The 13 essential things to do in the Vaucluse

Your stay in Provence is approaching. Discover the must-see sites to visit in the Vaucluse!

You won't be bored for a second in the Vaucluse! Between visiting historical monuments, picturesque villages, Roman vestiges, magnificent and varied landscapes, vineyards, sporting activities, you will be filled. We have prepared a selection of the most beautiful sites to visit in the Vaucluse!

1. Le Mont Ventoux

A must-see place when you visit the Vaucluse, Mont Ventoux is a majestic summit that peaks at 1,910 metres above sea level. Its limestone and peeled peak is tormented by the wind and especially the Mistral, sometimes reaching speed records.

But climbing the road to the observatory (D974) allows, once arrived at the terminus, to admire the breathtaking view of the entire valley. It is also very popular with cyclists, the climb of the Col being a challenge and a legendary climb, as stage of the Tour de France. But you can also climb it on foot and enjoy it to discover the fauna, the local flora and the biosphere reserve.

2. The Ancient Theatre of Orange

What to do in the Vaucluse when you go through Orange? Visiting its magnificent antique theater is absolutely essential. An imposing monument, listed in UNESCO World Heritage. This building dating from the I° century BC is the best preserved antique theatre in Europe. Joy of the city, it is a magnificent legacy of Imperial Rome. Its imposing scene wall is particularly well preserved.

It is possible to attend the bleachers on the hillside to beautiful shows and concerts, especially during the “Cheregies”. A visit to this exceptional monument is to be done with in addition the Museum of Art and History which is right in front.

3. Avignon

Avignon is one of the must-sees in the Vaucluse. Discover the heritage and jewels of the city! There are many sites to see, among them:

Palace of the Popes

Beautiful Gothic palace of the 14th century, former fortress and palace of the popes, one of the most visited French monuments.

Pont d’Avignon or Pont Saint-Bénézet

The famous Avignon bridge known through the song. Ranked at Unesco World Heritage, it was partially destroyed, and on the 22 initial arches there are no more than 4.

Notre-Dame-des Doms Cathedral

Historical monument that dates from the 12th, 14th and 17th century, it is near the Palace of the Popes. One can contemplate the beautiful façade and its bell tower, surmounted by a golden virgin.

Museum of the Petit Palais

It is classified at UNESCO World Heritage and allows to admire very beautiful Italian paintings.

Festival d’Avignon

Worldly known annual festival, created in 1947. It is a cultural event not to be missed in Avignon.

4. Colorado Provençal

Explore Colorado Provençal is an outdoor activity to do in the Vaucluse. The landscapes and colours of the site will not leave you indifferent. Located on the commune of Rustrel, this Historical Monument is an ancient ochre career. There are vestiges of its operation, such as the old pipes or carnets.

The circuits offer access to the most beautiful views, discover geology, fairy chimneys, and warm colours typical of the site. The Sahara circuit is quite easy and ensures a magnificent change. As for the Belvedere circuit, it is a little more difficult, but essential for the panorama and the dominant views.

5. The most beautiful villages in the Luberon and their castles

Le Luberon is a very touristic region, riding on two departments, the Vaucluse and the Alpes de Haute-Provence. Some villages are real gems, sometimes embellished by a castle. This is the case of Lourmarin, pretty village of France , with a beautiful Renaissance castle.

In addition, in the cemetery rest Albert Camus and Henri Bosco. It is a typical village of Provence, decorated with a medieval architecture castle and renaissance. You can enjoy it to visit the Abbey of Senanque, on the commune of Gordes .

In Ansouis we still have a beautiful village. Its castle with a dungeon and French gardens dominates the valley. Other villages deserve the detour like La-Tour-d’Aigues, Lacoste, Mergers Lauris...

6. Lavender fields

Lavender fields are emblematic of the southeast of France and Provence. In general from mid-June to early August (may vary slightly depending on the weather) lavenders are in bloom. A colorful and fragrant itinerary, in the footsteps of this plant, is to be made in the Vaucluse. You can create beautiful clichés and let yourself be charmed by its particular fragrance.

Among the sites where you can see it, there is the Abbey of Senanque in Gordes, where the Cistercian monks cultivate it. You can also admire the flowering fields in Sault, near the plateau of Albion. In fact, every year as of August 15, we can attend the Lavender Festival. And to deepen this visit, a stop at the Lavender Museum of Coustellet. Not to mention visiting the vauclusian distilleries open to the public.

7. The Abbey of Senanque

The Abbey of Senanque, founded in 1148, is located on the commune of Gordes. It is currently still occupied by Cistercian monks, who cultivate lavender, olive trees and hives on their lands. This agricultural activity, as well as visits, the small shop and the monastic hotel industry, provide them with income that helps them maintain and restore the building.

It is possible to visit a part of the Romanesque style abbey, including the cloister or former dormitory. If you need to cut off from everyday life and make a spiritual retreat, it is an experience to do in the Vaucluse. Indeed, it is possible to stay for up to 8 days at the Abbey of Senanque.

