Saint Paul de Vence detailed information. Old town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Fondation Maillot. Activities in the surrounding area
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most beautiful places Provence (France) - was erected on a rocky hill and tightly surrounded by a fortress wall under Francis I. Natural beauty and the romantic spirit of the medieval fortress attracted famous writers and artists who spread the fame of the Provençal town.
While vacationing on the Cote d'Azur in France, it would be a sin not to see the sights in the area.
I want to talk about our trip to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This is a tiny town nestled in a medieval fortress on one of the peaks of the Maritime Alps.
Saint-Paul on the map of France - an hour's drive from Nice
The distance from Nice, where we lived, is 18 km in a straight line. Bus number 400 runs from the bus station in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, making several stops along the way. The bus ride takes about an hour.
Sights from the Golden Dove to the present day
When I was in France, I saw too many similar “medieval” towns and fortress states, such as San Marino or Monaco, to lose interest in them.
I was persuaded to go to Saint-Paul-de-Vence by friends with whom I spent time at Cote d'Azur.
I had to agree. The day before in Monaco, I twisted my ankle, fell and could barely walk. The prospect of limping alone through Nice or hobbling on the wet pebbles of the beach was not encouraging. I decided that sightseeing was not a bad alternative to sitting in a hotel. In addition, the city is small, you don’t need to move around much. They promised to carry me one by one :)
On the advice of the “experienced”, we left the hotel early in the morning. They say that around lunchtime there is an influx of tourists and the narrow streets are crowded.
Having taken my first steps in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, I was glad that I did not stay in Nice.
Narrow ancient streets
Co observation platforms There were amazing views of the valleys of Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes, everything seemed literally imbued with the spirit of creativity.
Live pigeon 😉
Saint-Paul-de-Vence differed from similar “medieval” cities in France in that there were monuments, workshops, installations, mosaics and other art objects everywhere.
A horse that is tempting to ride. The inscription prohibits)
The cat is of Italian origin, the creation of Giuliano Mancini. In the background is the restaurant La Petite Chapelle
There is also a popular museum of modern art.
The city gained fame in the 20s. last century - in local hotel "Golden Dove"(La Colombe D'Or) Parisian artists began to spend time. They often paid for their housing with their work. Now the hotel is holding rich collection originals of famous authors.
After the artists, people of art - actors, writers, poets - flocked here en masse.
Famous hotel
Among the famous names who visited Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Catherine Deneuve, Yves Montand, Greta Garbo, Brigitte Bardot. Simone Signoret and Yves Montand were having a wedding in Vence.
Marc Chagall loved this place and lived in it until his death. His grave is located in the local cemetery - another attraction.
Burial place of Marc Chagall
What was shocking was that Russian tourists were photographed against the backdrop of the grave, taking seductive poses. We tried to explain that this was disrespectful, but after another wave of women, we resigned ourselves to failure and left, unable to withstand the pressure of the elements of Russian tourism.
Provençal pancakes
There are many cafes and restaurants in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. We were hungry, but we kept finding new sights to see and capture in a memorable photo. Having become completely hungry, we went to choose a restaurant. There were many of them near the gates to the city.
On the way, we came across a place where they fried and sold inexpensive pancakes. I especially liked the pancakes (crêpes) with lemon jam (citron). We ate so many of them that we no longer wanted to look for another cafe. I got the hang of ordering them in French for our whole group:
Bonjour madame. S'il vous plaît six (6) crêpes au citron. Merci beaucoup.
The “amateur photographers” from the cemetery I met immediately looked at me with envy, pointing at the menu. They didn't know that it was almost all mine lexicon French, well, except for “Je ne mange pas sis jour.”
We did not try to convince them, and, having bought souvenirs, we went back, proud of our knowledge of languages and the defense of the cemetery.
We will be pleased if you share with your friends:Photo: Old city Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the Maillot Foundation
Photo and description
The historical part of the ancient town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the south of France is surrounded by fortress walls erected in the 16th century by order of King Francis I. The current appearance of old Saint-Paul dates back to this time, although the first settlement on this site was founded much earlier , back at the end of the 1st millennium. The village was built by coastal residents who, fleeing the Saracen raids, decided to climb higher into the mountains and make their homes impregnable.
