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 Antibes
Beaulieu
sur Mer
Cannes
Cap
d'Antibes
Eze
Gourdon
Grasse
Juan
Les Pins
Monte
Carlo
Mougins
Nice
St.
Tropez
Valbonne
Vence
Map
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 Vence
Vence is located 10 kms. from the coast between Nice
and Antibes. It is a picturesque, old, market town situated
on a mountain top with a ravine on each side and protected
from the north winds by the last foothills of the Alps.
The surrounding countryside holds an abundance of olive
trees and orange trees and cultivated mimosas, roses
and carnations. The wines from these hillsides are highly
regarded.
The old town was surrounded by a protective
wall, much of which can still be seen today, and was
accessible by five gateways. Just before entering the
old town, there is an enormous ash tree which gives
the main square, Place du Frene, its name. According
to legend, the tree was planted in memory of a visit
of Francois I and Pope Paul III in 1538.
The Chapelle Matisse, which Matisse
designed and decorated in 1947 and considered his masterpiece,
is well worth a visit.
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