Vence

A little higher in the hills than its world-famous neighbour Saint-Paul lies Vence, a lively and authentic town about 22 kilometres from Cannes. Where Saint-Paul-de-Vence is mainly a tourist attraction, Vence has a real, beating town heart with a rich history, a relaxed atmosphere and a surprising artistic heritage. It is a lovely place to wander for a day, far from the bustle of the coast. From our apartment in old Le Suquet in Cannes it is a short, rewarding drive into the hinterland.

The medieval old town

The walled Cité Historique of Vence is a delight to stroll through. Through the old gates you enter a network of narrow streets with little squares, splashing fountains and terraces under the plane trees. At its heart stands the old cathedral, one of the smallest in France, with Roman inscriptions and a mosaic by Marc Chagall. Everywhere you taste the centuries-long history of this old bishop's town, which has preserved its medieval character remarkably intact. Take the time to lose yourself in the alleyways; behind every corner a new detail awaits.

The Matisse chapel

The great art highlight lies just outside the centre: the Chapelle du Rosaire, better known as the Matisse chapel. Henri Matisse designed this restrained masterpiece entirely himself in his final years — from the stained-glass windows to the murals, the altar and even the priestly vestments. The artist regarded the chapel as his most important work. The sunlight that falls through the blue, green and yellow windows colours the plain white interior in an enchanting way, so that light and colour change continually with the position of the sun. It is a moving, almost spiritual highlight for any art lover.

A lively town heart

Unlike many villages that revolve mainly around visitors, Vence has a genuine life of its own. Markets are held on the squares, the cafés are full of locals and in the streets you find artisan shops, galleries and good restaurants. This makes a visit to Vence a touch more down-to-earth and convivial than to its chic neighbouring village. Vence shares its artistic character with the nearby gastronomy village of Mougins and the perfume town of Grasse, both easily combined in a day inland — explore more in our surroundings.

Gateway to the hinterland

Vence is moreover an excellent base for the nature of the hinterland. From here you drive straight into the hills towards the spectacular gorges, the mountain villages and the vast walking areas. The combination of culture, gastronomy and nature makes Vence more versatile than many a visitor expects. Lovers of walking and sweeping views will find plenty to enjoy in the green hill country around the town.

Practical

Easily combine Vence with a visit to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which lies just a few kilometres away. Bear in mind that the Matisse chapel has limited opening hours, so check these in advance to avoid disappointment. Allow half a day to a whole day, and wear comfortable shoes for the sloping streets of the old town.

An outing from Cannes

From our apartment in Le Suquet, a short drive takes you to this atmospheric art town in the hills. Take a look at the apartment and the available dates, and discover during your stay in Cannes the versatile charm of Vence and its famous Matisse chapel.