The old part of the city is dominated by houses built in the 16th-17th centuries. Despite their age, they are all residential buildings or contain cafes and shops. The streets of old Saint-Paul are mostly narrow, and the entrance to the historical part of the city is a wrought-iron gate, behind which you can find the majestic cathedral building, the chapel of the Brotherhood of White Penitents, fountains and a square recognized as the smallest in the world.
The main attractions of the city of Saint-Paul-de-Vence are associated with people of art, primarily artists. Some of them, like Marc Chagall, Auguste Rodin, Wassily Kandinsky and Henri Matisse, lived in Saint-Paul for some time and even contributed to the design of the local streets. For example, you can see sculptures by Rodin on the streets. Marc Chagall loved Saint-Paul so much that he even spent time there last years life and was buried in the local cemetery.
The center of attraction for bohemians in Saint-Paul was the Golden Dove Hotel, which opened in the 20s of the last century. The owner of the establishment allowed his guests to pay with paintings. And twenty years later, “Dove” has become quite popular establishment, decorated with works by Chagall, Jean Cocteau, Raoul Dufy, Amedeo Modigliani and other masters who came to Saint-Paul for inspiration and beautiful scenery.
Another cultural attraction of Saint-Paul is the Mayo Foundation. This private gallery, located outside the village in a grove of pine trees, houses works of art from the 20th century. This museum is also called the “Louvre on the Cote d'Azur”. The building for the foundation was created by the Spanish architect José Luis Sert.
This is the most ancient city islands.
Colonial mansions line the coast in a wide strip; the streets are saturated with the atmosphere of France, but at the same time the city has the flavor of a tropical island.
Saint-Paul is a unique African-European cocktail of emotions and impressions!
Climate and weather
The climate in Saint-Paul is the same as throughout Reunion - humid tropical. This means that in summer the temperature in Saint-Paul rises to +31 °C, and in winter it does not drop below +19 °C.
Not the most pleasant feature of the climate of this island is that it falls into the cyclone zone from December to April. This period is characterized by heavy rains and strong winds, with frequent storms.
Nature
Saint Paul is located on west coast Reunion. The coastal zone consists of beaches and a riot of tropical vegetation, and then the mountainous terrain begins, since the island is of volcanic origin. Reunion has volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, and mountain valleys with rivers and lakes.
Among the vegetation here you can find tamarind (this is an Indian date), bamboo, coconut palms, mango, lychee, bread, lemon and ebony trees. There are also more than 100 varieties of orchids and 240 species of ferns growing here.
The island is inhabited by wild boars, hedgehogs, rodents, and there are snakes, but they are not poisonous. Chameleons, snails and many varieties of butterflies also live here.
Previously, there were many relict forests on the island, and there were huge turtles. Now there are no forests or turtles. Today, other animal species are on the verge of extinction, so their numbers are controlled by local authorities.
Attractions
Saint-Paul is an interesting and colorful town. Previously, it was the capital of the island, where colonialists lived. Since then, colonial-style houses have remained in Saint-Paul.
There are many historical buildings along the seaside boulevard.
In the south of Saint-Paul there is a district Cimetière-Marty. Bright and well-groomed, it is perfect for walking. Wander through its streets and plunge into the past of this amazing city, with colonialists, merchants, traders, sailors. Cimetière-Marty is built up with interesting houses and estates that reflect the city's past.
Not far from this area is the most large cemetery Reunion. The Omen Pirate is buried here Olivier Levasseur. His burial place is indicated by a skull and crossbones.
He is considered the last of the pirates Indian Ocean. Levasseur was captured and executed in Saint-Paul in 1730, but there are still dreamers who believe that his treasures are hidden on the nearby islands.
Nutrition
Visit the island and not try the traditional local cuisine? This is impossible! Especially when there are such delicious dishes from the most caring chefs.
A lot of dishes here are prepared with seafood. In Saint-Paul you can try lobsters, barracuda, tuna, trout... And all this is cooked with rice, vegetables and even fruits!
In general, fruits are held in special esteem here: they are also added to dishes with pork and poultry. The food acquires a very original taste and aroma.
