Things To Do in Vence

Vence’s medieval Vieille Ville (Old Town) is compact, making it easy to explore on foot. A poke around its picturesque squares reveals place du Peyra’s bubbling Vieille Fontaine (Old Fountain), while nearby the Chateau de Villeneuve/Fondation Émile Hugues, 2 pl. du Frêne (www.vence.fr; tel. 04-93-58-15-78), is a temporary exhibition space dedicated to 20th-century art. In 2018, Vence’s mayor inaugurated a new permanent Matisse collection of items owned by city hall. Hours are Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm. Admission is 6€ for adults, 3€ for students, and free for children under 12. Also in the Old Town is place Godeau, where the mosaic Moses Saved from the Nile by Marc Chagall adorns the 11th-century cathedral’s baptistery (free).

Vence’s main draw, however, lies just outside the fortified main town. The Chapelle du Rosaire represents one of Matisse’s most remarkable achievements.