasts with the exuberance stucco and gilding in the side aisles.