Maggie LaCoste

We have 2 days to spend in the area north of Nice and are undecided whether to stay in Vence or St. Paul de Vence. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.

Bob

We just returned from St Paul de Vence. Had been there before, but never to Vence. A couple we met had stayed there a few nights and really enjoyed the town in the evening. It is filled with shops and tourists during the day but calms down in the evening. They both stated how much they enjoyed it there.

adrienne

Maggie, <BR> <BR>Definitely choose St-Paul-de-Vence. It's absolutely charming and as Bob said the tourists go home in the evening. You can watch the boules players while having an aperitif in the cafe just before the city walls. Try the Columbe d'Or restaurant. Friends ate there and loved it. St-Paul used to be an artists' enclave and meals at La Columbe d'Or were paid for with art work which, I believe, still hangs on the walls. One of my favorite pottery shops is right near the fountain...they make pastel pink, blue, and green ceramics that are just lovely. <BR> <BR>If you're in the area on a Tuesday or Thursday don't forego Vence and the Matisse chapel. It's another highlight of the area. Designed by Matisse near the end of his life as a thank you to the Sisters who nursed him. I believe there are 2 tours a day. It's tiny and all white except the altar (the color of bread) and the stained glass windows in yellow (sun), blue (sky/water), and green (grass). The Stations of the Cross are line drawings on the back wall. For modern art the Foundation Maecht is about a mile away and is open air. <BR>Bon Voyage, Adrienne <BR> <BR>

Ann Forcier

Just returned from three weeks in France and England and my favorite place by far was Vence. Also like St Paul but actually preferred Vence. It's a real town - as oppossed to Vence which feels much more touristy. Not that Vence isn't also filled with tourists but you can tell there are some "real" people there also. It's also a little larger but not too large. Both places were absoutely wonderful and I will definitly go back.

Mary

Another vote for Vence. We spent a week in a villa outside the walled city several years ago and had a wonderful time. Each morning, my husband would climb up the hill for fresh baguettes and pastries for breakfast, and in the evening (after the busloads of tourists left) we would climb back up the hill and find another great dining experience. The location is great for exploring other towns in the area. <BR> <BR>Last January we spent the night at the Hotel Diana, just outside the walled city, and that was great. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.