VENCE
AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Vence, perched on a hill, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
This charming medieval town in the Alpes-Maritimes department has many sites and attractions to discover.

This historic town is located above La Colle-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul.
Come and discover its cultural spaces: the Chapelle du Rosaire designed and decorated by Henri Matisse, the Musée de Vence, the Espace muséal Witold Gombrowicz...
For the more adventurous, there are numerous hikes to be enjoyed by the whole family.
You can also visit a number of historic monuments: Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Cathedral, Château de Villeneuve...

Here is a list of must-see spots:

 

The old town 

A true fortified city of the Middle Ages, its ramparts enclose the city and its historic streets.
Its heritage has been preserved by its inhabitants through 2000 years of history.
To access the old city, you must cross one of the five guardian doors.
Discover its small cathedral of France, its chapel of the Rosary, its fountain of Peyra or all its art galleries.
Don't miss the Place du Peyra, the Place du Grand Jardin, and the Rue du Marché.

event to do southern nights in vence

Village of Vence

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Nativity 

Dating from the 11th century, this cathedral is home to remarkable works of art and frescoes.
Seat of the ancient diocese of Vence, the cathedral is built on the ancient place of a Roman temple.
Discover the "tomb of Saint Véran", a Gallo-Roman sarcophagus from the 5th century. Admire a mosaic representing Moses saved from the waters by Marc Chagall.

Address
Place Clemenceau, Vence
Opening hours
Open Monday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Chapel of the Rosary

The Chapelle du Rosaire, also known as the Chapelle Matisse, is a small religious building located in Vence.
Designed by Henri Matisse, this chapel is a masterpiece of modern art and a place of pilgrimage for art lovers around the world.

 

matisse chapel

Chapel of the Rosary - Vence

The Museum of Vence

Located in the former episcopal palace, this museum presents a collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Matisse, Chagall and Dubuffet.

Discover the permanent exhibition of Matisse.

With the Museum of Vence, discover plates of the book Jazz, studies of Martiniquaise, etchings (chemical engravings), and illustrations of the book Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire.

Contemplate works related to the Chapel of the Rosary: Saint Dominic, rosettes, colorful and modern chasubles...

Admire photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson or Robert Capa and much more.

Educational workshops at the Vence Museum 

Discover educational workshops for children, readings of Provencal works and meetings with artists throughout the year.

Digital cultural space, micro-folie

The museum offers a digital cultural space.
This innovative place immerses children and adults in an immersive 360°, 3D and VR experience.
The proposed activities are free and make you rediscover the national collections of different museums such as the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay.

Opening hours
Tuesday: 2pm to 5:45pm
Wednesday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:45pm
Friday: 2pm to 5:45pm
Saturday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:45pm

The history of the Museum 

Built in the 17th century, it is the former castle of the Lords of Villeneuve.
Located on the ramparts of the historic city, it is the place of exhibitions of emerging artists but also impressionist artists like Henri Matisse.

Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 11am to 6pm
Admission
- Full price: €6
- Reduced price : 3 €
for children aged 12 to 18 and students
- FREE for children under 12, jobseekers, RSA or welfare recipients
Contact
info@museedevence.com
04 93 24 24 23

The Witold Gombrowicz Museum Space 

The space is located in the Villa Alexandrine, the former home of Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz.

He is known for his critical view of society in his works. The museum presents excerpts from his works and asks you about ecclesiastical ideals and post-World War II stereotypes.

The museum is composed of three rooms: 

- First room: Scenography
Admire the play of light and expressions of the author through the superposition of mirrors and photographs.

- Second room: Immersion in 1945
Then dive into his literary work with a reconstruction of his office, his translated writings and his epistolary relationship with Jean Dubuffet.

- Third room: The Cosmic Elevator
Explore the author's autobiography completed by Dominique Roux, a painting by Kazimierz Głaz and a period tapestry by Józef Jarema and Maria Sperling

Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm
Contact
04 93 58 06 38
k.a.kula@espacegombrowicz.fr

The Castle of Villeneuve

This 17th century castle houses the Emile Hugues Foundation, an exhibition space dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

The Garden of the Muses

A public garden with a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for a relaxing walk.

The Baous of Vence

The surrounding hills offer many opportunities for hiking and climbing, with breathtaking views of the area.

The Provencal market

Every Friday morning, local producers gather to sell their fresh produce and crafts in the Place du Grand Jardin.

Photo library Vence tourist office - © Lisadelsol

Photo library tourist office Vence - © Lisadelsol

 

The artists' studios

Vence has attracted many artists over the years, and there are several studios and art galleries to discover in the town.

Photo library Vence tourist office - © Lisadelsol

Photo library tourist office Vence - © Lisadelsol