When you find yourself making your mind up the places in France the suitable location to acquire property is then in your shortlist must be the ancient township of Vence in Provence on the Cote d’Azur or French Riviera as it’s commonly known as.
In this article we explore the multitude of insightful facets and uncover what it is that offers Vence it’s magnetic charm.
Setting:
Vence is 20km from Antibes Juan-les-Pins, 26km from Grasse, and 21km from Nice and its airport.
Positioned just behind the coastline in what is referred to as the Arriere Pays Vence is well placed for getting to and getting from.
Today, everything is within reach of Vence!
Historical past:
The town will take you back in time with its alluring old constructions which you’ll find surrounded by the town’s fortifications, for it is a walled township whose cobble stoned streets go around in circles, which can be traditional for walled towns.
You will find 5 different “portes” meaning in French “doors”, but they are actually gateways into the historic fortified center.
The Portail Levis is from the 13th century
Porte de Peyra was built in 1441
Tour-Porte du Signadour is from the 13th century, and is also known as Portail Saint-Paul
Porte du Faubourg also typically known as Pontis 13th century
The last one is known by a number of names as you will find it also was built in the 18th century and it is Porte d’Orient, or Porte de Cagnes or Porte de la Brèche or Porte du Siege!
You will discover inside those walls not only awesome buildings which have all been upgraded as well as restored to their ancient selves but store fronts and dining establishments that you can look though to find what the inside of several of these fascinating pieces of real estate look like inside!
On the outside are remnants of its Roman past. Terraced cafes beckon to you all along the Place Clémanceau so you may sit and consider the gorgeous church in the very same square.
Art and Culture:
For hundreds of years on end, Vence has been inhabited by several of the greatest artists in France, due to the “different” light that one sees here, making it possible for the human eye to see richer colors and several differentiations that might not be readily available anywhere else.
Just about everywhere you look there are embellished constructions, statues, and naturally a lot of studios in addition to art galleries.
Vence has hosted quite a few very well-known painters too, which include Dubuffet, Chagall, Matisse, Soutine and Dufy.
In something like 1930, D. H. Lawrence spent his very last days in Vence, and was entombed here, but the body was ultimately transferred.
Also Nostradamus treasured the community of Vence.
One of the truly fantastic things about Vence is the number of wonderful flowers which are planted on public grounds.
Provencal Market:
One of the most intriguing portions of Vence is that it was a market town, and still is.
When you check out Rue du Marché, that means Market Street in English, you will find the Provençe market square.
There, along with any type of vegetable you’d like, you can even obtain fish, baked goods, excellent fruit, flowers, honey, bakeries, and lastly, the enjoyable scents and colours of herbs and spices, all very fresh.
Take The Waters:
Not as well known as “l’Eaux de Vichy” mineral water, but just as beneficial is the water that can be obtained from the “Foux” Place du Peyra Renaissance.
This rather celebrated fountain was created in 1822, but it has given the residents outstanding mineral water since 1431.
The Foux is a river that originates from the Alps.
What to Do and see:
The principle appeal of Vence is the community heart which includes a nice main square with a number of cafés and restaurants distributed around three sides, and particularly the old medieval city
Do not forget to look at the Romanesque cathedral, constructed in the 11th century, and the Saint Lambert Tower, built in the 12th century.
A woodworker from Grasse created the stalls in the 15th century.
Even Marc Chagall constructed a mosaic there, but the oldest feature there is a 5th century Saint-Véran sarcophagus.
Passing through the Peyra gate you’ll want to next visit the Château des Villeneuve. It is a museum with modern art exhibitions.
Other Interesting Sources:
Vence on Wikipedia
Property South France
Eating Out:
Le Château du Domaine St Martin – Very pricey but fantastic views and worth the cost!
Brasserie de la Victoire – Fantastic coffee along with a wonderful meal
In summary:
As you have seen Vence is a intriguing destination and it’s not hard to comprehend why it is often a favourite of principal and 2nd property owners over the centuries.
Prices range from €100,000 for a studio flat into the tens of Millions for single villas. Depend on a budget greater than a Million to acquire a villa worthy of buying though!
St Tropez Luxury Properties
Examples of