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©Chillio C.

Vaucluse Tourism

Located in the heart of Provence, the Vaucluse department has a rich natural, cultural and built heritage: church, castle, museum… The marked trails allow visitors to discover the preserved nature: lavender fields, hills covered with garrigue, ocher cliffs, etc. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned sportsperson, everyone here has access to these wild landscapes.

Vaucluse, a choice tourist destination, attracts every year many holidaymakers who come to visit renowned tourist sites. You can discover Avignon and its Palais des Papes, marvel at the Roman Theater of Orange or the archeological remains of Vaison la Romaine, admire the works of art sheltered in the Louise Bourgeois Church in Bonnieux. In Gordes, a village classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France, you can only be fascinated by the houses clinging to the cliff. The Ochre Trail of Roussillon and the Provençal Colorado are, for their part, unique sites in France, just like the abyss of the Fontaine du Vaucluse, which contains the green waters of the Sorgue. Mont Ventoux, which rises high and proud, offers a panoramic view of the whole region.

In the colorful markets, discover the flavors of the region and local products. Olive oil, candied fruits from Apt, Charentais melons of Cavaillon, Carpentras strawberries and Sault nougat are sold on the stalls of merchants with a singsong accent. You can also take advantage of your stay to discover the vineyards of Vaucluse whose vintages are famous: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras…

Avignon

The city of Avignon clings to its history. The city has managed to preserve the many testimonies of the passage of the popes builders and the power of the Christian Church over the West.

Strolling through the medieval alleys, alone or with a guide, you inevitably end up reaching the Palais des Papes. This Gothic building is the largest in the region, it is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France and this is no coincidence. Visitors move among these halls which have hosted 6 conclaves. The architecture of the place is grandiose and magnificent. From the terraces, between two towers decorated with gargoyles, you can enjoy a sublime view of the whole city of Avignon.

The PontSaint-Bénézet became famous in all French-speaking countries thanks to the nursery rhyme “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (On the Bridge of Avignon) which is taught to French children in kindergarten. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont d’Avignon used to be a way to cross the Rhône. Today, even if there are only 4 arches left of the 22 originally built, this architectural treasure has not lost any of its splendor.

Avignon is also a dynamic city that organizes every year the largest festival honoring the theater. The city is transformed into an open-air stage where amateurs can admire the artists performing.

Tourism in Avignon

Orange

Nicknamed the City of Princes, Orange has managed to preserve its heritage. When you arrive, you are greeted by one of the oldest and largest triumphal arches dating from the Gallo-Roman period. This is not the only site to be discovered, many remains are spread throughout the city. The stage wall of the ancient theater is a marvel for the eyes. Dating from the 1st century A.D., it is in an excellent state of preservation. During the Chorégies, the stage welcomes opera artists whose songs fill the place with magic.

As you stroll through the cool alleys, you will come across buildings built during the Middle Ages, small squares, old houses, etc. It’s by accepting to get lost that you can soak up all the sweetness of life that the city of Orange has to offer.

 

Tourism in Orange

Carpentras

At the foot of Mont Ventoux lies Carpentras, a city of art and history. In the heart of this rich agricultural plain, there are countless market gardeners growing strawberries, melons and truffles. The facades of the houses tell the story of 5 centuries of history during which the city was a papal town. The culture of the city is also marked by the presence of the Jews who were, between 1229 and 1791, under the protection of the Popes of Carpentras. By following the pedestrian circuit “Le berlingot,” you will discover the built and cultural heritage of the city. Here, craftsmen still produce Ventoux AOC wines in the traditional way, candied fruits and berlingots, small colored sweets flavored with peppermint.

Tourism in Carpentras

Cavaillon

Have you ever tasted a good Charentais melon ofCavaillon in summer? At the gateway to the Luberon, Cavaillon has a remarkable heritage. At the bend of a flowered small square, you will discover a Roman Arch dating from the 1st century, further on the cathedral and its cloister, and, in the alleyways of the old town, the beautiful bourgeois and old residences. Wherever you go, you will discover little treasures and marvel. If you are brave, you can climb to the top of the Saint-Jacques hill to admire the breathtaking view that embraces the surrounding mountains. From here, Cavaillon and its red roofs stretch out at our feet. We can see Mont Ventoux, but also the Luberon, the Alpilles and the Vaucluse Mountains, a magical landscape.

Tourism in Cavaillon

Apt

On the northern side of the Luberon massif, Apt and its cathedral Sainte-Anne await visitors. The city still has many testimonies of the past: porte de Saignon, crypts containing treasures such as the relics of Sainte-Anne, remains of the fortifications of the Roman city, the former Carmelite convent, etc.

The market of Apt is classified as an exceptional market among 100 markets in France thanks to its Provencal charm and authenticity. On the colorful stalls of the merchants with a singing accent, you can find local products and crafts.

Tourism in Apt

Staying in Vaucluse

Prepare your stay in the Vaucluse by discovering our selection of accommodation: hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts… We also offer ideas for activities and visits throughout the department, to discover an authentic and tourist Provence. You can also contact the Tourist Office of the town, village or destination of your choice for more information.

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