st paul de vence vs. vence

we are trying to decide whether to stay at hotel le hameau in st.paul or villa canto grihet (b%26amp;b) in vence before we fly out of Nice.

pros/cons of the two villages?

pros/cons of the two accommodations?

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Can%26#39;t help you with the accommodation (we stay with my husband%26#39;s family when down there) but as to Vence/St Paul, I can a little!

Vence is quite a big place (more of a small town than a village) but very pleasant and busy. It is well connected both with Nice and the airport there by bus (as is St Paul). There is a lovely sqaure in the town with cafes and restruants all around. There is sometimes also a market held here. One of my favourite things in Vence is to see the Matisse Chapelle (Chapelle du Saint-Marie du Rosaire) which is stunning (although do check the opening hours before going!)

It is famous for the many artists and writers who have been drawn there and it is such bustling, pretty place it is easy to see why.

For eating I highly recommend L%26#39;Armoise which is located at 9 place du Peyra (Tel 04 93 58 19 29). It is tiny fish restrurant run by a very friendly couple with excellent English. They do an excellent %26#39;menu%26#39; of three courses (without wine) and the %26#39;marmite surprise%26#39; (a sort fo creamy fish soup/chowder with a pastry crust) is simply wonderful.

St Paul is highly touristy and very pretty, purched on top of a mountain as it is. There are three local musuems and, like Vence, the medieval history of the village is famed.

I have always found St Paul a bit to touristy for me, I must admit.

Hope that helps!

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Surely St Paul is the place to stay?

After all, you are a tourist!

Might be different if you were staying a long time or visiting the area regularly, but it is absolutely delightful there, especially in the evening when the hoardes of tourists have left.

Hotel le Hameau looks great but have you considered Villa St Maxime in St Paul? .....Absolutely wonderful.

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thank you everyone! :)

elaine126, any favorite restaurants?

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Hi Travelnut.

You didn%26#39;t tell me if you%26#39;ve considered Villa St Maxime? Don%26#39;t know Le Hammeau but it%26#39;s also written up really well on Tripadvisor.

There are many good, mostly expensive restaurants in St Paul; these are extra-expensive and extra-special

Lunch at Colombe D%26#39;Or on the terrace: please read about it - should be an interesting experience. You must book well in advance - haven%26#39;t actually managed to eat there yet but am booking for our next trip.

Don%26#39;t know if you like modern art but if so, there%26#39;s the Maeght Foundation which should be interesting.

Restaurant Le St Paul is fabulous.

I must admit that I%26#39;ve only visited St Paul and haven%26#39;t stayed there, but love it; though would not recommend it for more than a couple of days unless you have a car.

La Cocarde is a nice, less-expensive snacky place.

I haven%26#39;t been there for a few years and don%26#39;t know it well enough to interfere any further, but you will love it there.

Post a question in the St Paul forum re restaurants and I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll get more recommendations.

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