Vence: hard to know what to say on this town.
Its little sister town, St Paul-de-Vence was far cuter. The book 1000 places to see before you die describes Vence as a "provencal magnet for artists and writers which is nestled in the hills covered with pines, cypresses and olive groves." All that is true!
But the town itself isnt I dont think worthy of inclusion.....so I hazard a guess the only reason why its in here is as Vence has the Matisse Chapel...."a 20th century tour de force!!" Matisse recovered from a long illness and promised a Dominican sister, who was his muse, that he would redecorate the Dominician Oratory. He began this at 77 years old, it took 5 years and died 3 years after its completion.
Jury is out on this one as to whether this makes the place something to see before you die. I wasnt bowled over- but my mother enjoyed it!! Sadly no photos so can only show you the outside. Essentially he decorated the building, and then went on to design everything in it- from garments to bowls.
 |
| outside of matisse chapel |
The book then sent us to lunch- Chateau du Domaine St-Martin, a "handsome inn tucked away on a wooded hillside above the town." Inn it was not- being a Relais hotel and extremely formal but the views were spectacular.
Im afraid that Id rather look at a large collection of Matisse paintings...than see some decorations in a chapel.. so im sticking with my view that this doesnt belong in The 1000 places to see before you die book.
No comments:
Post a Comment