8. The Nesque Gorges

Would you like to visit the Vaucluse and discover its most beautiful landscapes? So get in the Nesque Gorges! A picturesque road, which winds in the canyon, between Monieux and Villes-sur-Auzon. Make a stop to see the view in the view of Castellaras.

Then, if you like walking, follow the path that leads to the Romanesque chapel of the 12th century, Saint-Michel-de-Anesca (accessible only on foot). Archaeological enthusiasts will explore the shelters in the footsteps of Neandertal’s man. It is possible to make a loop by the Nesque Gorges, then Méthamis, for a nice ride by car or even by bike.

9. Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison-la-Romaine is a city that must be visited in the Vaucluse. A true gem of the region, it allows to discover Roman vestiges of all beauty. History, architecture and archaeology enthusiasts can contemplate an ancient city, medieval city and more modern city.

It is renowned for its archaeological remains of Puymin and Villasse sites. Not to mention his Roman bridge to arche. In the old medieval city and city, you can admire other monuments such as the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Nazareth, as well as the cloister and chapel.

The Haute City, dominated by the castle of the 12th / 17th century, offers a magnificent panoramic view. To deepen the historical part of the city, there is the Archaeological Museum Theo Desplans. Built on the banks of the Ouveze, Vaison-la-Romaine is also at the foot of two natural beauties of the region, Mont Ventoux and the Lace of Montmirail.

Other Roman vestiges in the Vaucluse

Also to be discovered: the arc of triumph, the Roman bridge of Bonnieux, the Roman garden and the basin of Caumont-sur-Durance.

10. The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon

The Luberon Regional Natural Park is a protected site, spread over 185,000 hectares, on horseback on two departments, the Vaucluse and the Alpes de Haute-Provence. There are many animal species and the site is also interesting for geology and plants.

Moreover, it is classified as a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. The highest peak is the Mourre Nègre, at an altitude of 1,125 metres. Hiking enthusiasts will have what to do in the Vaucluse and especially in the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon. Several trails allow you to reach the famous summit and admire the 360° panorama. The cyclists will be able to follow the tourist route "Around the Luberon by bike".

It is also possible to ride on horseback, on the back of a donkey, nautical activities, as well as guided tours of picturesque villages.

11. The village of Bories

The village of Bories Gordes , is a Historic Monument, gem of the region, to visit in the Vaucluse, without hesitation. It is a set of bories, which are also known as “shells”, stone constructions, typical of the region.

This village or hamlet, located in the heart of the Luberon, is part of the local heritage. The constructions dating for most of the 17th and 18th centuries served as temporary housing for seasonal workers. They were built with local limestones and assembled without mortar.

Also, their structure and distribution vary according to their function. We can see the workers' houses, the shepherdies, bread ovens, enclosures, walls...

12. Lace of Montmirail

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to venture into the Montmirail Lace massif. If you are athletic, top-class sites are to be done in the Vaucluse and in this massif, especially for climbing, hiking and mountain biking.

Indeed, the Dentelles de Montmirail offer a magnificent view, as well as beautiful steep walls. It was the erosion that carved the landscape and the mountains. Their Latin name "Mons Mirabilis" means "mirable mountain" and it is true that the site is of all beauty. The highest peak is the Saint-Amand Ridge (730 meters).

At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the valley allows you to discover Mediterranean vegetation, as well as prestigious vineyards.

13. The vineyards of the Vaucluse

The Vaucluse is a department in the south of France, enjoying sunshine and a climate conducive to vineyards. The amateurs will be combined with the visit of the Valais vineyards and wine tasting. Indeed, this vineyard has several Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC): the Côtes du Luberon, the Ventoux and the Rhone.

But above all the world-famous vintages, such as Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Vacqueyras. Viticulture is very important in the Vaucluse, one of the main agricultural activities. It is possible to make a journey with the fields open to the visit for tasting and to buy good wines.

How do I go to the Vaucluse?

Would you like to visit the Vaucluse and its most beautiful sites? Nothing simpler, the department is very easy to access:

• By plane: the nearest airport and offering the most destinations is Marseille-Provence Airport. The Compare Skyscanner will help you find the best rates according to your travel dates;
• By train: Several direct TGV lines serve Avignon train station and it is possible to get down to one of the SNCF stations in the main cities;
• The buses: several lines link between the main cities of Valencia;
• Car: Marseille is about an hour's drive and Lyon two hours. If you do not have a vehicle it is also possible to rent one.

Where to stay in the Vaucluse?

Whatever your budget and the type of comfort you want, you will find in the Vaucluse the accommodation that suits you best. It is up to you to see if you prefer to stay in the city, to enjoy the living atmosphere of the south and be close to the amenities.

Or if you prefer the quiet of the countryside and be close to large spaces for outdoor activities. Choose from hotel, accommodation Airbnb, camping, hostel, residences & holiday villages... A hotel comparison will help you the best accommodation tailored to your needs and budget.