Three Must See Villages in Vaucluse Provence
Discover Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, and Roussillon
Apr 24, 2009
While Provence boasts many big cities like Avignon, Nimes, and Arles, there is something to be said for the magic of the region's smaller villages. Slightly more untouched and off the beaten path, visitors will be charmed by the peaceful pace of places like Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, and Roussillon.
Peaceful Fontaine de Vaucluse
Easily reached by bus, train, or car, visitors will find tranquility in the calm, forested environment of Fontaine. Drivers can park in a lot for approximately 3 EUR/ 4 USD. Settled amongst the mountains, La Sorgue river cutting through its center, Fontaine makes an attractive place for hiking, caving tours, climbing, canoeing and fishing.
From the central roundabout with La Colonne (column), the Chemin de la Fontaine leads visitors along the soothing Sorgue river up to its mysterious source. As a result of the unique geographical features of the area, no one has been able to uncover the source of the Sorgue.
Other sights in Fontaine include Le Château des Évêques de Cavaillon, a castle built by monks on a hill before the year 1000 and L'Église Saint Veran, an 11th century church built in the place of a 6th century pagan temple dedicated to the Sorgue's source.
Medieval Gordes
A picturesque, medieval town that spills over its hillsides, Gordes' beauty and location has made it an ideal holiday home spot for the wealthy. Exploring its steep cobblestone streets is a treat and the countryside views are extraordinary. The Château of Gordes sits at the top of the hill and contains art exhibitions as well as the tourist office.
From the center of Gordes, visitors can hike to the Abbaye de Sénanque which lies nestled in rows of lavendar and a forested valley, while seeing the surrounding provençal countryside. For detailed directions, hikers should consult Frommer's 2008 guide book, Provence and the Riviera Day by Day, by Anna Brooke.
Near Gordes, visitors should follow signs to Le Village des Bories. This preserved site allows tourists to wander through the ancient, rural stone homes called bories. Made without mortar, these "Gallic huts" were in use until the 19th century. Visitors must pay a fee for admission to the village.
Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon
A trip to Roussillon is best saved for a clear, late afternoon, when the light showcases the village's unique ochre cliffs. The buildings of Roussillon take on the same reddish orange hue as the soil that surrounds it. There is a parking lot near the entrance to the cliff site.
Visitors are charged a small fee for admission to the cliffs and can choose short trail (30 mins) or a longer trail (45 mins) to admire the unusual red, orange, and yellow colored landscape and coniferous vegetation that thrives on the particular soil not normally found in Provence.
These three unique villages can be seen in one day depending on transportation and time, or at a more leisurely pace. Their refreshingly slow pace reminds vacationers to relax and enjoy the food, views, and people one will encounter in a new place.
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