This charming historical town combines a strong medieval influence with modern-day art galleries, enticing artisanal shops, gourmet restaurants and a few prestigious hotels tucked away in its narrow cobbled streets.

Naturally, this intoxicating blend has made St Paul de Vence one of the top tourist attractions on the Côte d’Azur; 380 people live within the fortified walls, but 2.5 million tourists visit it annually. This makes it the third most visited place in France, after Mont-St-Michel and Versailles.

Understandably, the summer months draw the largest crowds, making it difficult to appreciate its medieval architecture, art galleries and other lovely boutiques; and takes away some of the pleasure of discovering this historical place. By the end of September things become a little easier and St Paul de Vence reverts to a more relaxed and peaceful environment and with the wonderful warm sunny days and fantastic clear, bright blue skies that we have here in Autumn, St Paul is a great place to visit.

Its major charm lies in the fact that it is one of the most intact medieval fortified villages in the region. Perched on a narrow spur between two deep valleys it is surrounded by ramparts built on the orders of François I in 1537.

During the building of these ramparts over one hundred houses were destroyed in the Sainte-Claire district, causing the inhabitants to flee from the devastation and settle on the plains which in turn led to the foundation of the village of La Colle-sur-Loup.

As you walk around the narrow and very picturesque streets of the village, from the Porte Royale to the Porte Sud via the (pedestrianized) streets, you’ll discover perfectly renovated facades and frontons of ancient stone houses, the 12th century church “La Collégiale” (also called Church of St Paul’s conversion) the 12th century wash-house and 16th century Royal Gate.

The Grande Fontaine, situated in the square of the same name, was built in 1850 by Melchior Martin, a local master stone-cutter. Today it is classified as a historic monument. An older fountain can be found in the Placette where water has flowed from it since 1611.

With its maze of charming streets, little shady squares, its ancient fountains, gateways and porches, you’ll quickly see why St Paul is a favourite subject for photographers. We too found it irresistable.