WE VISITED THIS PLACE DURING OUR HONEYMOON LAST YEAR IN EUROPE.
We ended up with this tour because it was the only one left at the cruise activities desk. So we had no idea what to expect when we rode the Tour bus that afternoon. It started with the tour of Nice, that immediately made Flo sleepy. I was just anxious to see everything. Despite the many turns and non-stop talk about history with a frequent “Hallo” from our tour guide I was actually very attentive. I tried to listen to everything she was saying and looked at where she was pointing. Unfortunately being seated at the back of the bus made if quite difficult to hear. Finally after an hour of touring the City of Nice, we were on our way to St. Paul De Vence.
Built on a fortified city atop a rock and surrounded by its ramparts. We started the walk 100 meters from the bus stop where all the tour buses are parked. Your walk will lead you to a small bridge only meant for pedestrians that will get you a glimpse of what the town of “Vence” has to offer. Since our time was limited we had no idea where to start. I remember the first thing I looked for when we entered the gates to the city was a public restroom. This was our first tour so we didn’t know how things operate. We soon found out that there are public restrooms that are located near the shops but one needs to pay .20 euros. So after my first european bathroom experience, we checked out a souvenir store with different artifacts. We then headed up and saw a bunch of locals playing “Bocce Ball” a favourite past time in the area. Along the way are rows of restaurants with different tourists just enjoying the scenery and the food. We were told by our tour guide that Mark Chagall, a Russian born artists, has his tomb here, which we immediately found. Flo and I took several turns using our map, passing museums and shops after another.We attempted to find one of the churches, but ended up in an alley that showcases a lot of the smaller art shops. I was immediately pulled in inside by one of the shops that has both oil and watercolor paintings. Since we told ourselves that we will buy not small souvenirs but something reminiscent of our trip. I ended up buying two watercolor paintings of Vence. After that we found a chocolatier place and I couldn’t help but buy some chocolates, bread, and caramels. Our time was slowly ticking away so we hurried and looked for the bastion that curtains a valley of vineyards and Olive trees. There was so much for us to explore in this little city but since time was such a constraint we started heading back to our bus. I took snapshots of every alley we passed by. I couldn’t help but wonder how life would be living in this beautiful village.
It is no longer a question why some artists, writers, and poets took up residence here. The beauty of the area and the serene quality of life is trully inspiring. The streets are so picturesque that any one with a camera cannot help but take that beauty with them, even if it’s just in pictures. I know that I can lose myself in the charming streets, ancient fountains, or strolling around the exuberant gardens. Finally after strolling down the ramparts on our way back to the bus, I can proudly say that my husband and I had allowed ourselves to be part of this surrounding. Exploring Saint Paul de Vence is a sure delight at any time of the year: on a languid summer day, in the warmth of autumn, or during the green springtime.
So what are you waiting for? Come on and book your next flight to this place!
