A Guide to Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Luxury Stays & Medieval Romance -

I recently visited the magical, medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence… and magical it was! It’s a small, medieval village perched on a hilltop with winding cobblestone streets, stone homes with ivy growing wildly, and countryside views as far as the eye can see. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a luxurious, artists’ village, and it should absolutely be on your French Riviera bucket list. This is a complete guide to visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence, soaking in all the magic and luxury along the way! (And if you’re planning a broader Riviera trip, check out my full French Riviera bucket list!).

The Artistic Soul of of the Riviera: Why Saint-Paul-de-Vence is Magical

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is so much more than just a pretty hilltop; it is a living, breathing gallery where the light dances and art lives. Famously, Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall all spent time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, so when walking these streets you can still feel their spirit today. The real magic, though, is how the village manages to wear its world-class heritage so unpretentiously. The way the ancient stone walls hold the secrets of the artists who found their inspiration in this very light.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is truly something else. A real gem tucked away in the hills of the French Riviera countryside.

Where to Stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence: The Most Romantic Luxury Hotels

Saint-Paul-de-Vence does a lot of things right, and that includes the numerous options when it comes to luxury hotel stays. You can find luxury hotels in the medieval village, perched high in the hills, or low in the valleys. And each hotel has its own special magic that makes it stand out. Below you’ll find my top luxury hotel choices in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. (And check out this post if you want to stay elsewhere in the French Riviera).

Toile Blanche

My favorite hotel in the area is Toile Blanche. Toile Blanche is a family-run, 5* hotel nestled in the hills, just a 20-minute walk from Saint-Paul-de-Vence. They have a trail leading directly from the property to the medieval old town, two pools, 22-suites, and one-villa. There is a great restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the hotel is open year-round which isn’t always common in the French Riviera. The property is both private and intimate and perfect for that quintessential French-countryside escape.

Book your stay at Toile Blanche

Domaine du Mas de Pierre Hotel Resort & Spa

Domaine du Mas de Pierre Hotel Resort & Spa is another beautiful 5* hotel nestled in the Provençal hills. What’s different about this property is that there is an adults-only section with separate villas and a pool for those who are looking for a kid-free getaway. They also offer spa packages if you’re looking for more of a wellness aspect.

Book your stay at Domaine du las de Pierre Hotel Resort & Spa

Hotel Le Saint Paul

Located in the medieval old town, Hôtel Le Saint Paul is a 5*, adults (16+) only hotel. It’s the perfect hotel if you’re looking to be right in the medieval old town while enjoying French-hospitality.

Book your stay at Hôtel Le Saint Paul

The Perfect Day: A Romantic Itinerary

Below you’ll find the best things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence and how I’d recommend spending one, romantic day.

Spending the Morning in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Start your morning before in town before the day-trippers show up. Grab a coffee and walk around. I recommend making your way towards “Place du Jeu de Boules ou Place De Gaulle” to watch the locals play a game of pétanque – a game that originated in the south of France.

I would also recommend heading to Fondation Maeght (open at 10:00 am), an indoor-outdoor art museum celebrating the art of the region.

Spending the Afternoon in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Because the afternoon gets crowded in town, I recommend heading out of town for lunch and to spend the day by the pool. There are several hotels in the area that have pools and also allow for day, pool passes if you aren’t a guest. At Toile Blanche you can purchase a day pass with a lunch or dinner reservation at their restaurant.

For lunch, I highly recommend Le Moulin de Saint-Paul; an incredible restaurant just outside of town. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

Spending the Evening in Saint-Paul-de-Vence

For the evening, find an outdoor café, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the quiet as the day-trippers leave. Grab dinner somewhere in town, or if you’re feeling fancy, head to one of the 5* hotels nearby for dinner.

I hope that if you’re visiting the French Riviera, you spend some time in the beautiful, romantic, medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s the perfect, relaxing destination in the riviera; and for more romantic, hilltop villages – I’d highly recommend the Luberon in Provence. And if you have any questions about visiting, please let me know in a comment below!

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, don’t miss…

Planning a Trip to France?

I am a licensed, Paris-based travel advisor who plans custom France itineraries for travelers who want to experience the country the way it deserves to be experienced – intentionally and free of tourist traps. From a long weekend in Paris to a multi-region road trip, I handle every detail so you don’t have to. If you’re not ready for full-planning services, I also offer 1-hour “France Audit” calls to go over your itinerary, share recommendations, and answer any questions you have!

Start planning your trip

Like this post? Share with others on Pinterest!