A Guide to Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Things to Do + Tips for Visitors

The beautiful town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence was one of my favorite stops on my South of France trip. In fact, I think I enjoyed it a touch more than the somewhat similar (and very popular) Èze! 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking stunning Provencal scenery, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the oldest medieval villages on the French Riviera. The idyllic town has a reputation for being a haven for artists, with icons like Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse having ties to the area. It’s also home to the Fondation Maeght – a must-visit for artists and art fans alike.

Besides the rich history, the town itself is incredibly scenic. It’s well worth a visit just to walk down the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the gorgeous, greenery-covered buildings.

In this guide, I’m diving into everything you need to know to plan a perfect visit to this charming town. We’ll cover the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, as well as key information you need to know for your visit.

Quick note: this page may contain affiliate links, which means I can earn a commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you!). This helps me run this site and continue to provide free travel guides. You can read my affiliates disclaimer for more info. Thank you!

How Much Time Do You Need in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a popular day trip from Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and other nearby towns on the French Riviera. It’s small, so you don’t need to dedicate a ton of time to your visit!

For exploring the town itself, you only need about an hour to an hour and a half. Add an extra hour or so to your itinerary if you plan on grabbing a meal in town. If you’ll be visiting Fondation Maeght (which I highly recommend!), give yourself another one to two hours. 

I last visited St. Paul after visiting Nice, taking a day trip on my way to Saint-Tropez. I spent around four hours in town, taking a slower pace to fully enjoy its beauty. If you’re planning a similar extended French Riviera itinerary and will be traveling between Nice and St. Tropez, I highly recommend doing the same!  

For a more leisurely experience, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also a popular place to stay for a few nights. This is a great option if you want to experience the beauty of the village in the early mornings and later evenings, before and after day trippers are in town.

How to Get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice

If you’ll be taking a day trip from Nice (or stopping in town after a Nice visit, like I did!), here are your options for getting to St. Paul de Vence:

• By Car – if you have your own vehicle, the drive from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence is around 25 to 40 minutes. There is street parking available around town, including on Rte. de Serres. Just be aware that some street spots are paid spots. There is also a paid parking lot right by the entrance of town. Alternatively, if you don’t have your own car, you can either take an Uber or taxi to and from the village. If you decide to Uber, keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to call your return ride back to Nice, since the village is more remote.  
• By Public Transportation – the journey to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice via train and bus takes about 50 minutes (if you’re starting at the Nice-Ville station). Take the train from Nice to Cagner-sur-Mer, and walk across the street to the Gare SNCF bus stop. From there, take Bus 655 to the Village bus stop.  

Stroll Through Town & Stop in the Numerous Galleries and Shops

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a picture-perfect town, which makes strolling down the narrow cobblestone streets an activity in itself. Rue Grande is the main street that cuts through town, but I recommend spending some time exploring the side passageways, as well! 

Be sure to walk by the Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which is in the heart of the village. This fountain is located in the Place de la Grande Fontaine, a historic square that has long been one of the busiest, most lively parts of town. 

If it’s open during your visit, it’s also worth stopping inside the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, also known as The Folon Chapel. It features gorgeous paintings by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. 

The Collegiale de la Conversion de St-Paul is also worth a visit. It was originally built and then expanded on from the 14th to 18th centuries, and blends Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles.

Given the town’s rich artistic history, it’s no surprise that Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also dotted with amazing art galleries featuring works by local artists. I highly recommend visiting a few! There are also plenty of small shops throughout town, including gift shops and clothing stores. 

If you plan on grabbing a meal while in town, some top restaurants include Le Tilleul, Les Ramparts, Café Timothé, and the restaurant at La Colombe d’Or (more on that below!).

Walk Along the Ramparts

The town is encircled by ramparts that were originally constructed in the 1540s. At the time, they were some of the first defensive walls built in France. Today, visitors can walk on top of the historical monument, taking in the views of the town and of the surrounding Provencal landscape. 

There are numerous points where you can enter the ramparts (or “les remparts”), including on the south end of town (near the cemetery).

Keep in mind that there isn’t a protective barrier around this wall! Be careful as you explore, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. 

Visit the Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cemetery & the Grave of Marc Chagall

The peaceful Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cemetery is situated on the south end of town. This is where you’ll find the grave of Marc Chagall, who lived in town for almost 20 years, until his death in 1985. 

Visit the Maeght Foundation Museum

A visit to Saint-Paul-de-Vence isn’t complete without a stop at the famous Maeght Foundation. This foundation opened in 1964, and is home to over 12,000 modern and contemporary art pieces and artifacts. It features works by artists like Marc Chagall, Pierre Bonnard, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, and many more. You’ll find pieces on display in both indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Beyond the art itself, what makes this museum stand out is the spectacular architecture (the building was designed by Josep Lluís Sert, a Spanish architect), as well as the views overlooking Saint-Paul-de-Vence. 

Note: if you drove to town, there is a parking lot at the museum. Otherwise, it is about a 20-minute walk from town to Fondation Maeght. 

Dine at La Colombe d’Or

For an extra special dining experience, indulge in a meal at the iconic La Colombe d’Or Restaurant (located at the hotel). 

The restaurant specializes in traditional French and Provencal cuisine. You can dine out on the terrace when the weather is nice, or inside the dining room. The walls are decorated with works by Matisse, Picasso, Miró, and more, making the dining experience especially unique!

Much like booking a room at the hotel itself, they do not currently take restaurant reservations online. You can call or email to request a reservation. The restaurant is very popular, so make reservations well in advance!