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Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Vaucluse
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Set in a steep valley, this charming town in the south of France boasts an incredible natural site: the Fountain of Vaucluse, nestled at the foot of a 230-metre-high cliff. This deep and mysterious chasm is where the River Sorgue has its source. This exsurgence, which has one of the highest flow rates in the world, is accessible via a path along the river. Once you arrive at the edge of this emblematic spot in Provence, you cannot fail to be charmed by the emerald green colour of its waters, and surprised by the power of its flow, especially in periods of flooding!

But Fontaine-de-Vaucluse also includes an old village where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll in the shade of the trees. Some trades of bygone days are kept alive there today, for instance a paper mill which makes paper as it did in the 15th century and operates with a water wheel. There is also the Cristallerie de la Fontaine, a studio and shop where you can watch glass being spun. So as you walk the streets, don't hesitate to step into the local craft shops for a look at what's being made in the region. You can also visit the Santon Museum and its impressive collection of traditional nativity figurines, equally enjoyable for children and grown-ups.

When it comes to history and heritage, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse has an 11th-century Romanesque church and a medieval castle perched on a rocky peak whose ruins overlook the village.

Additional information
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

An enchanting ... Fontaine-de-Vaucluse continues to intrigue and attract visitors. Since ancient times, attendance of the place is very important. Recent archaeological discoveries (2002 DRASSM-SSFV) attest to a worship of this source throughout antiquity. At the end of a narrow gorge and green at the foot of a high cliff carved by erosion, springs one of the most beautiful rivers in the department: the Sorgue, a few hundred meters from the picturesque village which has the Valley its name. The waters bound to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse come from the infiltration of rainwater and melting snow in the south of Mount Ventoux, the Monts de Vaucluse, the Lure mountain, gorges of the Nesque representing a "catchment" of 1240 km ² whose sole outcome is the Fountain. In all seasons, secondary sources feed the Sorgue, which forms a beautiful lake shaded by ancient plane trees. The intense beauty of this natural site attracts many visitors.

Things to see and do

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres

Events and festivities

In July and August, the Intercommunal Tourist Office offers guided tours of the village, and historical re-enactments of the Roman imperial court. Be aware that the site was frequented from ancient times ...

Photos

Sorgue
Sorgue
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Sorgue
Sorgue
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The village center
The village center
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The fountain of the Town Hall
The fountain of the Town Hall
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The gulf
The gulf
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Wheel
Wheel
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Sorgue
Sorgue
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Castle
Castle
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Cliffs
Cliffs
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The Fontaine de Vaucluse chasm
The Fontaine de Vaucluse chasm
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Sorgue
Sorgue
See photo
Sorgue
Sorgue
See photo
Sorgue
Sorgue
See photo
Sorgue
Sorgue
See photo
The gulf
The gulf
See photo
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
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Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
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Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
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Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
See photo
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
See photo
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (© Frantz)
See photo

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

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