Provencal Market in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
A traditional Provencal market held every Wednesday morning from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
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Vence
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Vence
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Fill your water bottles at the city fountains; the water comes directly from the La Foux mountain spring.
- Visit the Chapelle du Rosaire (Matisse Chapel), entirely designed by Henri Matisse.
- The Tuesday morning market at Place du Grand Jardin is the best time to see local life.
- Park at the 'Marie-Antoinette' parking garage for direct access to the old town entrance.
- Enter through the Porte du Peyra gate to explore the most historic part of the fortified center.
🍽 Food
🍽
Vence Honey
Try the local lavender or rosemary honey, often sold directly by beekeepers at the market.
🍽
Socca
A savory chickpea pancake that is a popular snack throughout the Nice hinterland.
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Vencois Rosé
Enjoy a glass of chilled rosé wine produced in the nearby hillside vineyards.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Art Galleries
The narrow streets of the old town are filled with small galleries and artisan studios.
🛍
Local Olive Oil
Look for olive oil produced from the groves surrounding the town of Vence.
🧘
Place du Frêne
A quiet square featuring a massive ancient ash tree said to have been planted in 1538.
🧘
Sentier des Baous
Hiking trails just above the town offer peace and memorable views all the way to the coast.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
3
Vence is a jewel in the hinterland of the French Riviera, situated on a rocky outcrop between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a long history dating back to antiquity, when it was the capital of the Ligurian tribe of the Nerusii. In the Middle Ages, Vence became an episcopal see, leading to the construction of the impressive Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Cathedral, which houses fragments of Roman inscriptions and a mosaic by Marc Chagall. The city became particularly famous in the 20th century as a sanctuary for artists. Henri Matisse spent his later years here and created his personal masterpiece, the Chapelle du Rosaire (Rosary Chapel). The architecture of the old town is arranged in a nearly circular pattern, following the line of the ancient defensive walls. Narrow streets, shaded squares with fountains, and numerous art galleries characterize the city today. Thanks to its mild climate and clean air, Vence was also known as a health resort. The surrounding area is dominated by the 'Baous', prominent limestone cliffs that offer spectacular hiking trails and panoramic views over the coast.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Chapel of the Rosary · Cathedral of Our Lady of the Nativity · Peyra Fountain
- Nearby: La Colle-sur-Loup (4 km)
- Population: ~19.917
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 55 | 62 | 56 | 52 | 29 | 14 | 20 | 50 | 98 | 126 | 84 |
Live webcam – Vence
See what it looks like near Vence right now.
Nice: Quartier saint-Isidore à · 6.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral is considered one of the smallest cathedrals in France.
- Vence is situated at an average altitude of 325 meters.
- The Chapelle du Rosaire was built between 1947 and 1951.
- The 'Place du Grand Jardin' is the vibrant heart of the city.
- There are more than 20 public fountains in the city.
- D.H. Lawrence, author of Lady Chatterley's Lover, died in Vence in 1930.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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A day in the city
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09:00→17:051 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 27€ · Transport 0€
Vence is a jewel of Provence. Start your morning at the lively Place du Grand Jardin. Enter the old town through the Peyra Gate and fill your bottle at the famous fountain. Visit the smallest cathedral in France, featuring its famous Chagall mosaic. After an authentic Provençal lunch, walk to the Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse. End the day relaxing under the historic ash tree.
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🚶 6'0.15 km
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09:00→16:066.5 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
This bike tour connects art and history. Cycle from Vence to the neighboring hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence. Explore the galleries and enjoy lunch on the ramparts. On the way back, visit the renowned Fondation Maeght before tackling the climb back to Vence.
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🚲 21'3.06 km
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09:00→16:0913.9 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 16€ · Transport 3€
Discover the hinterland of Nice. After a visit to Vence, drive to the charming medieval village of Tourettes-sur-Loup, famous for its violets. Enjoy lunch with a view before diving into the spectacular Gorges du Loup, where waterfalls meet limestone cliffs.
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Sights in the town Vence (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous chapel in Vence?
The Chapelle du Rosaire, designed and decorated by Henri Matisse, is a masterpiece of modern art.
Is the water from the fountains in Vence drinkable?
Yes, Vence is known for its spring water; many fountains, like the Peyra fountain, offer drinkable water.
What is there to see in Vence old town?
The medieval walls, the cathedral with a Chagall mosaic, and pleasant narrow streets.
When is the best day for the market in Vence?
The large market on Tuesday mornings gives a wonderful selection of Provençal products.
Can you go hiking from Vence?
Yes, trails lead to the Col de Vence and to the Baous (rocky cliffs), which offer great views of the coast.
Vence: where is it located?
Vence is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Vence: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chapel of the Rosary, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Nativity, Peyra Fountain.
Vence: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Vence: why is it worth visiting?
Vence is a jewel in the hinterland of the French Riviera, situated on a rocky outcrop between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.
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