Bédarrides: the village of seven rivers in Provence
In the Vaucluse, about a dozen kilometres from Avignon, Orange and Carpentras, Bédarrides is a Provençal town of around 5,700 inhabitants. It is nicknamed “the town of seven rivers”. A neighbour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it makes a good base for exploring the area.
Holiday rentals direct from owners in Bédarrides
The town of seven rivers
Seven watercourses cross or border the commune: the Ouvèze, the Seille, the Sorgue d’Entraigues, the Sorgue de Velleron, the Vallat-Miant, the Réal and the Auzon. They enrich the farmland but also cause floods: in 1992, the Ouvèze and the Sorgues flooded the village.
A little history
The name Bédarrides is said to come from two towers built by the Romans after their victory over the Allobroges in 120 BC. In the Middle Ages, the town belonged to the Bishop of Avignon, then to the Comtat Venaissin, a papal territory. In 1791, it was in Bédarrides that the assembly met which voted to join Avignon and the Comtat to France.
What to see in Bédarrides?
- The bridge over the Ouvèze: swept away by floods in 1620 and 1622, it was rebuilt in stone in the 17th century.
- Saint-Étienne church, built in the late 17th century and listed as a historic monument.
- The old village and its lanes.
- The riverbanks, for a cool walk in summer.
Wine and local produce
Bédarrides borders Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the most famous vineyards of the Rhône valley. Several nearby estates offer tastings, by appointment or in season. Provençal markets sell fruit, vegetables, olive oil and herbs.
What to do nearby?
- Avignon, its Palais des Papes and its festival in July.
- Orange and its Roman theatre.
- Carpentras and its market.
- Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the source of the Sorgue.
Practical information
- By train: Bédarrides station, opened in 1854, is served by regional TER trains on the Avignon–Orange line.
- By car: the village is close to the A7 motorway.
- Floods: during heavy rain, check the alerts before walking along the rivers.
Frequently asked questions
Why “seven rivers”?
Because seven watercourses cross or border the commune, including the Ouvèze and the Sorgues.
Is Bédarrides close to Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Yes, the two communes are neighbours.
How to get there without a car?
By train: Bédarrides station is on the line between Avignon and Orange.
