Book Review: An Insider’s Guide to Vence by Steve Wilkison

An Insider’s Guide to Vence by Steve Wilkison is a travel book that explores Vence in southern France in depth. For travellers seeking local tips and experiences beyond standard tourist spots, the guide offers insights into Vence’s culture, history, and lesser-known treasures. We found the book informative, as Wilkison conveys the place’s spirit with enthusiasm. Please continue reading for our book review below.

About the Author

Steve Wilkison is a writer, photographer, and web designer living in Vence, France, with his wife, Carole, and their dog, Myla. Originally from Southern California, he fell in love with France at 18 while backpacking through Europe. He discovered Vence in 2007 while cycling and moved there 12 years later.

Photo credit ©Steve Wilkison

He loves exploring France, especially Vence, the Alpes-Maritimes, and the Côte d’Azur, by car, bike, or on foot. On any given day, you might find him exploring a medieval village perched in the southern Alps, cycling along the Mediterranean coast, or hiking in the Mercantour National Park. Steve writes about his adventures and discoveries on his website, Steve and Carole in Vence, and you can read his Perfectly Provence articles here.

Book Review

An Insider’s Guide to Vence is a 200+ page guide with details to help you plan your visit to this ancient townsite. Steve Wilkison wrote this reference book to cover essentials such as Where to Stay, What to Eat, and What to See.

Photo credit ©Steve Wilkison

However, the book goes beyond that, offering historical context that shaped the town as it exists today. Beyond the practical – eat, sleep, shop – An Insider’s Guide to Vence includes itineraries that bring the town to life. Follow the 90-minute walking tour of the old town, “Inside the Walls,” or take a closer look at the cathedral, which, though small, played an outsized role in history and religion.

Photo credit ©Steve Wilkison

What to Do & More includes the walking tours above, plus other activities (driving, biking, and hiking) in the Alpes-Maritimes. The book is well structured, with themed chapters and itineraries suited to varied interests and timeframes. An Insider’s Guide to Vence is useful for those seeking to experience the town authentically, and it serves its intended audience of cultural enthusiasts well. Unlike many travel guides that skim the surface, this book explores the town’s history and character in greater depth.

Photo credit ©Steve Wilkison

Steve Wilkison brings a knowledgeable perspective, having spent considerable time exploring Vence. His expertise shows in his engaging, descriptive writing. Wilkison paints vivid pictures with words, making readers feel as though they are walking the cobblestone streets. His personal anecdotes and interactions with locals enrich the narrative, grounding it in real experiences.

Photo credit ©Steve Wilkison

Who Should Buy this Book?

Overall, An Insider’s Guide to Vence is an excellent resource for first-time visitors or returning travellers eager to discover the heart of this charming town. Steve Wilkison’s personal touch and detailed narrative make it a strong choice for travellers seeking more than a sightseeing tour. We highly recommend this book to cultural travellers and Francophiles who want a deeper understanding and appreciation of Vence.

Buy the Vence Guide

Exploring the Alpes-Maritimes

If you arrived in Nice by air, car, train or other means, welcome to the French Riviera otherwise known as the Alpes-Maritimes. Nice’s setting is nothing short of spectacular. This city, with the Mediterranean lapping at its edge and the Southern Alps as a backdrop, is France’s 5th largest metropolis. Whether you are a beach fan, an art lover, or a market enthusiast, Nice has something for everyone. Here are 10 things to do while you are in Nice.

There is much to see beyond Nice too and Steve Wilkison’s 10 Magnificent Perched Villages You Must See When Visiting the Côte d’Azur offers an in-depth look at lesser-known, authentically preserved French villages, combining rarely seen photographs, local stories, and hands-on travel advice. Perfect for those seeking to uncover the region’s hidden gems beyond typical tourist stops, this book stands out for its comprehensive treatment and practical relevance for adventurous travellers and culture seekers alike. Readers interested in French culture and architecture should add this book to their packing list for the Alpes-Maritimes.

Rosé all day: wine tour with sommelier-guide and 3 winery visits in Provence

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).