Vence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vence
Photo by William Keller
Photo by Paul Billaney
Photo by William Keller
Photo by Melissa Jayne

Situated in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, Vence will win you over with its Mediterranean climate, its beautiful religious heritage and its fine food.

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, just over 10 miles from Nice, Vence will awaken your senses with the flavours of the south, fantastic architecture, vast natural spaces, and gentle sunshine on your skin.

The history of Vence began in the "baous", the limestone mountains that give the region its rugged terrain. The caves were inhabited since the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras and regularly occupied until the modern era. Under the influence of the Ligurians, Vence grew more powerful with the rise of Christianity and became an important episcopal town from the 4th century. During the Roman conquests, the town was turned into a small fortified town, which continued to thrive in the Middle Ages, ruled by bishops or powerful nobles.

Today, Vence is very popular destination for art and culture lovers. When you visit, you'll be following in the footsteps of great painters such as Dubuffet, Chagall and Matisse, who lived there. In addition, Chagall designed the whole interior of the Chapelle du Rosaire, which he himself considered to be his masterpiece. Other religious buildings include Nativité-de-Marie Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, the unmistakable Chapel of the White Penitents, with its multicoloured glazed tile dome, and Notre-Dame de Larrat Chapel, to mention just a few.

Vence also boasts a remarkable natural heritage and is a real paradise for hikers, with hundreds of miles of marked paths: everything you need to discover the many sides of the Côte d'Azur. Walking along the narrow mediaeval streets of the old town is like taking a step back in time. Quench your thirst at the town's fountains, breathe in the scent of the local markets and taste the local flavours of garlic, rosemary and olive oil.

One thing's for sure: whatever's on the menu for your holiday in Vence, it'll be a feast for the senses!

Where to stay in Vence

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Old Town

A noteworthy feature of Old Town is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Vence Cathedral and Porte du Peyra.

Old Town
Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice

4 out of 5
27 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Great location close to beach and so many restaurants and shopping nearby."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
Le Meridien Nice

Le Meridien Nice

4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹51,735 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹51,735
₹57,605 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (600 reviews)
"Great location. Clean modern rooms. What more can you ask for."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Le Meridien Nice
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice

4 out of 5
223 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹36,279 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹36,279
₹40,603 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a private beach. Popular attractions Promenade des Anglais and Hôtel Negresco ...
8/10 Very Good! (817 reviews)
"We loved staying at this spacious hotel. The room was amazing, great facilities and large balcony. Well stocked mini bar too. Staff were very attentive especially Mahud at the beach. Both the pool and beach area were great. I felt the pool area was a bit understaffed but the staff did their best ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur

Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur

Chemin de la Sine 1167, Vence
Stay at this residence in Vence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Allianz Riviera and Vence Cathedral are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (143 reviews)
"Beautiful pool, modern apartments"

Reviewed on 12 Sep 2024

Evancy Vence - Les Jardins d'Azur
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie

4 out of 5
180 voie Marie Fisher, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Antibes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (458 reviews)
Stop over
"Perfect one night stop between cannes and monaco"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Les Jardins d'Olympie
Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nice

Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nice

25 avenue de l'Armée des Alpes, Nice
Stay at this aparthotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Promenade des Anglais and Port of Nice are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (10 reviews)
"The room and hotel in general were very clean, the reception staff was pleasant and helpful. The hotel is only a 4 minutes walk from the train station which was convenient to get around (and about a 25 min walk to get to downtown Nice). Although it says it in the name, I wasn't aware that the place ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Vence

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The old town is lovely and although I'm not into art the galleries were great to look around

5/5 - Excellent

Clau

Gorgeous town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Relaxing and very friendly. Great restaurants and delicious food. Will go back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Visit the nearby walled town St Paul de Vence, it’s beautiful!

Cities near Vence