Vence’s charming churches
Vence has the smallest cathedral in France, Notre-Dame de la Nativité. Built on the site of a Roman temple, the cathedral was completed in the 12th century and has several interesting features including intricate carvings, a 5th century Gallo-Roman sarcophagus, and a mosaic designed by the artist Marc Chagall which was added in 1979.
The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs is also of note, with its unique stained glass windows and mosaics designed by the artist Jean-Michel Folon.
Just outside the town is another chapel, La Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse and built in 1950. A fairly unprepossessing exterior belies a beautiful interior. White walls act as a canvas for the green, blue and yellow reflected forms of the stained glass windows. Matisse also painted elegant line drawing murals of Biblical scenes as well as designing other elements such as the altar, ornaments and even the priests’ robes.
Get active
You can enjoy elevated walks with far reaching views in the Col de Vence mountain pass just to the north of Vence. Keen cyclists can find plenty of hill roads round here too. Or for an easy family cycle ride, head to the Lac du Broc, and follow the cycle path around the lake and along a stretch of the River Var.
Other sporting activities such as horse riding, hiring electric bikes, and water sports are available nearby, in and around Villeneuve-Loubet.
Fun for children
Towards the coast near Villeneuve-Loubet (approx. 14km), there are treetop and climbing trails to entertain and wear out younger members of the group, as well as a theme park with slides, inflatables, water play area, go-karts and more. And a few kilometres further, at Biot, there is a large water park and more theme parks.
