Everything everyone else here says about St. Maxime is true, it's a fabulous place to stay. Huge breakfast, with champagne(!), and very pleasant early evening drinks with the other guests.

However, if arriving into Nice airport be advised that the taxi drivers will charge about 70 euro. There is a sign saying St Paul should be 42-47 euro, with another few euro for bags. You can ignore this, the driver will make up his own price as he won't turn on the meter so it may be advisable to ask the driver for a quote in advance. The 400 bus also heads to St Paul and stops around the bend, it passes St Maxime as it approaches St Paul. You can get this for the princely sum of 1 euro. It's slower, obviously, but worth considering if you can manage your bags without too much trouble.

This was my only grievance with our trip to St Paul, our stay in St Maxime was fantastic from start to finish. We arrived quite early, and breakfast was still going so we were treated to a champagne breakfast despite not even having checked in as our room was not ready. That's the way to treat your guests!

St. Paul may be France's prettiest hilltop town. Villa St. Maxime is an independent and worthy reason to come here. Some years back the charming American owners found an unfinished structure, and completed the Villa as a purpose built B&B, with amazing public spaces inside and out, which perfectly capture views of the town above and the valley below that stretches down to Nice and the Mediterranean. Whimsical art pieces throughout the Villa perfectly fit the happy mood.

We had a Sea View room, which although slightly cozy and simply decorated, had an excellent bed, large tile bathroom and big sliders opening onto a generous balcony that brought great light and views into the room. Given so much room to spread out on the Villa's deck and other public spaces, the simple bedroom was more than adequate.

As a location, St. Paul provides an ideal base for seeing the area. Our excellent day trip to Monte Carlo, Eze and Nice was a breeze, made all the better by knowing we had the comforts of the Villa to return to.

This is not a B&B that expects guests to be up and out in the morning. A cooked breakfast (great baked goods, but don't miss the omelet!!) is available until at least noon, but my sense is that even later risers will be gladly accommodated. Some guests appeared never to leave the premises, preferring to soak in the rays at the swimming pool. Complementary cocktails (including olives and other light munchies) appear around 6 PM and remain available throughout the evening. I think the owners were genuinely disappointed the evening we passed on the G&Ts (we did so only because we were heading to a wedding reception at a nearby gallery).

We fully enjoyed our 3 nights at the Villa, and would definitely stay here again on our next trip to the area.

There was a vague feeling of sadness as we left Villa St Maxime. It is such a relaxing happy place - an oasis of calm from the busy little streets of St Paul or the heavy tourism of Nice or Cannes. The owners are so laid back it transmits to the staff, guests and general ambiance. Lovely breakfasts available to midday (very civilised) and drinks before dinner add to the relaxation. Amazing views and pool - our only petty criticism would be that the toiletries are a bit spartan. For dinner we were impressed by the Tilleul Menthe for setting and food, the little lebanese restaurant just beyond it and the Colombe d'Or for glamour and the chance to gawpe at amazing art. Unimpressed by Le Vieux Moulin. For sights we liked the Matisse chapel at Vence and the scenary north of the Gorge du Loup to Coursegoules..

Villa St Maxime is just outside the walls of St Paul du Vence and an easy stroll up the hill to the city gate. It has a patio that overlooks the entire valley down to Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. The building itself is modern, extremely clean and neat. But the best thing about St Maxime is its hosts
Ann and John. They are the most accomodating, entertaining and helpful people I've ever met in the B and B business. The breakfasts are a wonder....No need to eat the rest of the day. From helping us plan an auto excursion to recommending restaurants and places to see and which to avoid, they were the best.