Your holidays are approaching, and you still don’t know which region to choose in Provence? Then head to
Discover what Vaucluse has in store for you with our article, book accommodation with us, then pack your bags for one of the most charming regions of Provence!
Villages and historical places to visit
Upon arriving in Vaucluse for your holidays, you’ll see that it’s difficult to choose which villages are an absolute must-visit… In addition to the 7 communes classified as « The Most Beautiful Villages of France », discover with us lesser-known, but equally picturesque places:
- Lourmarin: Considered one of the seven « Most Beautiful Villages of France », this village is very lively, even on Sundays! At the foot of the rounded and wild slopes of the Luberon, you won’t want to miss visiting its small shops, art galleries, and restaurants offering traditional cuisine that you absolutely must try.
- Brantes: On the northern slope of Ventoux, a tiny village of 50 people, Brantes, dominates its surroundings with its fortifications and its stairs and terraces where twisted almond trees, junipers, or wild flowers cling. A little-known village that is, however, worth the detour, especially if you decide to go to Mont Ventoux.
- Gordes: Considered by tourists as a postcard-perfect village, Gordes truly deserves its status as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. A landscape of olive trees, almond trees, fig trees, dry stone walls, charming farmhouses… In short, it’s a feast for the eyes!
- Roussillon: Located in the heart of the ochre country, Roussillon is renowned both for its colors and its orange-hued facades sculpted by nature and man. You will also find artisan shops, bistros, and authentic restaurants there.
- Saignon: This village of over 1,000 inhabitants, which once guarded the entrance to the Pays d’Apt, perfectly illustrates the charm of Provence: ochre colors as far as the eye can see, surrounding mountains, and enchanting sunsets. By gaining altitude to observe it, you will see that it is built between two rocks, one bearing the church and the other the remains of the local castle.
Natural trails and impressive landscapes
When the weather is mild and the season allows, Vaucluse is very popular for its hikes and walks; indeed, outdoor excursions are not lacking within the department, and to make your choice easier, here are some starting points for hikes and walks that, we hope, will delight you during your visit to Vaucluse:
- The Luberon: The Luberon is an ideal place for hikes and walks, whether in the Cedar Forest or in the valley; among the most iconic trails are the ochre trail near the village of Roussillon, an extraordinary ochre-tinted landscape, or the vineyard trail, with its breathtaking scenery and winemakers who will certainly want you to taste their products.
- Upper Vaucluse: The possibilities are vast in Upper Vaucluse: you can go hiking, but also horseback riding, or even cycling… It’s up to you to choose what you prefer! On the Via Rhôna, you can take a beautiful ride between the medieval villages of Mondragon, Mornas, and Piolenc, Orange up to Caderousse.
- Near Avignon: The City of Popes is renowned not only for its iconic lake, but also for its abundance of outdoor activities! Several hiking and cycling routes are possible, such as
Île de la Barthelasse , theMourgues Hill , from which the view allows you to see the entire plain of the Abbey. In short, Avignon is ideal if you want to do outdoor activities there! - Around Mont Ventoux: Mont Ventoux is well-known among hikers for its natural beauty and the challenge of reaching its summit. Among the many hikes you can do there, there is the Font Margot discovery trail, a path that will allow everyone, in all seasons, to discover the sculptures and installations that punctuate it. For the more athletic, you can go power walking in the
Dentelles de Montmirail or take the path leading to theold perched castle of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse . In short, to learn more about Mont Ventoux and its hikes, we have an article about it right here !
Gastronomy and local markets of Vaucluse
Vaucluse is also a land of authentic produce and recipes! In addition to the gourmet restaurants you’ll find during your village excursions, know that the region’s markets are renowned and often last until evening, allowing flexibility in your visits and purchases.
Among the most famous, we can mention those of Avignon, Velleron (which is available all week, except Sunday, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM), or Rustrel.
For those with a sweet tooth, know that Carpentras is renowned for its confectionery expertise; head to this village to discover the berlingots from Serge Clavel confectionery and Mont-Ventoux confectionery, they will surely share their « secret » recipes for this Carpentras specialty.
Cultural activities and festivals in Vaucluse
Vaucluse being a very diverse region, a multitude of cultural activities await you to make your stay unforgettable! Here are some original examples from our selection:
- The Orange Theater: What to do in Vaucluse when passing through Orange? Visiting its magnificent ancient theater is an absolute must. This edifice, dating from the 1st century BC, is the best-preserved ancient theater in Europe, and it’s even possible to attend shows and concerts in the stands!
- Sénanque Abbey: Founded in 1148, this abbey is located in the commune of Gordes. It is currently still occupied by Cistercian monks, who cultivate lavandin, olive trees, and keep beehives on their land.
- The Vineyards of Vaucluse: Wine lovers will be delighted with visits to the Vaucluse vineyards and wine tastings that take place throughout the year.
To learn more about the region’s cultural activities, read our articles on those offered in Provence.
Tips for organizing your visit
If you plan to visit Vaucluse and fully enjoy your stay, here are some practical tips that might be useful before your arrival:
- Book your accommodation and activities in advance: some places remain very popular in Vaucluse, regardless of the season. Therefore, it is advisable to book your accommodation a few weeks, or even months, in advance to have a choice and more affordable prices.
- Dress and equip yourself accordingly: Everything depends on the season, but summer is rather hot, while winter can be dry and biting. Therefore, inquire about the climate and weather before deciding when to visit Vaucluse.
Head south and visit Vaucluse!
As you will have understood, Vaucluse is a magnificent region that you can discover, again and again, at any time of the year. Moreover, whatever your budget and desired level of comfort, you will find the accommodation that suits you best in Vaucluse: it’s up to you to decide if you prefer to stay in the city or in the countryside to enjoy the calm and nature.
In both cases, we offer the solution you need! Visit our website and compare accommodations to find the one that suits you for optimal holidays in Vaucluse!