WALKS IN SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE:

1. Circuit around the fortifications (30 mn)
2. Circuit around the roman road and the Malvan river (1h30)
3. Circuit of the queen Jeanne's canal (1h30)
4. From Saint-Paul to Vence (1h30)

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Level : Easy Duration : 0h30 Distance : 1 km 250 Alt. range : 0

1. Take the path at the foot of the western ramparts leading past the Bastion du Dauphin. The first medieval fortifications were probably erected in the 11th and 12th centuries. However, the present fortifications date from the 16th centurie. François 1 came to Saint-Paul to inspect the location and commissioned François de Mandon from Saint Rémy to turn Saint-Paul into a stronghold to protect the borders of Eastern Provence.
   Elongated in shape, the line of defence boasts curtains and bastions. Cross fire from pillboxes protected the village from the enemy. In 1700, the fortifications were inspected by Vauban.
   
2. Saint-Paul's curtain affords a view of the valley and of vines planted on land that has been terraced to consolidate it.
   
3. Pass Sainte Anne's curtain and Saint Mître's curtain. The latter is host to two half-bastions which in turn are separated by Saint Marc's curtain. As on the northern section, the two half-bastions and their pillboxes protect access to a gateway - the Nice Gateway - set behind them.
   
4. Continue to the car park and take the small path at Sainte Trinité's curtain. You will notice a date engraved in the stone on a corner of the Bastion du Barri de Flory. "1707" reminds us that before work to reinforce the fortifications could be completed, troops from Piedmont seized the opportunity offered by a breach and invaded and occupied the village.
   
5. Go to the top of Saint-Sébastien's curtain and take Rue de la Pourtoune to reach Sainte Claire's curtain. You will pass the former prison tower (Tour de l’Esperon) and one of the 17th-century village wells.
   
6. Your itinerary ends at a vestige of 15th-century fortifications: the machicolation tower. The floors at the top of its galleries were pierced with small holes through which defenders could shower offensive devices upon their attackers. Next to the Vence Gateway in the form of a round arch is the Lacan Cannon - brought back from the Battle of Cérisoles by François 1. A contingent of soldiers from Saint-Paul is said to have fought in the battle.

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Level : Average Duration : 1h30 Distance : 2,5 km Alt. range : +100m -100m

1. Take the path at the foot of the western ramparts (see Itinerary N°1 “The fortifications”). After the cemetery, fork off towards the former Roman Road. A little further down, on the left-hand side of the gate, take the alley reserved for pedestrians.
   
2. You are now in the oldest part of the village, referred to as “le puy”. Lower down on the left you can see a tower (“tour du portaron”) that is still in good condition. It probably marked one of the entrances to the new fortified village. After the turn and the bench, take the path on your left to the Malvan River.
   
3. The source of the Malvan is in the commune of Vence but in the 14th century, Queen Jeanne authorised the inhabitants of Saint-Paul to use its water. This sparked off many a quarrel between the people of Vence and Saint-Paul. In 1844, the Municipal Council of Vence ironically described the river as “a bunch of pebbles suffering from hydrophobia that a pedestrian can cross in one stride when the river is at its highest”. Although the water was beneficial, bringing life and fertility, the Malvan could also - true to its name - wreak havoc. Malvan means “qui va en faisant le mal” - doing ill along its path.
   
4. As you walk along the Malvan you will spot a few ruins of shepherd huts and shelters. You may even be lucky enough to run into the shepherd with his flock.
   
5. Keep going until you reach Impasse des Restanques. Fork off towards the left and cross some terraced orchards (olive and fruit trees). Go past the Colombe d’Or and continue until you reach the square where boules is played.

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Circuit of the queen Jeanne's canal

Level : Average Duration : 1h30 Distance : 5 km Alt. range: +120m - 120m

1. The path starts between Chapelle Sainte Claire and the oil mill that today houses the "Vieux Moulin" restaurant. You can still see the wheel of the Sainte Claire mill; it worked right up until the last century, powered by water flowing along a 17th-century aqueduct. The path follows the former canal.
   
2. Slightly higher up Passe Prest Hill, you will pass the former château of the Villeneuve-Thorenc family, governors of Saint-Paul. The name "Passe Prest" means "passe vite" – or in English "pass quickly" – evoking the memory of a rather unaccommodating lord whose path was to be avoided at all costs.
   
3. Follow the road for a few hundred metres. House N°1552, called "La Colline", was home to Marc Chagall from 1966 to 1985 (his last home). Today the artist reposes in Saint-Paul cemetery.
   
4. Veer off to the right along Chemin de la Sine and take Chemin des Cades, passing in front of the EDF building. At your left, a path is running to Vence, crossing the river “Malvan”. Then you reach “Chapelle Saint Jean”, close to Vence.
   
5. You can return to Saint Paul as well, walking throught “La route des Gardettes” and the path Sainte Claire, at your left, you are walking along the facade of the Pass Prest couvent. The final part of the itinerary is dotted with oratories and chapels. Firstly, Notre Dame de La Gardette (also called Saint Georges Chapel) founded in the first half of the 17th century. This chapel was decorated with frescos between 1926 and 1930 by Ms. Laporte and Ms Larcher, who were inspired by the visions of Anne Catherine Emmerick. Chapelle Saint Charles-Saint Claude, constructed towards the end of the 17th century, offers one of the finest views of the village. Your walk ends at Chapelle Sainte Claire, also constructed in the 17th century. Sainte Claire is patron saint of the village and her feast day is celebrated each year at the beginning of August.

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From Saint-Paul to Vence

Level : Average Duration : 1h30 Distance : 3 km Alt. range: +200m -80m

1. The walk starts 100m from the bus stop on the D2 road heading to Vence. A path through scrubland gradually leads you to the bed of the River Malvan. A few ruins remain to be seen : Chapelle Saint Pierre and Sainte Madeleine oratory.
   
2. Use the small bridge to cross the water then head up the valley towards Vence. Cross Avenue Émile Hugues on the pedestrian crossing and continue your climb along Rue de l’ancien chemin de Saint-Paul. This will take you to Chapelle Sainte Élisabeth. The frescos in the chapel date from the 15th century; they were discovered quite by chance in 1924.
   
3. Take the small path on your left that leads to a tight bend in the D36. A picturesque little alley then leads you to the entrance of the town of Vence. For the return journey, you can retrace your steps.