About Saint Paul

Saint-Paul is a french commune of the southeastern France in the Alpes-Maritimes department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. As it is situated very close to Vence – another french commune, and in order to distinguish it from other french villages of the same name, this picturesque village is often called by its unofficial name - Saint-Paul de Vence.

Saint-Paul has always been a haven of the famous and is one of the french villages that attracts worldwide travelers every year with its numerous small galleries or temporary exhibitions. The village itself is one of the most intact medieval examples of the feudal villages of the region with much of the ramparts still there. This stronghold protected the river Var till 1870.

The ramparts raising up towards the sky cast their benevolent gaze across the horizon. To find the origins of this fortification classified today as a historic monument you have to go right back to the Middle Ages.

When going up the La Grande street, ancient roman road, you will see The Pontis - a bridge crossing the street and linking two old houses gives an extra touch of style to the village. In two steps from the bridge there is the most famous fountain of France and of course the emblem of the village since 1850.

If you decide to discover the holy places of the village you should certainly visit the white Penitents chapel or Holy Cross Chapel. Its three-sided tower dating from the 17-th century, is a part of one of the most highest spots of the village between La Place de l'église and the street Cassette.

The two patrons of the village - the chapel Saint-Michel (12-th century) that lies in the current cemetery, and the chapel Sainte-Claire (16-th century) located at the entrance of the village - used to be the places of worship and religious meetings.

At the highest top of the village the Collegiate Church in a Roman provençal style is situated. The square bell tower rebuilt in 1740 dominates the church. As many medieval religious buildings, this church is oriented to greet the sun as it rises and to salute it as it sets.

As the symbol of the days gone, the Duneon is what remains from the ancient castle dating from the early 12-th century. Since the 18-th century it houses the town hall.

Saint-Paul de Vence as one of the most famous enclaves for artists in France was also a favorite spot for the Russian-born painter Marc Chagall who lived in the village from 1966 till 1985. The artist relentlessly reflected in his paintings Saint-Paul and its ramparts. Marc Chagall so fascinated by the magnificent Mediterranean nature and breathtaking surroundings painted love: couples in love and multi-coloured bouquets of flowers swirling above the village in an eternally serene sky.

Everywhere in the village you can hear the laughter and voices of "boules" players teasing the "bouchin". All social categories come together to enjoy this game under the amused gaze of passers-by.This veritable ritual is much more than just a game – it is a universal language.

Saint-Paul's incontestably rich heritage includes its surrounding ancestral lands, cultivated by peasants and simple laborers to shape the landscape.