Paul Signac’s painting of the town.
A recommended day out from Aix is Saint-Paul de Vence, one of my favourite villages in Provence: it could be a bit far to go right now under the circumstances, in which case keep this for your WTIAO list (When This Is All Over). But if you are nearby, an off-season visit can be the perfect opportunity to walk the ramparts or the pretty streets to experience what inspired so many artists.
As a bonus you will almost certainly be able to enjoy lots of mimosa en route. Obviously the pandemic means that lunch inside a restaurant or bar isn’t possible, but you could take a picnic or try one of the take-away services.
The tourist office is admirably proactive – it is proposing a raft of open-air walking activities which could be just what’s needed to boost morale on a sunny spring day.
It has launched a series of 20 panels which describe various sites: you can use your phone to access supplementary info (videos, interviews, old postcards etc) – or just read the text!….
There’s also a trail round the key Chagall sites, including his favourite painting spot (superb view of village) and his final resting place in the cemetery.
The lovely Chapel Folon is open: Belgian artist Folon was a huge fan of Saint-Paul de Vence. Peep in to see his mosaics, stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings adorn the chapel’s walls and vaulted ceiling.
Download brochures and a map here: https://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en/our-brochures/.
PLUS: The nearby Fondation Maeght has re-opened its gardens: the sculptures are by world-class artists and the area designed by Joan Miro is wonderful, my favourite part. Their announcement below:
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La Fondation Maeght is pleased to welcome you again in its outdoor spaces: in the sculpture gardens, the Giacometti courtyard, and the Miró Labyrinth!
The Alpes-Maritime prefecture has authorized this opening in accordance with health and safety regulations .The bookshop, where you can find catalogues, posters, scarves, and original artworks, has also been authorised to open.
While we wait until the reopening of our galleries, take a stroll in this unique and timeless outdoor space where art, architecture and nature enter into a dialogue in perfect harmony. Discover works by Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Hans Arp, Eduardo Chillida, Raoul Ubac, Pierre Tal-Coat, Erik Dietman, Barbara Hepworth, Jean-Paul Riopelle, and Eugène Dodeigne |
aixcentric 
Thanks for sharing Lynne! There are lots of things to do on the WTIAO list…