10 Best Things to Do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in One Day
Planning a trip to the South of France? You can’t miss spending at least one day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence so I have prepared a list of fun things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is located on the top of the hill in a scenic setting and shines as one of the best places to visit in Southern France. This medieval gem boasts an artistic ambiance unlike any other, offering an artistic escape from Nice.
Over the past century, it has drawn renowned artists like Marc Chagall and Jacques Raverat, along with notable figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Pablo Picasso.
Today, the town thrives with art galleries, charming boutiques, workshops, and quaint cafes. If you are an art or history lover, you will love a quick one-day trip to Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
This Saint-Paul-de-Vence travel guide will help you plan your trip, and share some practical tips and best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in one day.
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10 best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Maison de Jacques Prevert
Maison de Jacques Prevert is the iconic house that you have seen all over social media and a must visit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. No matter if you like photography or not, you will want to capture this cute house with plants wrapped around every corner.
As the name suggests, this used to be the residence of the legendary French poet, writer, and screenwriter Jacques Prévert. Nowadays, it is a holiday rental and you can take a closer look at the property here.
Other than that, it is not accessible to the public, but you can appreciate the exteriors and cute patio right in front of the palace. If you are lucky, you might even find the black kitty who loves to hang around the house.
Ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence
If you are looking for scenic spots in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, visiting Ramparts is one of the best things in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Just wandering around the Ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence offers some of the best views of French Riviera.
Ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence dating back to the Middle Ages served as protection but nowadays it is open for visitors to travel back in time and enjoy the views of surrounding villages and the Mediterranean.
You can access Ramparts from Place de Gaulle and enjoy the path from there. Comfortable shoes certainly help, but it is not a must.
Are you someone who is afraid of heights? Feel free to skip this spot, because it might be overwhelming and there are no safety measures. Not ideal if you are visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence with kids.
Cimetière de Saint-Paul-de-Vence
While normally cemetery is not a typical tourist attraction, this one should be on your one day Saint-Paul-de-Vence itinerary. Located between the rolling hills and lush landscapes of the French Riviera, this cemetery is a perfect oasis.
Here lie the final resting places of popular artists, writers, actors, and other notable personalities who have left an indelible mark on French society and beyond. Wandering around the cemetery is one of the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Among the gravestones and mausoleums, visitors may discover the resting places of celebrated figures such as Marc Chagall, one of the most prominent artists of the 20th century, and the legendary French actor Yves Montand.
It is open every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm and there is no entrance fee. If you don’t feel like visiting the cemetery, make sure you go up to the Ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence and enjoy the views from the top.
Eglise Collégiale Saint Paul
The Eglise Collégiale Saint Paul is a historic collegiate church nestled in the heart of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Dating back to the 14th century, this architectural marvel blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by grand vaulted ceilings, ornate stone carvings, and magnificent stained glass windows, all showcasing the skill and artistry of medieval craftsmen. The church’s interior is adorned with sacred art, including altarpieces and sculptures.
The exterior is simple and blends in with medieval tones. Make sure you are on the lookout for the tower because otherwise, you might miss it.
It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. There is no entrance fee so if you find it open when visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence, make sure you visit the inside as well.
Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence
The Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a charming fountain located in the heart of the village. This fountain serves not only as a functional source of water but also as a symbol of the village’s heritage and community spirit.
The fountain has historically been a gathering place for residents to socialize, draw water, and exchange news and gossip. Today, it continues to be a beloved landmark where people come to relax, take photographs, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic village.
It is a free attraction and it is accessible any time of day, you basically can’t miss it when wandering around the streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. However, it is worth stopping by and admiring the beautiful details and artwork of the fountain.
Visit one of the many art galleries
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is known for its thriving art scene, hosting numerous galleries that showcase a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. If you are passionate about art, you can easily spend an entire day in the galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Galeries Bartoux Saint-Paul de Vence is the most popular destination for every art lover. Known for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, Galerie Bartoux represents both established masters and emerging talents.
Other less popular alternatives include Galerie Frédéric Gollong and Di Allure Art, however, you won’t have to search for art galleries, because they are located on every corner. You can simply follow your taste and visit the one that appeals to you the most.
Fragonard Perfume
If you have read my other South of France travel guides, you know that I am a big fan of Fragonard Perfume. I visited the Fragonard factory in Eze many years ago and have loved their concept ever since.
Unless you are visiting their factory in Eze, I highly recommend stopping by Fragonard Boutique in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Their perfume is a perfect souvenir that will remind you of the French Riviera every time you wear it.
There is a wide variety of scents, so I am sure you will find something for your taste. If you do not need perfume, they sell soaps, creams, body lotions, and even candles representing the iconic products of the region.
The shop is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm.
Viewpoint of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
I am sure you have seen postcard views of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and I was on a mission to find the right spot to recreate those postcards. Well, you don’t have to search because I will share the exact location.
If you are arriving at Saint-Paul-de-Vence by bus 655 you will spot the views right before the final stop where you get off. Only a few steps lower, you will find fantastic views over Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
The name of the street is Rte de la Colle and it is right next to the Orangerie Studios. As an alternative, you can visit Rte des Serres which is Auditorium. But if you ask me, I prefer the views from the top.
