Saint Paul de Vence

Perched on a hillside, Saint Paul de Vence is one of the oldest perfectly preserved medieval towns on the French Riviera. It is particularly notable as an artist's haven since the early twentieth century. The best places to stay in Saint Paul de Vence offer an idyllic hideaway just seven kilometres from the beach and a short drive from the glamorous resorts of Cannes and Nice.

Historically, Saint Paul was considered strategically important and became a border stronghold. The impressive fourteenth century town walls bear witness to this. During the seventeenth century the beautiful St. Paul’s church was extended and the sumptuous St. Clement chapel constructed. Influential families built mansions in the town.

The opening of a tramway in 1911 transformed the town - enabling local farmers to export their produce to Nice, Antibes and Grasse and making this lovely place accessible to the outside world.

Artists discovered Saint Paul de Vence in the early 1920’s, Raoul Dufy was one of the first to come here - attracted by the light and colour. The artistic community formed a centre around the classic Colombe d’Or Hotel which is adorned with many of their works - Picasso and Chagall amongst them. In the 1950’s the town became a popular film location.

What not to Miss

• Stroll through the historic centre of St Paul de Vence. Enter the town via the original stone 14th century Porte de Vence and end up in the the Place de L'Eglise, which is filled with ancient buildings, and a great place to stop for some refreshment and watch the world go by!
• The town's artistic and cultural legacy lives on to this day and there are countless galleries, studios and museums to explore and enjoy.
• There are also markets and boutiques, walks and cycle routes.

If you only plan to spend a night or two exploring the town, then we'd advise you to book a hotel in the centre of town. But if you're staying for longer and want to get out and about, then you'll be better off with one of our recommended properties in the surrounding area, from where you'll have easy access to both the beach and the charming Provencal towns and villages.

The best places to stay in Saint Paul de Vence get booked up very early during the peak summer months. So you'll need to either plan well ahead if you wish to visit in July or August, or change your dates and come in the shoulder season when the weather is still lovely, but the crowds have gone.

For a central location

• La Maison du Frene is a renovated eighteenth century house with a vibrant decor and airy suites. The private art collection is incredible and there’s a house party feel. Just four rooms.
• La Colombe d’Or Hotel - Steeped in history and still family run this is the original artist’s hangout. The walls are covered with paintings by Picasso, Matisse & Co. who would gift a picture in exchange for food, drink etc. The restaurant is equally renowned for its gourmet provencal cuisine. Truly unique with a laid back atmosphere. Whimsical, inspirational and a honeymoon favourite.

For Rural Chic

• The Hotel Cantemerle and its charming restaurant are set in acres of private grounds and offer stylish rooms in old fashioned buildings. Plus gourmet restaurant, pool and spa. A lovely hideaway.
• Le Mas de Pierre offers a luxury provencal residence with elegant rooms, set in manicured gardens with pool and terrace. A sophisticated tropical oasis, just five kilometres from the beach.
• For a very chic hotel in the Provencal countryside book Hotel Alain Llorca. The rooms are large and elegant and feature antiques and white washed walls. Plus an intimate bar, lovely terrace and pool. The restaurant is Michelin starred and you're just seven kilometres from the Mediterranean.

To See The Côte d'Azur

• The Toile Blanche is a smart boutique hotel in the perfect position for exploring the region. Rooms are modern in style, there are lovely views and the restaurant won't disappoint.
• La Grande Bastide is a gloriously luxurious eighteenth century country house with outstanding views of the coast and valley. Lovely rooms with balconies, plus a candle lit terrace and pool.

For Deux

• The Hotel Le Saint Paul is a very romantic medieval villa with sumptuous rooms and suites. Think Provencal decor, rooms filled with antiques and spectacular views over the Côte d'Azur. Plus a gourmet restaurant.
• Chateau du Domain St. Martin is a fairytale chateau in the hills with stunning coastal views. There's Michelin starred dining in the restaurant, an amazing Spa and sumptuous suites with private balconies. This is a very special luxury getaway.

For Families

• If you're looking for something a bit different check out the Orion Tree Houses - three Quirky tree houses and one cottage offering an alternative holiday experience! The houses are all based on jungle book characters, and offer super luxury! Very intimate and tranquil and ‘back to nature’.

For Great Value

• Hotel le Hameau is a Provencal farmhouse conversion beside the road to Saint Paul. The 17 rooms have a simple rustic elegance, and the landscaped gardens are beautiful and fragrant with lovely walks close by. Rooms start from around €95 per night.
• La Vague de Saint Paul is a stylish modern hotel just outside the town. The rooms are comfortable and spacious with smart ensuites and there's a recommended seafood restaurant. Rooms start form around €110 per night.

For a self-catering Apartment or Private Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in a self-catering apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport is closest, and there are excellent UK connections and links to the rest of Europe. From there it’s an easy journey by train or bus. The closest station is Cagnes our Mer.
• If you want to hire a car - which is a good idea if you’re staying in Saint Paul de Vence and you want to see more of the Côte d'Azur - we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Saint Paul de Vence has a delightful Mediterranean climate which means it’s mild and brilliantly sunny for most of the year - excepting winters which are cool and sunny. The Mistral winds keep Saint Paul de Vence from baking during the summer months, and keep the rain showers moving, so that Saint Paul de Vence gets passing showers rather than days of rain on end - October and November are the rainiest months.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Saint Paul de Vence for you?

• Browse our list of all the best places to stay in St Paul de Vence,
• expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Côte d'Azur,
• or try checking out the best places to stay in Nice,
• or the best places to stay in Fréjus,
• or the best places to stay in St-Tropez,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Saint Paul de Vence