Hotel Le Saint Paul

Fifteen minutes from the Nice International Airport, between Cannes and Monaco, the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence perches high atop the French Riviera.  Nestled within its ramparts, the village of Saint Paul is a magical maze of tiny streets and enchanting stone houses.

The Hotel Le Saint-Paul wedged in among other medieval buildings in the heart of the village is located on Rue Grande. The first stone of the Hotel was laid in 1511 and, at various times in Saint Paul’s turbulent history, it functioned as a hospital, and as a church. In the 16th century clandestine groups used it as a secret gathering place. It became then a private residence and was converted to a 4 star hotel in 1989, the only one situated inside the walls of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.  Le Saint-Paul became a member of Relais & Chateaux, “The Finest Chain of Hotels in the World”, in 1992.

Le Saint-Paul has 15 rooms and 4 suites, all air-conditioned and equipped with satellite television, in room safe, internet connection, mini-bar and fully equipped bathroom. The village-side bedrooms overlook the Rue Grande. From the valley-view rooms, one can admire the panorama on the valley of Saint-Paul with the Mediterranean in the background. Four suites complete our range of accommodation; one has a nice terrace with a splendid view overlooking the valley and another, with two full bathrooms and a Murphy bed can accommodate a family. All the bedrooms and suites are decorated in the most pure of Provençal style with Souleïado, Pierre Frey, Manuel Canovas and Rubelli’s fabrics.

Recent works enlarged and completely redecorated Le Saint-Paul’s Restaurant. The vaulted dining room retains its 16th century charm and is enhanced by a Provençal ‘trompe l’œil’ (painting of Jacques Margerin), as well as the other one which has been embellished with a XVII century fountain. In summer, refreshing dishes with decidedly Mediterranean flavours are served on the flower-decked terrace sheltered by the ramparts of Saint-Paul. In the evening, guests can enjoy a romantic dinner under the starry Riviera sky.

The bar offers a warm welcome thanks to a Provençal theme, an imposing stone fireplace, a library and charming collection of 19th century Barbotine porcelain. At the tea time or just before dinner, the salon is a perfect place to read or meet people, just like in the salon of a beautiful private house.

Decidedly intimate, Le Saint-Paul is a welcome alternative to the glittering casinos and palatial hotels that dot the Côte d’Azur. Set within a walled village, among other medieval homes and fortifications, the hotel harkens back to the 16th century, when it was a private manor house. Each Provençal-style guestroom is a history lesson, featuring lush fabrics and thoughtfully chosen antiques. Balconies overlook the valley below. The intimate dining room, adorned with breathtaking murals and frescoes, features a tinkling fountain and a terrace for alfresco dining with a view.

For a perfect day, visit the Maeght Foundation, stroll through the medieval village and then indulge at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.Distance from Nice Airport (NCE): 10 mi/16 km