A whisper of history echoes through these ancient stones here in Vence. Vence, a commune set in the hills of the Alpes-Maritimes, offers more than just a pretty view. It holds centuries of stories within its walls.
Let’s step back in time to the early days of Vence. The first known Bishop of Vence was Severus in 439. Veranus, son of St. Eucherius, followed. He served as bishop before 451 until 465. St. Lambert was also a Benedictine monk who died in 1154. Even Cardinal Alessandro Farnese held a position here in Vence from 1505 to 1511.
Antoine Godeau became Bishop of Vence in 1638. He stayed in Vence until 1672. Today, the diocese of Nice unites Nice, Grasse, and Vence.
Now, look around at the sights of this medieval walled village. The Peyra Gate got a makeover in 1810. The fountain was rebuilt in 1822. It replaced an older one from 1578.
Nearby, spot the ash tree. Fran\u00e7ois I donated it. It was planted in 1538. The castle now is the Fondation \u00c9mile Hugues. It is a modern and contemporary art museum.
The cathedral was built in the 4th century. It stands where a Roman temple once stood. The stone on the western fa\u00e7ade dates from 239. Another stone shows December 220. Other stones bear funerary dedications. The Pierre du Tauroble honors Cybele. She was the Great Mother of the Gods of Mount Ida. Inside, a chapel holds a mosaic by Marc Chagall from 1979.
Notice the rue des Portiques. It is a section of the old Roman road. Don’t miss the Chapelle du Rosaire. Henri Matisse decorated it with stained glass.
Vence is also famous for its spring water. You can collect it from fountains around the town. The town was formerly the ancient Roman settlement of Vintium. Vence later became the bishopric. The town has conserved much of its historical heritage. You can admire the Marseillais Columns from the Ligurian period. They are remnants of a Roman triumphal arch.
In the Middle Ages, they built a defensive wall around the town. Remains of this rampart still stand. Cross it at the tower-gate of Signadour. Or see it at the Levis portal, both from the 13th century. Find it also at the Peyra gate from the 15th century. And also at the Breche gate from the 18th century.
Wander the cobbled alleyways of Vence. Admire Place du Peyra Renaissance. See its famous fountain.
The Romanesque cathedral adjoins the Saint Lambert Tower. The cathedral contains stalls sculpted by Jacotin Bellot. There is a beautiful 16th-century altar piece. Also, see a set of 17th-century polychrome wooden statues. And don’t forget the mosaic by Marc Chagall. It depicts Moses saved from the waters. Plus, there is a Saint-Veran sarcophagus from the 5th century.
Leave the old town to visit the Ch\u00e2teau des Villeneuve. It’s now a museum with contemporary art exhibitions. Further on, visit the Chapelle des P\u00e9nitents blancs. It has a cupola covered with varnished tiles and a Renaissance belltower.
Quench your thirst at the Fontaine de la Foux. Pure mineral water has flowed from it since 1431. Vence enchants with its olive trees and citrus fruits. It also features rosemary and lavender. Its majestic baous and the Col de Vence add to its charm.
So, as you wander through Vence, remember its layers of history. From bishops to artists, Vence has always been a place of inspiration.