Pernes-Les-Fontaines, Provence, France

Provence Cottage

Pernes-Les-Fontaines

Provence

Pernes-Les-Fontaines, a well-preserved small town standing at the western edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse, is known for its many fountains, in particular for three of its finest ornamental examples; the 18th century Fontaine du Cormoran, the Gran'Font or Fontaine Reboul and the Fontaine du Gigot. This ancient capital of the Comtat Venaissin and former papal State has some magnificent architecture including the 14th and 16th century fortified gates opening onto pleasant lanes and squares. The last vestiges of the wall that protected the Counts of Toulouse is to be seen in the Port Villeneuve with its two crenellated towers. Other fine ancient buildings include the Tour Ferrande which contains the oldest frescos in France (circa 1275), the 16th century Hôtel de Vichet, and the 12th century Tour de l'Horloge with its campanile.

In the same street as 'La Galerie', our cottage in Provence, are the Comtat Venaissin Costume Museum exhibiting regional and traditional costumes, and a wood-fired boulangerie. The weekly village market, held on Saturday mornings along the banks of the River Nesque, is at the end of the street.

There are at least four good restaurants and three boulangeries within easy walking distance of our house in Pernes. The patisseries make delicious sweets including the soleil pernois, a crystallised melon-based cake topped with raspberries and almonds. A musician in the court of Louis XV was born in Pernes and there is a delicacy named after him, the esprit blanchard. Other shopping is excellent and facilities for all commercial activities are available.

From Pernes there are many attractive and historically important villages nearby. ILSE SUR LA SORGUE is well known for its waterwheels and famous for the extensive weekend market including the antique market that attracts buyers from all over France and visitors from overseas. There are also excellent markets in many other villages throughout the Vaucluse. LES BAUX is a city of past glories and sheltered many a warlike feudal prince adventurer. SAINT RÉMY, GORDES and many perched villages such as OPPÈDE LE VIEUX, LACOSTE, MÉNERBES, LOUMARIN, BONNIEUX, SÉGURET, CRESTET and GIGONDAS can be easily reached by car.