Saint Paul de Vence

“Once upon a time there was a handsome old stone village shaped like a boat. Its name in Provençal was Sant Paou.”
André Verdet

  

I fell in love with Saint Paul de Vence! After Antibes we drove along the Provence region listening to Steely Dan (my driver told me that we have some of the best music in America, I would have to agree), in our mini-van. We drove inland around windy roads scattered with hills and olive trees until we came upon a beautiful view of the 3^rd most visited village in France, Saint Paul de Vence. Saint Paul was built as a walled village on a hilltop in the 9^th century. It has evolved over the centuries from a chateau, to a “city of royalty,” to a quant village that harbored artists such as Matisse, Chagall, Soutine, Renoir, and Signac to name a few. I was not surprised at all why the artists would flock here, for it’s a village of charm, beauty, and spectacular views. I too would stay here to paint, photograph, and write until I am forced to come back home to reality. Alas after a nice visit and a delicious jamon et formage crepe, that I ate under an olive tree looking over the village, it was time to leave and head to le village de Tourretts sur Loup. Saint Paul de Vence, one day I will return and give you the time that you deserve!