In Vence, the Route des peintres places reproductions of artworks in streets and squares at the viewpoints from which they were originally painted. Enamelled easels around 1.20 m high allow visitors to rediscover Dufy's, Soutine's, Dubuffet's, Thornley's, Cahours's and Mossa's views of the town and surrounding hills.
Which landscapes can you rediscover?
The route notably pairs Raoul Dufy's La Basse Fontaine, Chaïm Soutine's Le Frêne, and the Baou and views of the Adret associated with Jean Dubuffet. Each reproduction is placed as close as possible to the location depicted, allowing visitors to observe differences between the present-day landscape and the artist's composition.
Why did Vence attract so many artists?
The light, old-town squares and hills framing the horizon appealed to several generations of 20th-century painters. The trail thus reveals very different artistic approaches, from Dufy's use of colour to Dubuffet's rougher forms.
What to know before setting off
The Route des peintres is explored on foot in Vence, combining the historic town, squares and viewpoints. The tourist information office at Villa Alexandrine can provide useful route information before you begin the walk.
An anecdote to look out for
Soutine tried to avoid being watched while painting. In Vence, he is said to have positioned himself in the corner between the castle and the tower to work out of sight. Seeking out this viewpoint adds an almost theatrical dimension to the walk.