The local specialty rugai sauce is often added to food. It is made from lemons, pistachios and tomatoes.
People drink fresh juices and coffee in the city, which here has a very interesting aftertaste. For alcohol, try rum. In Reunion it is prepared not only with sugar cane, but also with herbs and fruits. Well, you can definitely try rum punch only here, so don’t miss this opportunity.
Accommodation
Hotels in Saint-Paul meet the most high standards. The service here is at the European level, and the prices are slightly higher. For example, for Double Room per day you will have to pay 100-150 €. The most popular hotels in the city: Novotel St Gilles La Reunion, Hotel Blue Beach and Hotel Les Filaos.
All hotels offer guests a lot of entertainment: tennis, golf, Gym, swimming pool, spa, massage, etc. Near large hotels There are rental shops for bicycles, scooters and water sports equipment.
You can rent an apartment or villa on the coast. Their prices depend on the time of year and the size of the housing.
Entertainment and relaxation
The beaches of Saint-Paul are perfect for relaxation: there is a mixture of coral and volcanic sand.
The coast offers excellent diving conditions: Coral reefs and underwater caves beckon with their beauty, and tropical fish strive to play with you!
You can also go surfing or other activities here. aquatic species sports. If you do not have special equipment, then you can easily rent it. Rental points are available in most hotels. You can also hire an instructor there if you are a beginner.
Walking tours are popular among tourists. You can go explore the city or its surroundings, because the nature of Reunion is amazingly beautiful!
Saint-Paul hosts various national festivals and holidays. If you get the chance, watch an impromptu dance performance Sega. It is performed to music with songs. According to legend, this was how slaves were distracted from their hard work and everyday worries.
You can also relax in Saint-Paul in nightclubs and restaurants. They will be here for every taste.
Purchases
There are many shops and shopping centers. They work according to French rules. For example, their sales are strictly regulated: they start in February and last for at least 6 weeks.
In addition, you can also make purchases in city markets. The Saint-Paul markets are another unique attraction with a very special atmosphere. This the best place to buy souvenirs and get to know the locals better.
To remember their trip to Saint-Paul, tourists usually bring figurines made of exotic trees and sea souvenirs. You can purchase handmade embroidery or perfumes. They also often buy high-quality local wine and rum.
Transport
The most convenient transport for moving around Saint-Paul is a car. Here, car rental companies come to the rescue of tourists. Renting a car is easy: you need to have an international driver's license and driving experience more than a year, and you must be at least 21 years old.
Don't want to rent a car? Then you can use a taxi service. You can also rent a scooter or bicycle. Their rental points are located near many large hotels.
Buses run around the city. And from Saint-Paul to other cities of Reunion there are comfortable minibuses.
Connection
Russian operators mobile communications provide roaming services in Reunion. Communication here meets the standards GSM 900/1800. If desired, you can use the services of local operators. You can purchase a SIM card in stores or service centers of these operators.
You can make an international call from call centers, or you can order such a call from a hotel. However, the second option will cost you a little more.
There is an internet cafe in the center of Saint-Paul. In hotels and in public places tourists can use wi-fi.
Safety
Saint Paul is characterized as calm and safe city. Here you can walk the streets without worrying about your safety.
But still some precautions are necessary. For example, you should not buy food or water from street vendors: there is a high probability of catching an intestinal infection.
Before traveling to Saint-Paul, it is better to get all the necessary vaccinations: against diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus.
Business climate
The business climate on the island and in Saint-Paul is very favorable for investment. Tourism and the service sector are actively developing here. Thanks to economic support from France, industry is developing. True, there are also disadvantages: the island’s economy is dependent on the French one.
The industry is aimed at export. The main products are rum, sugar, vanilla, essences and flavors.
The main trading partners are France and the EU countries, Madagascar, South Africa and the USA.
Real estate
Real estate in Saint-Denis can be purchased both for recreation and as an investment. Prices here are quite high: for a modest apartment you will have to pay at least 100,000 €. For a villa with good view on the coast you will need to pay many times more.
You can purchase housing during the construction process - then the price will depend on the specific project.
But the real estate market in Saint-Paul has one peculiarity: prices are constantly rising.
