Saint-Paul de Vence. Photo: David Van Der Mark.
Saint-Paul de Vence, a hilltop town about a 30-minute drive from Nice, is a unique place where a storied medieval history meets today’s rich and famous jet-setters.
It also provides a wealth of photo ops: 11th century architecture (like the old church of Saint Michel du Puy), narrow, boutique-lined streets, and, on a clear day a spectacular vantage point for the Mediterranean to the south and the Alps to the north.
Fortified walls of Saint-Paul de Vence. Photo: Winniepix.
Because of its strategic position, fortified walls – built in the 14th century for protection against artillery fire – encircle the city.
If you think you might visit Saint-Paul de Vence, make an advanced reservation at La Colombe d’Or, a hotel/restaurant/art gallery with a fascinating backstory:
In the 1920s artists like Bonnard, Modigliana, Soutine and Signac, used to gather at the restaurant, paying for their meals and rooms in paintings and sculptures. This was a grand investment for the owners, who assembled a priceless collection of art, including works by Matisse, Picasso, Miro and Braque.
