Medieval village Saint-Paul de Vence, which is less than 20km inland of Nice, played host to Brigitte Macron and Princess Charlene of Monaco on Monday 9 June 2025, along with other spouses of Heads of State and government who are currently gathered in Nice for the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
As one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, Saint-Paul is steeped in art and history. Chagall’s final resting place is here. Picasso and Matisse – amongst others – would trade paintings for meals or rooms at the famous Colombe d’Or at the entrance to the village. And even today, artists’ studios are tucked into every cobblestone corner of this perched village. An art lover’s paradise.
Not surprisingly, the spouses were treated to a delicious day, soaked in culture and topped off with fine cuisine. After President Macron and the First Lady had spent the weekend in Monaco on a state visit, it was Brigitte Macron’s turn to welcome Princess Charlene as her guest in Saint-Paul. They lunched – naturally – at the legendary Colombe d’Or restaurant where the views are as fabulous as the food. (It’s one of the most sought-after eateries during the Cannes Film Festival.)
“The day continued with a visit to the Maeght Foundation (pronounced Meg), a top place for modern and contemporary art, where the gardens and artworks offered a moment of contemplation and cultural exchange between guests from all over the world,” said the Monaco Palace.
The group also visited the Folon Chapel Museum (or Chapel of the White Penitents), which features works of art by the late Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon.
The Palace said: “After two days of beautiful friendship on Monégasque soil, Her Majesty Princess Charlène would like to thank very much Madame Brigitte Macron for this meaningful initiative, which managed to combine the beauty of heritage, friendship between countries, and a valuable cultural dialogue between the present nations.”
Royal fans took to social media to praise Princess Charlene for her style, while many locals were taken aback by Brigitte Macron’s casually cool trainers / sneakers (or ‘baskets‘ as they say in French)!
The memorable day out was made possible by a team of discreet yet “sturdy bastions of security” – the Maritime Alps’ Gendarmerie who, in collaboration with local police and French and foreign elite units and bodyguards, managed to be “visible to deter, discreet to protect“; and despite being on high security alert they enabled an ambience of calm and diplomatic friendliness to pervade.
“Tourists and locals, intrigued by the ballet of vehicles and the reinforced presence of uniforms, attended with curiosity and pride this moment both solemn and warm, in an atmosphere worthy of great international encounters,” said the Gendarmerie.
All Photos: Michael Alesi / Princier Palace