It is prohibited to bring certain types of medicines into the city, as well as food.
Jewelry is subject to declaration.
Cannot be exported from Reunion rare species plants and animals. Shells and seeds are subject to inspection when crossing the border.
Shops are open in Saint-Paul according to the following hours: from 9:00 to 18:00, with a lunch break from 12:00 to 15:00.
Tips for waiters are usually given in the amount of 5-10% of the bill, and for taxi drivers the amount is simply rounded up.
Insect bites on the island are not fatal, but very unpleasant, so to avoid ruining your vacation, it is better to use mosquito repellent.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, located on the Cote d'Azur of France, is a place that is not just worth visiting once “for show,” but which you should definitely visit whenever you find yourself in these parts. And I'll tell you why.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence until a certain point remained one of many similar settlements in the area. Like Eze, Gourdon, Peillon and other villages, it was formed far from the sea (from where the Saracens made their raids in the 8th century) on a mountain that could be surrounded by a fortress wall and effectively defended if something happened.
Passing over the centuries under the rule of one or another owner of these territories, Saint-Paul existed relatively quietly and peacefully until the beginning of the 20th century. It was difficult to surprise any of the locals with the luxurious nature and views in those parts, but with the heyday of the Cote d'Azur as a resort in the 1920s, artists came here in search of inspiration - Bonnard, Vlaminck, Signac, Modigliani, Utrillo and many others.
Some of them were little known at the time, some were not at all, but they began to create the history of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a bohemian and sybaritic place. Typically, Parisian painters stayed at the Golden Dove Hotel (La Colombe D’Or) and painted landscapes of the surrounding area, and then used them to pay the owner of the establishment for food and a roof over their heads. The owner, named Paul Rouault, turned out to be far-sighted and welcomed poor artists in every possible way, whose works over the course of several decades increased significantly in price, and some - simply fabulously. Today, Rouault's heirs own works by such masters as Picasso, Modigliani, Cocteau, Chagall, Bonnard and many others, and the Golden Dove hotel and restaurant have become a cult place.
The fame of Saint-Paul-de-Vence was increased by French celebrities of the first magnitude - Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Yves Montand and Simone Signoret, Francois Truffaut and Jean-Paul Sartre. Today, nothing prevents you from having lunch in a restaurant and staying in a hotel within the walls that not only remember the color of world cinema and visual arts, but also hung with masterpieces. But it’s worth considering that you can’t get here just like that; you need to book rooms and tables in advance.
A place with such history is, of course, very popular and is included in all sightseeing routes along the Cote d'Azur. Therefore, closer to lunch, there is no free parking space at all the entrances to Saint-Paul, large excursion buses bring more and more tourists, and the streets of the small town sometimes resemble the subway at rush hour. To prevent the charm of this place from evaporating under the influence of the crowd, go there if possible in the morning or in the evening, when the numerous noisy groups have already subsided. Having passed by the “Golden Dove” and the cafe with a petanque court located to the right, you can not join the orderly flow of tourists, but immediately turn right. The landmark is a statue of a horse made of horseshoes. As you go around Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the right side, you will see several restaurants and cafes there with a gorgeous view of the surrounding area. Choose your terrace and menu to suit your taste, order wines and enjoy as representatives of the French bohemians enjoyed here over the past century. After all, in essence, a person does not need so much to be happy - you feel this acutely here, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and you want to repeat this feeling again and again.
What else not to miss in Saint-Paul-de-Vence:(France's largest collection of contemporary art)
The famous hotel and restaurant "Golden Dove"
Sartre, Chagall, Picasso, Brigitte Bardot and hundreds of other celebrities walked along these streets.
No matter which way you look at it, it’s beautiful everywhere!
This guy works here, and I've never seen a more effective silent barker.
After lunch with wine in such a place, even thoughts about eternity when looking at the local VIP cemetery (Marc Chagall is buried here) do not put one in a sad mood, but rather awaken thoughts about the fact that even after death everyone is far from being on equal terms . Who wouldn't want to be laid to rest this way? In terms of the “view from the window” - the Mediterranean Sea, Cape Antibes and the valleys of the Riviera - this cemetery on the Cote d'Azur, in my opinion, is second only to the cemetery