Tourism and events Vence French Riviera

Between Saint Raphaël and Cannes lies the Massif de I'Estérel, an ancient mountain range with Mont Vinaigre as its highest peak at 614m (2,050ft). Driving the coastal road is a dramatic sight, the rugged, reddish rocks contrasting with the azur blue sea. The red color of the rocks comes from the porphyry, a type of reddish solidified magma. The Estérel's vegetation consists mostly of garrigue, the hardy shrubs of juniper, lavender, rosemary, wild thyme, heather and cistus as well as stunted holm oaks. A great area for hiking, there are few roads crossing it. A wild country and spectacular panoramic views yet close to Cannes, Saint Raphaël and the historic town of Fréjus.

The Rosaire chapel, conceived by Henri Matisse remains a sacred art monument, unique in the world. From 1948 to 1951, Matisse drew up the plans for the edifice and all the details of its decoration : stain glass windows, ceramics, stalls, stoup, cult objects, priestly ornaments... It was the first time that a painter entirely designed every detail of a monument, from the architecture to the furniture. The first stone of the chapel was laid in 1949. The inauguration and consecration of Notre Dame of Rosaire, took place in 1951. For Henry Matisse, “this work required me 4 years of an exclusive and entiring effort and it is the fruit of my whole working life. In spite of all its imperfections I consider it as my masterpiece”.

Built on a fortification, Vence combines the grandeur of a historical town with the vivid charm of a town in the sun.

From its past Vence has preserved visible memories of testimony such as the columns of the Marseilles citizens, relics of a roman victory arch, the tour that dominates the medieval city, erected in the 12th century, the castle of Villeneuve which dates back to the 17th century as well as numerous doors and works of architecture...

Little hidden gems which unfold in the winding narrow streets.

St-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most beautiful and most visited villages in France.
A beautiful perched village of Provence, it has attracted many artists during the last century - starting with Modigliani on the 1920's - and now has a very high reputation as an artistic village, and as a place of great natural beauty. Picasso, Braque and Miro are among the other well known artists who stayed at St-Paul-de-Vence.
This legacy continued into the 1960's when the village was host to many renowned French film actors and directors.
This artistic legacy has given rise to an especially fine art museum on the edge of the town, the Fondation Maeght. The modern art museum (founded by art dealers from Cannes who dealt with many of the painters on show) features an exceptional collection of painting, sculptures and artworks of the 20th century - the areas featuring Miro sculptures and Giacometti sculptures in natural settings are among the many highlights.

Even non-art-lovers will find much to enjoy in the old lanes of the village surrounded by the ancient (16th century) town walls, and the views over the surrounding countryside. There are many attractive medieval houses and attractive facades among the narrow streets and (especially if you can visit outside high season, and early in the morning) you will feel a bond with the artists who have come before.
Be sure to pay close attention to the houses and try and spot some of the statues niched within the walls.