Known as the jewel of Provence, the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence is located on a charming hilltop overlooking the French Riviera.

This historic fortified village is filled with art galleries, boutiques, fountains, statues and breathtaking views of both mountains and sea.

Day trips from Nice to Saint Paul de Vence are a popular way to explore this historic village.

How to get to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice?

Saint Paul de Vence is located approximately 12 kilometers from the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

From Nice to Saint Paul de Vence by car

You can rent a car from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and drive 40 minutes to Saint Paul de Vence. The round trip will take you a maximum of 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

The simplest route to reach Saint Paul de Vence is to travel on the A8 until you take the 48-Cagnes Sur Mer-Vence exit. Next, take Route de Serres to Rue du Fangas in Saint Paul de Vence.

From Nice to Saint Paul de Vence by bus/public transport

If you opt for public transport, take Bus 400 from Nice Côte d’Azur airport. Buses leave both Nice and Saint Paul de Vence every 30 to 45 minutes Monday to Friday and every hour on weekends and public holidays.

Guided tour to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice

For a stress-free day of sightseeing, consider taking a guided tour of the region. Most tours include pickup and drop-off from your hotel as well as transportation for your entire day out.

Guided tours can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Each tour has a different length depending on the itinerary and number of stops they make.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice?

Saint Paul de Vence is a popular place to visit on a day trip from Nice along the French Riviera. This quaint hilltop village welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors each year.

Most day tours include either a pickup from specific hotels or a central location in Nice. You will travel by minivan with a local driver guide stopping at various destinations along your journey.

You will travel to Saint Paul de Vence making stops at other popular destinations along the French Riviera, such as Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and Grasse as well as some popular vineyards.

Once you arrive at Saint Paul de Vence, you will have the opportunity to visit art galleries and museums at your own leisure. You will also have the opportunity to dine at one of the many restaurants in the village.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Saint Paul de Vence?

Saint Paul de Vence is a popular place to visit along the French Riviera. This quaint hilltop village welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Booking a tour is a fantastic and stress-free way to explore the city. There are several types of tours available for Saint Paul de Vence day trips from Nice.

Private tours to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice

Private tours to Saint Paul de Vence are more costly, however, you will receive VIP treatment. These tours are usually limited to friends and family traveling together in small groups. Private tours to Saint Paul de Vence include multiple stops and a personalized experience in each destination.

Private shore excursions to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice

Private shore excursions are exclusively for cruise passengers that only have a single day to explore the French Riviera. These tours are a fantastic way to view multiple cities.

Whether your cruise ship has docked in Monaco or Villefranche-sur-Mer you will make stops at the most popular destinations. Experience the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean as you travel to Old Town Nice.

Visit the celebrity hub in Cannes and the Glamourous Croisette Boulevard. Finally stop off in the Provencal Town of Saint Paul de Vence and view historic artworks.

Day trip to Saint Paul de Vence with wine tour from Nice

Day trips to Saint Paul de Vence plus a wine tour from Nice are popular choices. Experience the rich heritage of the Bellet wine region visiting either one winery on a half day trip or three wineries on a full-day trip, before you arrive in Saint Paul de Vence.

Day trip to Saint Paul de Vence plus Cannes and Antibes from Nice

Experience these popular cities in either a half day or full day trip from Nice. Your tour guide will take you along the coastal road to Cannes, as well as notable landmarks such as the Palais de Festival and Colombe d'Or restaurant.

See the world-famous steps of the Film Festival Palace and enjoy a walk along the famous Croisette boulevard with its luxury shops and sandy white beaches.

Visit Antibes to see the old town, the Provençal market and visit the Pablo Picasso Museum. Check out the town’s marina — the largest in Europe, which is squared by a fortress of ancient stone. While you’re there take a look at the billionaires' pier to see some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts.

Saint Paul de Vence is usually your final stop. In this wonderful medieval village, you get to see the work of the world's greatest painters. Marvel over the stone architecture and fountains and experience craft workshops where you can see artists at work.

Half-day tour to Saint Paul De Vence plus Grasse parfumerie Fragonard Gourdon and Tourettes Sur Loup from Nice

On this half-day tour, you will explore the hinterland of Nicois as well as the medieval villages of Tourettes Sur Loup and Saint Paul de Vence. These villages are filled with historical architecture, paintings and sculptures.

You will feel truly encapsulated by the rich culture of these villages. You also will visit the world capital of flowers and perfumes at the Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse.

How much does a tour to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice cost?

Tours to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice vary in price, depending on which tour you choose.

Private tours cost from €340 to €650 per group.
Small group tours of the French Riviera cost between €60 and €100.
Half day tours of the French Riviera are around €60 per person.
Most full-day group tours cost between €40 and €60 per person.

There are some full-day tours that offer stops at unique destinations, such as the Grasse Perfume Factory. These tours cost between €140 and €370 per group.

What will you see and do on a Saint Paul de Vence day trip?

Saint Paul de Vence offers a very cultural experience to its visitors and is home to some of the greatest artworks in history. The village is filled with modern and contemporary art galleries displaying the work of upcoming artists, as well as the works of great artists such as Picasso and Marc Chagall.

Aside from the rich art culture, there are many shopping boutiques, cafes and bistros to visit.

Settled on a hilltop, there are some fantastic viewpoints where you can take in a 360-degree view of both the Mediterranean Sea and mountains.

Even the streets are a sight not to be missed. The flower-shaped cobblestone floors and the green vines that crawl up the ancient walls create the illusion of walking through a garden.

When is Saint Paul de Vence open over the year?

You can visit Saint Paul de Vence all year round. The villages attractions are open throughout the year and the mild temperatures make this a popular destination even in the winter months.

When is the best time to visit Saint Paul de Vence?

Saint Paul de Vence has a warm Mediterranean climate, which means that it experiences almost 300 days of sunshine a year. You can check the local weather report before booking a day trip as cloudless skies offer excellent views of the surrounding region.

Travel tips

Most guided tours to Saint Paul de Vence are limited to 8 people per tour group. Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment.
Each tour requires a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Pack a camera! Saint Paul de Vence overlooks the French Riviera and you will surely want to capture the exquisite views.

Saint Paul de Vence: Day Trips and Tours from Nice