Vaucluse

Vaucluse, located in south-eastern France France in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azurtakes its name from the Fontaine de Vaucluse. The Fontaine de Vaucluse is recognized as one of the world's most impressive karst springs.

This département invites you to explore its many facets, from its rich historical heritage to its breathtaking natural landscapes, not forgetting its traditional gastronomy and local crafts. Whether you're a culture buff, a nature lover, a sports enthusiast or in search of relaxation, the Vaucluse promises exceptional discoveries. In this article, we offer you an overview of what awaits you in this multifaceted region, to inspire you for your next getaway.

Vaucluse must-sees: a jewel box of heritage and nature

The Vaucluse, with its wealth of remarkable sites, is a living testimony to its history, culture and diversity. Here's a selection of must-see sites to discover during your visit to this département.

Avignon, the historic heart

Avignon, a city of art and history, was once the residence of the popes in the 14th century. The famous Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic building in the world, and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d'Avignon, are not to be missed. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets, where old houses, museums and monuments will transport you to another era.

The Festival d'Avignon, a not-to-be-missed cultural event held every year in July, offers a diversity of shows ranging from theater to music, dance and circus.

Mont Ventoux, the giant of Provence

Mont Ventoux, Provence's emblematic mountain rising to 1,909 meters, offers spectacular views of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Luberon and the Dentelles de Montmirail. This Provencal giant is also famous for being a sporting challenge, best known to Tour de France cyclists. Discover its diverse flora and fauna and visit picturesque villages such as Sault, Malaucène and Bédoin.

The Luberon, a postcard landscape

The Luberon, known for its postcard-perfect landscapes, stretches between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse regions. This mountainous massif has been classified as a regional nature park since 1977, and offers magnificent natural sites to discover: the ochres of Roussillon, the cedar forest, the Aiguebrun gorges, the Vaucluse fountain. Its hilltop villages, such as Gordes, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Bonnieux and Lacoste, are jewels of authenticity, where you can immerse yourself in the Provencal atmosphere and appreciate their architecture and heritage.

Gastronomy and crafts: a wealth of Vaucluse flavours and expertise

Discover the Vaucluse, a department synonymous with gourmet delights, where local produce, exceptional wines and unique crafts are on offer. Immerse yourself in this rich experience and savor every moment of your culinary and artistic exploration.

Provence's markets: an explosion of colors and flavors

No trip to Provence is complete without a visit to its colorful markets. These are the perfect places to immerse yourself in local culture and discover fresh, seasonal produce: juicy fruit and vegetables, creamy cheeses, tasty charcuterie, fragrant olives, and a host of other delights such as homemade jams, honey, nougat and berlingots. Don't forget to try emblematic dishes such as soupe au pistou, ratatouille, daube provençale and tarte tropézienne.

These markets are also a unique opportunity to meet local producers and artisans who will share their passion and expertise with you.

The wine route: discovering AOC wines

With its many appellations d'origine contrôlée, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Ventoux and Luberon, Vaucluse is a must-see destination for wine lovers. The Wine Route invites you to explore estates, cellars and châteaux, where you can taste wines that reflect the richness and diversity of each terroir. Workshops, activities and events dedicated to wine also await you, offering moments of learning and celebration around this age-old beverage.

Local crafts: between tradition and modernity

The Vaucluse region shines with craftsmanship that skilfully combines tradition and innovation. Discover age-old crafts such as pottery, ceramics and basketry, as well as jewelry, leather goods and chocolate. Take part in workshops to learn age-old techniques and create your own works. Admiring the work of artisans in boutiques, galleries or museums will enrich your stay, with dedicated venues such as the Glass and Stained Glass Museum, the Lavender Museum and the Nougat Museum.

Activities and leisure: for a complete immersion in Vaucluse

The Vaucluse is the perfect destination for activity and leisure enthusiasts looking for an escape between nature, culture and well-being. Discover a selection of activities to enrich your getaway in this exceptional region.

Outdoor activities: hiking, cycling and climbing

With a multitude of outdoor activities to suit all levels and preferences, the Vaucluse invites you to explore. Take to the many hiking trails, on foot, by bike or on horseback, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Luberon, Ventoux, Dentelles de Montmirail and Gorges de la Nesque.

Try your hand at climbing or perfect your skills on the famous cliffs of Buoux, Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux or Venasque. For an extraordinary experience, try your hand at paragliding, microlighting or hot-air ballooning, and admire the beauty of the Vaucluse from the air.

Festivals and cultural events: the festive soul of Vaucluse

The Vaucluse region is alive with festivals and cultural events all year round. Immerse yourself in the world of theater, dance, music and circus at renowned festivals such as Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Lacoste and Grignan. You can also take part in events celebrating the region's heritage, gastronomy and nature, such as Heritage Days, the Truffle Festival, the Lavender Festival and the Cherry Festival.

Relaxation and well-being: spas and relaxation in the heart of Provence

In Vaucluse, relaxation and well-being take on a whole new meaning. Let yourself be pampered and relax in one of the renowned pools, spas or spa centers, such as the Ventoux Provence spa, the Coquillade spa or the Domaine de la Baume spa. Enjoy massages and body or facial treatments, using natural, local products such as olive oil, honey, lavender or aromatic plants.

Conclusion

Vaucluse awaits you with a host of pleasant surprisesWhatever your interests: culture, nature, gastronomy or well-being. This département boasts a remarkable historical and natural heritage, a wide range of delicious local produce, and a wide range of activities and leisure pursuits to suit all ages and preferences. Enjoy moments of relaxation and revitalization in the heart of Provence. Don't delay, plan your trip to the Vaucluse and come and explore this magnificent region.

FAQ

What are the main towns in Vaucluse?

Vaucluse's main towns include Avignon, Carpentras, Orange and Cavaillon, all of which are characterized by high population density according to the 2021 census. They are also distinguished by their membership of various agglomeration and commune communities, such as the Communauté d'Agglomération du Grand Avignon, the Communauté d'Agglomération Ventoux-Comtat Venaissin and the Communauté de Communes du Sud Luberon.

Where to go for a walk in the Vaucluse?

Vaucluse offers a multitude of walking opportunities to suit all tastes. Mont Ventoux is one of the region's giants, offering an unforgettable visual spectacle and exhilarating routes for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. The area boasts remarkable biodiversity, recognized by its status as a biosphere reserve. The Luberon's hilltop villages, with their picturesque lanes, castles, churches and lavender and ochre-colored landscapes, embody the essence of Provencal heritage.

Which departments border Vaucluse?

Vaucluse shares its borders with several départements: Gard, Ardèche, Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Var and Bouches-du-Rhône. The canton of Valréas, landlocked in the Drôme, is a geographical curiosity, as it is not contiguous with the rest of the Vaucluse département.

Where's the best place to live in the Vaucluse?

According to the Journal du Dimanche rankings, the towns of Avignon, Carpentras, Cavaillon, Le Pontet and Orange top the list of places with the best quality of life in Vaucluse. These towns excelled in various criteria such as living environment, safety, access to healthcare, transport infrastructure, educational offerings, sports and leisure activities, social cohesion and the attractiveness of their real estate market.