Perched on a hill and surrounded by medieval walls, the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most popular day trip destinations on the French Riviera. If this dreamy town is on your bucket list, you might be wondering how to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice. After all, Nice is the most popular home base for visitors exploring this region.
What is it exactly that makes the hill town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence such a draw? This adorable place contains centuries of history, art galleries, and stunning views galore. While it’s not as famous as the neighboring cities Cannes or Nice, it really has so much to offer.
So how do you get there? Well, luckily if you’re staying in Nice, getting to Saint-Paul-de-Vence is super easy and can be done in just around 45 minutes (depending on traffic).
In this guide, I’ll lay out exactly how to get there step-by-step, so you can choose the best option for you.
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How to get from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice
Whether you wish to drive yourself, use public transportation, or let a guide do the work, there are several options for getting to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice. While we’ll break them down below, here is a quick summary:
- Easiest: Take a guided tour from Nice
- Easiest non-tour: Drive yourself to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice in a rental car
- Cheapest public transportation: A combination of the Nice tram and local bus
- Most efficient public transportation: Train from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer, followed by the bus
1. Drive from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence (~45 minutes)
The simplest way to get from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence is to drive yourself. From metered street parking to an underground car park with over 400 spots, there are plenty of spaces available.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks to driving:
- It can be stressful to drive in Nice due to traffic congestion
- Parking in Nice is inconvenient
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence gets incredibly busy during the peak summer months, making parking trickier
- You could hit slowdowns due to heavy French Riviera traffic along the way
- Parking can be pricey (the covered lot is €18.80 for 4 hours).
That said, driving offers plenty of pros. For one, it offers the most flexibility, as you can come and go as you please and add more stops to your day. After all, some great sights in towns like Vence and Cagnes-sur-Mer are within striking distance of Saint-Paul de Vence.
Plus, if you are willing to arrive into Saint-Paul de Vence by mid-morning (like 9:30am) you should have no trouble finding parking.
2. Take a tour from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence (~45 minutes)
The most stress-free option for getting from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence is taking an organized tour from Nice. Basically, you are letting a local guide do all the planning and driving. They will simply pick you up in the city and chauffeur you to St-Paul and other beautiful places in the region.
These tours usually include pick up and drop off at your hotel in Nice, an expert tour guide, and every bit of transportation you need to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence and other nearby towns. Not only can you simply sightsee while the guide drives, but they’ll also teach you more history and culture of Saint-Paul-de-Vence than you’d discover on your own.
The drawbacks? You won’t have flexibility in your itinerary since you’ll have to stay with the tour group. This can also be one of the pricier options.
There are lots of great Saint-Paul-de-Vence tour options, with these being the top two choices:
3. Tram + Bus from Nice to Saint-Paul de Vence (~1 hour & 15 minutes)
This is the most affordable way of getting from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, costing about €7.50 euros round-trip. However, as there is no direct bus line between these two towns, it isn’t the most convenient.
Here are the exact steps to get from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence by way of the tram and bus:
- Step #1: Take Tram Line 2 from the closest station to Parc Phoenix. Once you get to Parc Phoenix, you will easily find the bus station.
- Step #2: Take bus #9 from Parc Phoenix to Vence (Halte Routière de l’Ara). You can ride this bus and the tram with the same ticket (check fares here).
- Step #3: Take bus #655 (leaves about every 30 minutes, schedule here) from Halte Routière de l’Arato in Vence to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This bus is operated by a different company, and thus requires a separate ticket. Check fares here.
→ For another wonderful Nice day trip idea, check out Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
4. Train + Bus via Cagnes-sur-Mer (~55 minutes)
This option will be a shorter trip than via the tram, especially if you are staying near the Nice Ville train station. It is just a little pricier, costing around €11.80 round-trip.
First, take the TER train from Nice Ville to Cagnes-sur-Mer Station (buy your ticket here). From there, you will take bus #655 directly to Saint-Paul-de-Vence (Village).
Although this option will cost a little more than the tram + bus combination, it is faster and more direct.
