The medieval hilltop town of Saint Paul de Vence is a short, economical bus ride from Nice. For 3 euros per person (round trip) the #400 bus leaves from the Albert 1er bus stop and takes approximately 55 minutes before arriving in Saint Paul.
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| St. Paul de Vence bus stop with town up the hill on the right |
Saint Paul de Vence's narrow, windy and steep cobble streets make one feel like having stepped back in time.
Every few steps there are art galleries, gift, clothing and souvenir shops.
If shopping is not of interest, no worries. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.
One could even argue the many ups and downs provide a reasonably good work out. No? Well, there are certainly plenty of photo opportunities.
In the little shop to the right (below) we purchased our very first ever macarons - sweet meringue based cookies filled with virtually every delicious thing under the sun. We opted for the more traditional fare, namely chocolate raspberry and lemon. Delicious, melt-in-your-mouth-Mmm!
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| Photo courtesy of Google |
There is no shortage of greenery and Mother Nature becomes one with the stone and brick.
Around every corner we spotted something new and delightful, and often it was accomplished via the minutest of details.
Saint Paul de Vence is a walled town and the outskirt sections now incorporate automobiles. A parking lot is tucked beside this building to the left.
To the south and just outside the medieval fortifications is the cemetery and artist Marc Chagall's final resting place. (Chagall moved to Saint Paul de Vence in 1966. He died in 1985.)
Continuing along the roadway fortification allows lovely views of the town and surrounding countryside.
The route includes more art galleries, shops, restaurants and even more photographic opportunities.
Following the steep roadway back down the hill one passes a discreet public restroom (on the left).
At the base of the fortifications and not far from the bus stop are more shops and restaurants.
We did stop for lunch btw, but did so earlier in the old part of town. The theory being we would walk some of it off afterward. (Haha!)
Good times and many wonderful memories while visiting Saint Paul de Vence. 💕
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