Vence History

The longer we’ve lived in Vence, the more fascinated I’ve become with its remarkable history. What began as a casual curiosity about the town we love has gradually turned into something of an obsession! Vence has an extraordinarily rich history, stretching back more than 2,000 years. From its beginnings as the Roman settlement of Vintium to its centuries as an important religious center, the town has witnessed invasions, wars, plagues, revolutions, and countless changes. Much of that history is still visible today, hidden in the narrow streets, ancient buildings, churches, and stone walls that we walk past every day.

As my interest has grown, I’ve found myself spending more and more time researching, exploring, and documenting the stories behind these places. I’ve become particularly fascinated by the early history of Vence, its cathedral, its two patron saints, Saint Véran and Saint Lambert, and the centuries-old manuscripts and documents that help us understand their lives. What I find most rewarding is discovering something I didn’t know before, following a trail through old books and archives, or uncovering a forgotten detail that adds another piece to the puzzle. And the more I learn, the more I realize just how much there is still to discover.

This page brings together my articles and research into the fascinating history of Vence. Some are general explorations of the town’s past, while others go much deeper into particular people, places, and events. I hope you’ll find them as interesting to read as I’ve found them to research and write.