Another note: the sun rises behind the Saint-Paul-de-Vence, so taking photos up until late afternoon is basically impossible. Sunset is the perfect time to snap the iconic photo of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Enjoy breakfast at Le Lys D’Or or lunch at one of the restaurants
If you are an early bird like me and you plan to arrive in Saint-Paul-de-Vence early, I am sure you will need to grab some food to fuel up. Le Lys d’Or is absolutely the best bakery in aint-Paul-de-Vence and their pastries are top quality.
Instead, if you are visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence later in the day, you don’t want to miss La Colombe d’Or. Not only the food is amazing, but the entire setting will also contribute to your experience.
In case you are looking for a simple cafe with healthy classics, you should check Restaurant Café Timothé. I wouldn’t call it an affordable cafe, but it is definitely below average.
The most budget-friendly option is L’épicerie des Artistes, where you can find delicious sandwiches, crepes, and typical French pies. Ice cream and coffee are on the menu as well.
Stroll the streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Once you have ticked off all the best attractions of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, make sure you get lost in the small alleys of the village and just wander around without any expectations.
That is the best way to find cute corners and maybe even some hidden gems of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This village is full of picturesque locals, so wandering around is one of the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Other useful things to know before visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Is Saint-Paul-de-Vence worth visiting?
Absolutely! Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a charming medieval village in France, known for its artistic heritage, narrow cobblestone streets, and picturesque views. It’s definitely worth a visit if you love art, history, and beautiful scenery.
On top of that, it is an easy day trip from Nice, so you don’t have any excuses to miss this medieval French town. I have to say that it was one of my favorite day trips and trust me, competition in this region is real.
How to reach Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
If you are coming from Nice Airport, you can take the bus 620 and then change to bus 655. The journey takes approximately one hour and it will cost you 4.20 euros. You will need to separate bus tickets and each costs 2.10 euros.
From Nice train station, you can take the train to Cagnes-sur-Mer and then take the bus 655. Similar to the previous journey, it takes around 1 hour to reach Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The train from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer costs 4 euros and another 2.10 euros for the bus after.
And if you are coming from Promenade des Angles or Old Town, you will need to catch the bus to the airport or walk to the train station and follow the previous steps. It takes around one and a half around to reach Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Things to know about public transport in Nice
You can’t simply buy a bus ticket for your ride, you actually need to purchase a card and top it up before you use it. You can buy this card at the sales or mobile agencies, ticket machines, and Lignes d’Azur sales offices. The cost of the e-card is 2 euros.
If you don’t buy this card in advance, you can buy it directly on the bus, however, you will need to pay it in cash. It costs 4 euros – 2 euros for the card and 2 euros for the journey. After that, you can top it up at Tabac shops, tram stops, or Lignes d’Azur sales offices.
Don’t forget to validate your card every time you jump on the bus or tram! There is also a Lignes d’Azur Tickets application, however, we couldn’t validate our phone number to access it.
You can get a taxi for approximately 40 euros depending on your starting point in Nice. Apps like Bolt and Freenow are great to check the actual price for the journey.
If you are visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence by car, you will find parking here: Route des Serres, Montée des Trious, Route de Vence, Chemin des Gardettes. 1 hour of parking will cost you 2 euros, 2 hours – 4 euros, and 3 hours – 5.50 euros.
Best guided tours for Saint Paul de Vence:
- Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour
- Provence and its Medieval Villages Full-Day Tour
- Antibes & St Paul de Vence Tour with Wine Tasting
How long to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a popular day trip from Nice so one day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence is enough to tick off essentials and explore the best things to do.
However, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is famous for some iconic hotels, so it might be worth spending a night in Saint-Paul-de-Vence and enjoying it before most day trippers arrive.
We visited Saint-Paul-de-Vence on a day trip and woke up very early to see the sunrise from Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The town was empty once we arrived, so it was absolutely worth it! In 2-3 hours you can easily cover the entire village and the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
How to move around Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
The village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is very small and the best way to explore it is by walking. Cars are not allowed in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (except residents and hotel guests) and the best attractions of Saint-Paul-de-Vence can only be reached on foot.
Where to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
If you enjoy high-end hotels during your travels, I believe it is worth stopping for a night and enjoying the service at the Hotel Le Saint Paul, which is an amazing 5-star hotel in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
At Hotel Le Saint-Paul, rooms are adorned in a distinctive Provençal style, offering a glimpse into the quintessential French way of life. Each room showcases vistas of the village, valley, nearby hills, or even a panoramic stretch from the Alps to the Mediterranean!
If you are on a budget, there is really no need to spend a night in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, because affordable and mid-range options are very limited and simply not worth the money.
Further reading for the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Or read more about: Nice | Paris | Menton | Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Cannes | Eze | Villefranche-sur-Mer | France | Monaco
In conclusion…
This is the end of the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence and other useful tips. I am sure that by now you are fully prepared to spend one day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
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