Saint-Paul-de-Vence: The Perched Village of Artists, its Ramparts and the Fondation Maeght

A village perched on a rock

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a perched village in the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur, encircled by ramparts ordered by King François I in the 16th century, a reminder that it was once a border stronghold. Still intact, with their parapet walk, the ramparts have been listed as a historic monument since 1945.

The village has long drawn artists, from Modigliani, Soutine and Signac to Marc Chagall, who lived in Saint-Paul-de-Vence from 1966 to 1985.

Walking through Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The Rue Grande, the village’s main street, runs through the village past the Place de la Grande Fontaine and its art galleries to a viewpoint over the Mediterranean at the far end. Beside it, the village cemetery holds Marc Chagall’s simple grave.

The walk along the ramparts offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside.

Just outside the walls, a 10-minute walk from the village, the Fondation Maeght, created in 1964 by Marguerite and Aimé Maeght, is a museum of modern art known for its sculptures, ceramics and paintings.

Explore our collection of luxury villas for rent in Saint-Paul-de-Vence