Saint-Paul de Vence // Fill your cultural boots in Provence, says Harriet Griffey
One of the loveliest of the villages perchés of the Côte d'Azur, Saint-Paul de Vence is a quick drive from Nice airport making it ideal for a culture-filled weekend getaway. With spectacular views that sweep over the medieval walls across vineyards and valleys to the Mediterranean sea, a walk around the pedestrianised streets and along the 16th-century ramparts is the best way to explore this hilltop town that's attracted more than its fair share of artistes, actors and musicians. Bill Wyman married Suzanne Accosta here and still has a home nearby, Michael Caine lunched at the Colombe d'Or, Yves Montand played boules and Marc Chagall is buried in the cemetery. The art-loving Weekender will find heaven here. Along with the I7th-century Folon Chapel in the Place de l'Eglise, with its stunning depiction of the town in mosaic, its light-filled paintings, stained glass windows and sculptures, there is also the Fondation Maeght with a unique collection of 20th-century art featuring Giacometti, Léger, Miro, Braque and Chagall. The Vence Museum has a permanent Matisse collection, while the Notre Dame de la Nativité cathedral features a fantastic Chagall mosaic of Moses being rescued from the bull rushes.
COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE - 01 mars 2019