In Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the Sur les pas de Marc Chagall trail follows chemin Sainte-Claire, where the artist liked to walk after settling in the village in 1966. Three reproductions on information displays reveal his landscapes opposite the places that inspired them.
What can you see along the route?
The displays are concentrated around rond-point des Trious and chemin Sainte-Claire. The walk can continue towards the terraced garden opposite the nursery school, from which the mosaic Le Fleuve vert can be seen, created after Chagall's death from one of his lithographs.
Why was Saint-Paul-de-Vence important to Chagall?
Marc and Vava Chagall lived here from 1966 to 1985 in their home and studio, named “La Colline”. The painter often depicted the village, its ramparts, bouquets and couples in love, in compositions blending the real landscape with his imagined world.
What to know before visiting
The route is free, open all year round and not signposted. It is therefore better to locate the three displays before setting off rather than expect continuous signs. The cemetery in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where Chagall is buried, is a natural addition to the walk.
An extra highlight
The small number of reproductions gives the route an intimate feel. Taking time to look at the ramparts and hills around chemin Sainte-Claire helps identify the village features that Chagall then transformed in his compositions.
