St Paul-de-Vence, Provence, France

It was a bit of a hike up to the hilltop to explore the village of St Paul-de-Vence, but well worth the effort on that hot day. Like so many villages I have seen in Europe, the modern part was sprawled around the old part, which was hidden behind high stone walls that had been built to protect the citizens from attack. From the top of the walls you could see wonderful views of the countryside below and of some mountains into distance.  

And like many historic villages, the old part had archways leading into narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways where there were charming little shops selling all manner of things. This village is in the Provence region, which is known for its lavender farms. Several shops were selling bags of lavender, lavender soaps, and so forth. They were doing an excellent trade, as was the little shop that sold icecream and gelato.

This picturesque little village also is home to many artists. I was most impressed by the paintings and sculptures in a variety of materials that I saw in a number of small galleries, some of the works very colourful, others simply beautiful. I would have loved to have been able to take some pieces home with me. 

So, altogether it was a very worthwhile shore excursion, but it would have been just lovely if we also had been able to see the beach in Nice and to dip our toes in the Mediterranean sea. 

Some of the new part of the village seen on the hike up the hill from the bus park.

Our first view of the old part of the village as we walked up the hill. 

Just outside the entrance into the old part of the village.

Looking back up at the archway into the old part. 

Climbing up through the old part. 

A little fountain in the old part.

The buildings were all very close together. This was supposed to confuse any invaders if they breached the wall. 

One of the many charming little shops.

A view of the old cemetery from the wall.

Looking towards the mountains from the top of the wall. 

Looking back at the end of the old part from the wall.

Another view from the wall.

More of the new part of the village seen on our walk back to the coach.

Seen in one of the galleries - an incredible wire sculpture by one of the artists in the old part of the village.

I think this polar bear would have been done by the same artist. There were many other animals as well.