Vence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Vence

Situated in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, Vence will win you over with its Mediterranean climate, its beautiful religious heritage and its fine food.

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, just over 10 miles from Nice, Vence will awaken your senses with the flavours of the south, fantastic architecture, vast natural spaces, and gentle sunshine on your skin.

The history of Vence began in the "baous", the limestone mountains that give the region its rugged terrain. The caves were inhabited since the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras and regularly occupied until the modern era. Under the influence of the Ligurians, Vence grew more powerful with the rise of Christianity and became an important episcopal town from the 4th century. During the Roman conquests, the town was turned into a small fortified town, which continued to thrive in the Middle Ages, ruled by bishops or powerful nobles.

Today, Vence is very popular destination for art and culture lovers. When you visit, you'll be following in the footsteps of great painters such as Dubuffet, Chagall and Matisse, who lived there. In addition, Chagall designed the whole interior of the Chapelle du Rosaire, which he himself considered to be his masterpiece. Other religious buildings include Nativité-de-Marie Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, the unmistakable Chapel of the White Penitents, with its multicoloured glazed tile dome, and Notre-Dame de Larrat Chapel, to mention just a few.

Vence also boasts a remarkable natural heritage and is a real paradise for hikers, with hundreds of miles of marked paths: everything you need to discover the many sides of the Côte d'Azur. Walking along the narrow mediaeval streets of the old town is like taking a step back in time. Quench your thirst at the town's fountains, breathe in the scent of the local markets and taste the local flavours of garlic, rosemary and olive oil.

One thing's for sure: whatever's on the menu for your holiday in Vence, it'll be a feast for the senses!

Where to stay in Vence

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Old Town

A noteworthy feature of Old Town is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Vence Cathedral and Porte du Peyra.

Old Town
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is £147 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£147
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great little hotel in a perfect location. Walkable to everything and only 15 mins from the main station. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
4 out of 5
12 Avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £321 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
£321
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Monaco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Wonderful location, excellent amenities, impeccable service."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Fairmont Monte Carlo
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
4 out of 5
31 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is £147 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
£147
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great location, great staff and service, room was a good size but the bathroom set up was a little odd and could do uprating"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel West End Nice Promenade
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
4 out of 5
180 voie Marie Fisher, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Antibes. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (229 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean and the staff very friendly. The room was spacious and a great place to stay. The beaches were only a 10 minute drive as well as the market and old port. Great experience!"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2023

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur
Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur
Chemin de la Sine 1167, Vence
Stay at this residence in Vence. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and breakfast. Popular attractions The Rosary Chapel and Fondation Maeght are located nearby. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (108 reviews)
Extremely basic accommodation
"An *extremely* basic hotel. Very clean but far fewer amenities than a Travelodge or Premier Inn for a UK comparison. Had to pay to park and despite this still not enough spaces in the car park. Quite isolated location - must have a car. Poor communication and overall disappointing and reasonably ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2023

Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur
Goldstar Suites Nice
Goldstar Suites Nice
4 out of 5
45 rue Maréchal Joffre, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (990 reviews)
"Excellent location with easy access to shopping and the Promanade de anglais!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Goldstar Suites Nice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Vence

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 71.42857142857143%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Sep 2019

The old town is lovely and although I'm not into art the galleries were great to look around

5/5 - Excellent

Clau
1 Sep 2019

Gorgeous town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Jul 2019

Relaxing and very friendly. Great restaurants and delicious food. Will go back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Jun 2019

Visit the nearby walled town St Paul de Vence, it’s beautiful!

Cities near Vence