In 1538 the King of France and his court stayed at the château de Villeneuve, in the village which has become Villeneuve-Loubet; this was at the invitation of Pope Paul III, to sign the Truce of Nice, with the Emperor Charles V.
It is perhaps doubtful if he came to Vence to plant a tree! But does it matter? It is a pretty story, born in the shade of the tree, on our land, and is part of our heritage, so let us keep it.
Opposite the ash-tree is the esplanade Fernand Moutet, offering a panorama over the valley of the Lubiane, the Baous and the Rosary Chapel.
A fountain by the sculptor Arman will soon be installed on this esplanade. 
- 02. Le Frêne
Le Roi de France et sa cour ont bien séjourné en 1538 au château de Villeneuve, village devenu depuis Villeneuve-Loubet, sur l’invitation du Pape Paul III, afin de signer avec l’Empereur Charles Quint, la trêve de Nice. On peut cependant douter qu’à cette occasion, il soit venu à Vence planter un arbre ! Mais qu’importe. […]
