Blauvac is a commune in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, 13 km east of Carpentras.
Vast at almost 21 km², its territory ranges from 224 to 831 m above sea level. Comprising a town and several hamlets, the village of Blauvac is perched on a hill from which you can see the plain to the west, the Vaucluse mountains to the east and south and Mont Ventoux to the north. This 360-degree panorama is one of the primary riches of the town.
The second is its preserved and green environment, the locality being covered with forests (51% of its area), crops and agricultural areas (40%).
Already inhabited by man during prehistory, Blauvac really developed in the Middle Ages. A priory dedicated to Sainte-Estève and a first parish church were established after the year 1000, first depending on the abbey of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon before a feudal castle built in the 12th century belonged to the bishop of Carpentras. Meanwhile, the chapel of Notre-Dame des Neiges was built on the foundations of an old oppidum.
In the 16th century, the seigniory passed into the hands of lay people and the castle was modernized in 1675.
The economy long dedicated to pastoralism experienced a turning point in the first part of the 20th century when a union of wine growers was created. Viticulture remains a major part of the economy today, with the production of Ventoux appellation wines. The other activity is tourism: with nearly 540 inhabitants, Blauvac welcomes a number of holidaymakers in season who appreciate its climate and its exceptional landscapes...
The village of Blauvac as such looks like a postcard, a masterpiece of heritage set on the edge of a cliff… The old feudal castle, remodeled and restored, dominates the whole. Its appearance is now typical of Provençal bastides with inner courtyards and round towers (which date back to the 13th century). The property is private and not open to the public.
The old dwellings and the parish church of Saint-Sébastien complete the picture, on the lower level.
The church dates from the 12th century and has retained its Roman foundations, with a narrow nave of three arched vaulted bays. Note its side chapels and the pentagonal apse. In addition to its bell tower with three bays (one of which, the upper one, is empty), its facade is not lacking in character, adjoining on one side with a dwelling but still having its semicircular portal surmounted by a pointed arched bay.
At the exit of the village, on the road to Malemort-du-Comtat, note that an orientation table allows you to find your way around an unrivaled panorama, including Mont Ventoux in particular.
In the hamlets, towards Villes-sur-Auzon, a detour is a must to observe the Notre-Dames des Neiges chapel. It bears this name since snowfall occurred in the middle of August. Originally, its name was Notre-Dame-de-Blaise. With an elongated plan with a flat chevet, its facade has a wall integrating a small bell tower with a bell. The entrance gate is arched and two rectangular bays occupy its upper part. Of Romanesque origin, it succeeded a first place of worship itself located on the site of an ancient oppidum. Excavations were carried out on the site as early as the 18th century, which brought to light pottery and elements of funerary monuments which then delighted the wealthy collectors of the region...
Also worth seeing is the small Saint-Estève chapel (13th century) and, literally at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours abbey, occupied since 1991 by nuns (the monastery with medieval foundations has been completely restored). Quality contemporary art exhibitions are regularly hosted at the abbey, which also includes a shop (sale of handicrafts). Information on +33 4 90 61 79 35 or +33 4 90 61 79 37.
On a cultural level, the pottery workshop of the Seven Trees program exhibitions and initiation workshops for all audiences. Information on +33 6 12 16 60 15.
The town is finally renowned for its potential in terms of hiking (pedestrian or two-wheeled). We do not count the small roads or paths along the vines and crossing the wooded areas towards the plain and the Rhône valley or heading either towards Mont Ventoux, or towards the plateau and the Vaucluse mountains... In summer, provide something to cool off. It is also necessary to respect the places: the communal perimeter is included in the Ventoux biosphere reserve, a label awarded by UNESCO. Maps and information on +33 4 90 61 81 41 or +33 4 90 63 00 78.
Along the way, breaks with visits to the cellars and tasting can be envisaged at winegrowers (information from +33 4 90 65 95 72). The opportunity also, but in winter, to observe the professional or non-professional truffle growers "harvesting" their black gold at the foot of the oaks...
The first weekend of August, classical music festival in the parish church.
Saturday evening in July and August, local market (cheese, fruit, wine, etc.).
