Provence, France

Provence Cottage

Pernes-Les-Fontaines

Provence

Our cottage in Provence is central to the valley of the Sorgue river which is the closed valley (from the Latin Vallis Clausa) which gives the départment its name. The source of the river is the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at the base of a sheer cliff face from where massive volumes of water pour forth, particularly at times of flood. The waters from the fountain feed a vast natural irrigation system as branches flow through farmland to the Rhône river near Avignon

The Vaucluse in Provence is one of the smallest départements in France but one of the most prestigious because of the richness of its historical, artistic and cultural heritage.

At VAISON-LA-ROMAINE there are extensive remains of the Roman occupation, including a bridge, theatre, public baths and residences.

At ORANGE there is a well-preserved Roman theatre. AVIGNON, replete with its architectural and artistic treasures from papal days, is now host to one of the great music and theatre festivals of France. CARPENTRAS houses one of the oldest synagogues in France dating from the 15th century when the Jewish population was under papal protection. There are important archeological museums and galleries throughout the département and a large number of cultural festivals, especially through the summer.

Among other treasures to be discovered and enjoyed are: the impressive red ochre cliffs of ROUSSILLON; Roman churches and Gothic cathedrals; Renaissance chateaux and classic residences; fields of sunflower and lavender along the banks of the mighty Rhône river; and the wonderful panorama from the summit of Mont Ventoux.

The Vaucluse is also a land of truffles and melons and the world famous wines from the Rhône valley. There are many wine-tasting circuits. Who has not heard of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

From Pernes, our town in Provence 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.