Day Trip to Saint-Paul de Vence, France

Besides the obvious experience of traveling with Chanel to Grasse last year, one of the highlights of our trip was being able to spend a day exploring the lovely town of Saint-Paul de Vence. We were staying in the town at Le Mas De Pierre Hôtel, just a little ways down the hill from where all the major attractions are located on. So after breakfast, we drove up, parked the car and walked up the narrow streets and steep stairs of Saint-Paul de Vence, peeking into shops and admiring the quaint sights. Located at the base of the town, La Colombe d’Or is a must see (and must stay, for that matter). A storied restaurant, bar and hotel where everyone from Picasso, Braque and Leger, to Miró, Calder and Chagall has dined or stayed at. Chagall, by the way, is buried in the Saint-Paul Cemetery. His tomb attracts many a visitor and the cemetery itself offers beautiful views of the town and its surroundings. After a chill walk around the town, we went for a late lunch and some Rosé at Le Tilleul—there are several places to eat at in the town but we just decided on this one because we were very hungry (and thirsty!) and it was near by. It has outdoor seating, which was lovely. The best, best, best thing about this perfect day was being able to visit the Rosary Chapel, A.K.A. Matisse’s Chapel. Unfortunately there were no photos allowed, but you know what? It’s better that way. Instead of seeing the work through the viewfinder of my camera, I got to see it with my own two eyes. No filter, no glass, no screens, no distractions. You guys know Matisse is one of my favorite artists of the 20th century and just being engulfed in his creation was in and of itself a religious experience.