How much time do you need to see Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Visiting Saint-Paul is one of the best things to do from Nice and for a complete visit, it is recommended to allocate at least a half day.
That will allow you to have time to visit the main sights as well as stroll around the charming streets while taking in the beauty of this medieval town. It’s definitely not a place where you should rush.
🧳 Still wondering what to pack for your trip? Then check out this guide on what to wear on the French Riviera.
Where to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
The best option for staying in Saint-Paul is to stay in one of the wonderful hotels and bed & breakfasts within the village walls.
However, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a small town and the selection of hotels or accommodations is limited. Also, available options tend to be quite pricey (you might want to check out the best hotels in Nice instead!).
The best places to stay in St-Paul-de-Vence are:
These four places are extremely well-reviewed and offer luxurious accommodations with beautiful views of the village or the sea. They are absolutely worth staying at if you don’t mind spending the extra euros.
Things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is undoubtedly one of the most charming towns in France and it’s packed with things to do.
These are some of my favorites:
1. Take a peak into La Colombe d’Or
La Colombe D’Or is one of the most legendary hotels/restaurants on the French Riviera.
Iconic artists such as Matisse and Picasso used to come here and the hotel is filled with art and history.
2. Visit Saint-Paul’s Old Town Walls
The medieval town walls are one of the most impressive sights in St-Paul-de-Vence.
These fortifications were built in the 16th century to protect the village from potential invaders, as it once sat on the border between France and Italy. Now, they simply offer beautiful views over the surrounding hills and valleys.
3. Walk through the Old Cemetery
The Old Cemetery of Saint-Paul is a truly unique place.
It’s absolutely beautiful and a great place to go for a walk. Also, here you will find the resting place of prominent former residents, such as beloved painter Marc Chagall.
4. Try some authentic Provençal cuisine
Saint-Paul is an amazing place to try some of the best provençal dishes.
Make sure you don’t miss out on trying a delicious salad de chevre chaud (warm goat cheese salad) and a glass of local wine.
5. Visit the Maeght Foundation
The Maeght Foundation is an art museum in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which houses the works of 20th-century artists such as Matisse, Giacometti, Chagall, Miró, and many more.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you have time and is an easy walk (or drive) uphill from the village.
6. Explore the art galleries
Once you get to St-Paul-de-Vence, you will quickly realize that this place is all about art. The village is full of galleries by local artists who are more than happy to show you their work.
Most of the art galleries offer free entry, so make sure you take a stroll around them and enjoy all the unique pieces.
7. Visit Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs
Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, or The Folon Chapel, is a beautiful 17th-century chapel in St-Paul-de-Vence. Wander inside to appreciate the historic architecture of the building, as well as the gorgeous interior designed by artist Jean-Michel Folon.
8. Explore the Medieval Village
Ultimately, the main thing to do in St-Paul-de-Vence is to simply walk around the village and enjoy its beauty. The narrow streets are full of charm and you will find plenty of little hidden corners to explore. The important thing is to make sure you don’t rush!
Where to eat in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a great place to find some delicious Provençal cuisine. Here are some of the top restaurants in the village:
La Colombe d’Or – As mentioned before, this is one of the most iconic places to visit and eat in St-Paul. They offer delicious traditional French cuisine in a gallery-like setting.
Un Coeur en Provence – This is another great place for enjoying some of the best local dishes. Their menu features Provençal specialties such as tapenade, ratatouille, and more.
Thé Artiste – If you want something more casual, Thé Artiste offers some delicious crepes and salads at very reasonable prices.
Le Vieux Moulin – A great place to try some classic French dishes with a modern twist. They also have an extensive wine list so make sure to ask your waiter for recommendations before ordering!
Conclusion: How to get from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Now you know exactly how to get from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence in no time. I hope this guide was useful and that you have a great time day tripping to this adorable hilltop village.
Other day trips from Nice you might enjoy:
Looking for some more ideas for day trips to take from Nice? Here are some of the most popular French Riviera towns to visit:
Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.
