La Colle
sur Loup
This name comes from the time when the inhabitants of St. Paul moved
to the "Colles" - which means "small hills".
A peaceful, pretty little village at the foot of the hill of Saint
Paul. There is a beautiful view of the village of Saint Paul de
Vence from the plain below, which used to be devoted to the cultivation
of flowers and fruit trees. A few kilometers away, visit the historical
city and the castle-museum of Vence which was the home of many artists.
Discover the Romanesque cathedral of the 11th and 12th century,
which is the jewel of this medieval village. On the road to Saint
Jeannet, you can visit the Dominican Chapel known as the Matisse
Chapel. Matisse stayed in this chapel for three years and decided
to decorate the oratory which had to be rebuilt. The decoration
work was completed in 1951: note the flowing lines, the sobriety
and the harmony: white walls are broken up by bright colours: blue,
lemon yellow and green.
Saint Jeannet
A picturesque village nestling at the foot of the famous "Baou"
(rock) which has inspired many artists. The Baou, which was used
as a hiding place during attacks, is now better known as a venue
for rock climbers. The village of Saint Jeannet stretches from the
Var river to the Baou, which reaches up to 807 metres above sea
level. Saint Jeannet is famous for its red and white wines: vines
are grown on the perfectly-exposed stony slopes.
Saint Paul
de Vence
A favorite with celebrities and lovers of Provence, Saint Paul is
just the place for a stroll in the midst of charm and liveliness,
with narrow streets and building of ancient stone. Saint Paul de
Vence used to be a "royal borough" under the direct authority
of the King of France. In 1537, a continuous village wall was built
at the request of François I. This construction required
the destruction of 700 homes and the inhabitants were forced to
leave their village. They then founded the neighbouring village
of La Colle sur Loup.
Tourrettes
sur Loup
A village which is a delight for lovers of narrow streets and perched
villages. The houses form the ramparts, set among the abundant greenery
overlooking the Loup valley. Every year, during the early days of
March, the village celebrates its flower symbol, the violet, which
has been cultivated here for more than 100 years. Apart from violets,
a variety of craft activities have grown up around weaving: painting,
sculpture, pottery... From Vence, take the pretty, flowered corniche
road alongside the Baous as far as Tourrettes sur Loup... the Loup
Gorge circuit begins at the Pont du Loup bridge and the beautiful
Courmes waterfall and from there, take the road leading to Gourdon
to admire the stunning view, then follow a magnificent mountain
road back to Grasse, the Perfume capital.
