In the late afternoon we went to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence which is one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera.  In the middle ages, the Counts of Provence ruled the the region and granted several privileges to Saint-Paul making the town rich.  In the 16th century, repeated attacks on Provence motivate Francois 1 to reinforce Saint-Paul's defences.   The town is well known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries.  Many famous actors and artists such as Marc Chagall have lived there.  Other artists such as Matisse, Signac, Renoir, Duffy, Valloton, Derain, Soutine and Barque have associated themselves with St. Paul and painted in the soft light of the village.

20140623_France_0044

It was a warm day!

20140623_France_0045

20140623_France_0051

Inside the village walls, the village is full of fine restaurants, boutiques and sidewalk cafes, obviously a very  touristy town.  

20140623_France_0046

20140623_France_0049

20140623_France_0048

We saw many buildings covered in vines.  I liked the decorative telephone.  

20140623_France_0001

20140623_France_0059 I found a few very interesting, colourful  old doors to photograph.

20140623_France_0060

20140623_France_0062 We came across the town's cemetery.  Unfortunately we only had time to spend a few minutes there since it closed shortly after we arrived.

20140623_France_0063 Marc Chagall was buried in this cemetery but we didn't have time to find his grave.

20140623_France_0054

Peaking into someone's house.  

20140623_France_0052 The town was full of cute shops and restaurants.

20140623_France_0053

20140623_France_0065

20140623_France_0001 Hanging out with Sam, Chris and Gretchen.  

20140623_France_0001

20140623_France_0001

20140623_France_0066

Gretchen and I came across these friendly locals (notice the dog) who were happy to have their picture taken. 

20140623_France_0001

This town was full of winding streets with cobblestones.  

20140623_France_0069 We saw a lot of cats in the streets.

20140623_France_0070

20140623_France_0001

20140623_France_0073

20140623_France_0002 Many of the buildings date to the thirteenth century, though the village's history goes back before recorded history.  No one can be sure who built the first walls around St. Paul or who founded the city.  It was ruled by Lords before becoming a Royal Village in 1418.  In 1481,  Saint- Paul became part of France.

20140623_France_0071

20140623_France_0072

The bell tower collapsed in 1739 and was rebuilt.

20140623_France_0001

This photo was taken from the top of the town.  The village is protected by its location as it is 180 meters, a little less than 600 feet above sea level. The village sits on a narrow hill between 2 valleys, 18 kilometres, or roughly 11 miles, from Nice.  The rocky climb made it hard for  enemies to approach and somewhat easy to defend.  

20140623_France_0001

20140623_France_0002 Sabrina resting after a long day.

20140623_France_0076 A photo of the town taken as we made our way back to the vans.