Get to Know …Vence

Vence is a charming, medieval town located up in the hills between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes. Being only 20 minutes from the Nice International Airport and 30 minutes to central Nice, it has easy access to the surrounding villages and coastal towns.

The old town of Vence is surrounded by stone walls, the ramparts with five entrances into this stunning Provençal town with its medieval alleys, narrow cobbled streets, little shops, art galleries, and a choice of restaurants – offering a variety of French and International menus.

Things to see:

Place du Grand Jardin which has daily fresh produce markets.

There are also Antique, Pottery and Provencal markets and a weekly Friday market. During the summertime Vence hosts “Les Nuits du Sud,” a musical festival, frequented by worldwide celebrities.

Chateau Villeneuve, a 17th century building, which is now a modern art museum with its own boutique bookstore. A must to visit.

Entering the old town, through the beautiful pedestrian gate, La Porte du Peyra you encounter the Place du Peyra, a typical Provençal square with its restaurants, quaint shops, galleries and magnificent fountain (1822) that dominates the square. The water in Vence is from a natural source and is “potable”, drinkable.

Place Clemenceau ,in the centre of the old town boasts the beautiful Town Hall and the stunning Cathedral of Vence.  Stepping into the Cathedral , which is steeped in history, one can see some original art, created by the artist Marc Chagall -  a mosaic of Moses being saved by the water. (1979).

From the  Place du Frêne, you have breath-taking views of the Baous de Blancs, Baous de Noirs and Saint Jeannet, with some well walked hiking trails.

You can also see the Matisse Chapel, with its distinctive blue and white tiled roof and 13 metre high cross. To visit the chapel or the villa of the artist Henri Matisse, it is an 800 metre walk from the town centre.

From the Col de Vence, situated at 963m above Vence, you have spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the hinterland of Nice.

Vence is definitely a place to visit and explore and could be your dream for relocating. You will be pleasantly surprised by the charm of this lovely town and the Vençois.