Vence - Vence

Vence is a french City in the hinterland of the French Riviera, near Nice. It belongs to the department Alpes-Maritimes.

background

Politically, the city belongs to the arrondissement Grasse, and is the administrative seat of the Canton of Vence.

The area was already settled by Ligurian Celts when the area was conquered in 16 BC. Under the Romans it became an important settlement. The foundations of the cathedral are largely of Roman origin. Like many Roman cities, Vence became a bishopric. Under Charlemagne, the city became part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. But it was annexed to France together with Provence in 1481. The city was beautified in the 16th century by order of Francis I. Vence remained Catholic during the Wars of Religion.

In the 20th century, the city attracted many artists, in the wake of which tourism also experienced an upswing, which helped the city to an economic and cultural boom.

getting there

By plane

The closest international airport is Nice (NCE), where direct flights from German-speaking countries also land. From there it is about 15 km to Vence, which can be reached by bus line 400 (from 6.45 am to 8.20 pm, more frequently than every hour; Timetable) or 94 (from 8:16 a.m. to 8:20 p.m. approximately every half hour) the Lignes d'Azur in approx. 40–45 minutes or by rental car, taxi or private shuttle (from 50 €) in approx. 20–30 minutes.

By train

Vence has no rail connection. The nearest train station is 10 km away Cagnes-sur-Merwhere regional trains come from Grasse, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Menton and Ventimiglia (Italy) hold. There you can change to bus 94, which runs every half hour during the day and takes you to Vence in 30 minutes. The next long-distance train stations (TGV, IC, night train) are in Antibes (19 km away) and Nice (22 km), where trains from Paris, Marseille, Genoa, Milan and Brussels also stop. At both stations you can change to one of the frequent TER (regional express trains) to Cagnes-sur-Mer and then continue as above with bus 94 (approx. One hour each).

It takes just under 3½ hours from Marseille to Vence, a good four from Genoa, five from Lyon, six from Milan, and at least 6½ hours from Paris. From Zurich it takes around 10 hours (via Milan), from Cologne over 11 hours. Coming from Germany, it might be a good idea to go to Paris in the evening and take a night train to the Côte d’Azur, where you will arrive the next morning.

By bus

Bus routes 94 and 400 der take from Nice Lignes d'Azur about half an hour to Vence. The drive from the old town takes just over an hour.

In the street

Vence is located on the well-developed M36 metropolitan road, which connects the city with the coast (Cagnes-sur-Mer) and with the A8 motorway (“la Provençale”; Marseille – Cannes – Nice). Coming from Marseille / Cannes, leave the motorway at exit 47 Villeneuve-Loubet, from Nice at number 48 Cagnes-sur-Mer. Vence is already signposted in both directions. If speed is not of the essence, you can drive to Cagnes-sur-Mer on the coast road Cannes-Antibes-Nice (D6007 / D6098) to Cagnes-sur-Mer and then again on the M36 to Vence. From the west (Grasse), East and north Vence can only be reached via winding mountain roads.

By boat

mobility

In Vence there are bus routes 46, 47, 94, 400, 510 and 511 of the Lignes d'Azurwhich also connect the city with the neighboring municipalities of Saint-Jeannet, Gattières, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, as well as Nice and Grasse.

The car is recommended for further excursions. In the city itself with its narrow streets, driving a car (and looking for a parking space!) Is really no fun. The old town center is anyway a pedestrian or traffic-calmed zone. The car sharing provider is in town Auto Bleue represented.

Tourist Attractions

The picturesque Old town is worth seeing as a whole.

• Saint-Veran Cathedral. The former Saint-Veran cathedral. Construction of the cathedral began in the 10th century and was completed in the 15th century. In the outer facade there are two Roman inscriptions dedicated to the emperors Heliogabalus and Grodianus. Inside there are beautiful choir stalls, the altar pedestal, is modeled on a Roman sarcophagus. The baptistery is adorned with a mosaic by Marg Chagall, which depicts the rescue of Moses from the Nile.last change: not specified

• Chapelle du Rosaire. The rosary chapel belongs to a Dominican convent. Outwardly it is rather inconspicuous, inside it was designed between 1947 and 1951 with large graphics by Henri Matisse. The graphics depict the 12 stations of Christ's Way of the Cross and are black on white ceramic tiles, so that the colored glass windows have a significant impact on the color scheme of the interior. Matisse developed an overall artistic design for the chapel, ranging from the graphics and windows to the crucifix, the decoration of the doors and the vestments of the priests.Open: daily 2.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m., Tue Thu 10.00 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.last change: not specified

• Place Godeau. With its ancient column.last change: not specified

• Place du Peyra. With the Peyra fountain.last change: not specified

• Bell towerlast change: not specified

• Renaissance gatelast change: not specified

• Chapel des Pénitents-Blaces. From the 15th century.last change: not specified
  Type is group designation

activities

shop

kitchen

nightlife

accommodation

health

Practical advice

• Office de Tourisme, Place du Grand Jardin, F-06140 Vence. Tel.: 33 (0)4 93 58 06 38, Fax: 33 (0)4 93 58 91. last change: not specified

trips

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence - The “artist village” of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most picturesque and romantic places in the south of France. Unfortunately, word of this has already got around, so that the place is overflowing with visitors in the summer months. It is still worth seeing (especially outside the main season!). 6 km south (7 minutes by bus 400).

• Cagnes-sur-Mer - Sunbathing and swimming on the beach in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The largest hippodrome (horse racing track) on the Côte d’Azur is also located there. 11 km south (30 minutes by bus 94 or 400).

• Marineland - Between Cagnes and Antibes. Large amusement park with marine animals, dolphin and otter shows, diving in the shark tank (50 minutes by bus 94 and 200 - change in Cagnes).

• Antibes - A seaside resort, but there is also an old town that is well worth seeing. 20 km south (55 minutes by bus and train - change in Cagnes).

• Biot - Pretty little town known for its glass-blowing and the Musée national Fernand-Léger, an important collection of modern art. 20 km southwest.

• Nice - Cosmopolitan port city with a magnificent old town. 22 km southeast (one hour by bus 94 or 400).

• Grasse - The world capital of perfume. 25 km to the west (50 minutes by bus line 511 (Mon – Sat only)).

literature

Web links

http://www.vence.fr - Vence official website