Vence

Vence is located in the Alpes Maritimes department, halfway between Nice and Antibes. Like St-Paul-de-Vence, Vence is one of the great gems in the hinterland and one of the most beautifully situated. It's easy to understand the interest that surrounds Vence and St-Paul, which are located close to each other. Both towns have great historical appeal and the area has long been a thriving artistic centre.

Vence is a picturesque old cathedral city located on a promontory at an altitude of 400 metres. The city is well protected to the north by mountains that reach 1000 metres in height. Five city gates lead into the medieval centre of Vence. The oldest and most impressive is the Porte de Peyra, which dates back to the 14th century. Through it you enter the Place du Peyra, the city's most idyllic square with a centuries-old chestnut tree and the most beautiful of all the city's fountains. This vase-shaped fountain from 1822 is the most photographed subject in Vence. In front of the Porte de Peyra is the Place du grand Jardin, a very lively square. Here you'll find a couple of large cafés and this is where the locals and tourists flock.

The city's cathedral, one of the smallest in France, was founded in the 10th century, but what you see now dates from the 12th and 15th centuries. The city's main tourist attraction is the Chapelle du Rosaire, which is best known as the Matisse Chapel.

Henri Matisse designed the chapel and had it built in 1947-51 to thank some nuns in Vence for helping him overcome a serious illness. Matisse gave the church a decoration that in all its simplicity seems powerful.

At the top of the Col de Vence (970 metres) there is an exceptional view of the snow-capped Alps and on the way down the mountain all the way to the Mediterranean. From here you can really see how beautifully situated Vence is.

Inspiration for your holiday:

Attractions:

Le château des Villeneuves fra det 17. årh

The tower, the columns of the Marseillais

Vence Cathedral

Chapelle du Rosaire og chapelle des Pénitents blancs

Henri Matisse Cultural Centre

Château Notre Dame des fleurs gallery

Activities in Vence

Art exhibitions - modern art

Theatre

Concerts: classical and jazz

Book market

Traditional festivals

Walking (200 km of trails)

Golf - There is a wealth of golf courses in the Alpes Maritimes department. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the region Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur: http://www.ffgolf.org/

Ski resorts within a reasonable distance: http://www.skifrance.fr/default-a.htm

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