Vence

Travel Guide

Vence
Photo by William Keller
Photo by Paul Billaney
Photo by William Keller
Photo by Melissa Jayne

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 P9,532 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P9,532
P10,780 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Lack of English speaking news channel"

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
3 out of 5
23 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is P8,943 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P8,943
P10,133 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (402 reviews)
A wonderful hotel
"We were very lucky to have had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Le Royal for 2 nights in April. First impressions are as all reviews had said, it is a charming, clean and relaxed hotel, with beautiful decor and wonderful staff. Our seaview room was a real treat and we almost did not want to leave ..."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
Le Meridien Beach Plaza
Le Meridien Beach Plaza
4 out of 5
22 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo, Monaco
The price is P19,676 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
P19,676
P25,242 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Monaco. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Le Meridien Beach Plaza located near bus station, tourists can take bus 5 or 6 to Monte Carlo Train station to go to the nearby tourist attraction areas. Eze Village is a must visit. St Paul de Vence village is smaller but lot of arts. Manton Jardins Biovès, beach front and street shopping areas ..."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Le Meridien Beach Plaza
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.
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 (surcharge). Popular attractions Allianz Riviera and The Rosary Chapel are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (136 reviews)
"Beautiful pool, modern apartments"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur
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! (412 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
4 out of 5
179 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (657 reviews)
"Amazing location. Great view. Apartment has everything you need."

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
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.

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