Vence the city of Arts

Vence is a lively little medieval town glued on the mountain at 350m with a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean sea. It has retained its authenticity, while avoiding the crowds and the traffic of the busy coastal centres. It is located 22 km north-west of Nice (20 minutes by car from the airport) and 25 km east of Grasse, the perfume capital. Set on elevated land right in the heart of the French Riviera, it enjoys a mild and sunny climate all year round. It is always a pleasure to stroll through its winding streets, shop in the old medieval centre, buy organically-grown vegetables and flowers at the colourful daily peasant market, make good deals at the big market each Tuesday and Thursday, or just sip a drink on the terrace of a café while watching boules players on the main town square.

There is a posted trail with explanations in the old city. Don’t miss the 400 year old ash-tree at the Peyra gate.

Vence has been praised by artists because of the quality of its light and the 300+ days of sunshine per year. Many famous painters of the last two centuries have lived here, such as Chagall (who created the mosaic murals of the cathedral) and Matisse (who totally decorated the famous chapel).
Matisse wrote that Rosaire chapel was the synthesis of his art mixing architecture, painting, ceramics, stain glasses, sculpture, … since he did it all. He said that the best time to visit it is in winter at 11am when light is perfect. Vence has also an art museums, the Château Villeneuve (in the old city) and many art galleries.
The writer D. H. Lawrence suffering tuberculosis died in Vence on March 1930.

Each summer, the city organizes a renowned Latin American & African music festival. There is a good network of hiking trails, and many sports available in the area, including swimming, sailing, fishing, biking, gliding, horse-riding, and golf. In the winter, the major ski resorts of the Alps foothills are only an hour's drive away.

Vence is an ideal central point from which to visit all landmarks of the Côte d'Azur and discover Provence or Northern Italy. The French Riviera has a mild and sunny climate in all seasons. If you rent one of my accommodations, I will be glad to prepare a customized program for you depending on your interests and seasonal activities (http://www.rivieraapt-activities.blogspot.com/). Worthwhile trips include sightseeing visits to the Côte d'Azur, South Alps and Provence for half-day and full-day tours by car or public transports. It's also worth taking a visit to the local craft workshops, where craftspeople make pottery, ceramic miniature houses, stained glass, glassware, crystallised fruits and flowers, and pewter.

Many mountain sports and activities are available in the region, including mountain biking, gliding, hiking, rock- climbing and canyoning in summer, and skiing and snow-shoeing in winter. It's also a great place for water-sports, including swimming, sailing, wind-surfing, and fishing.

There are festivals devoted to folklore, medieval history, classical and jazz music, and dance. Cannes and its film festival, and Monaco with its Grand Prix, are only one hour away.


If you look for accommodation in this pretty city, please look at my properties on http://rivieraapt-accommodations.blogspot.com/
For more day tours, refer to http://rivieraapt-villages.blogspot.com/