Commune in the center of Vaucluse, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Mazan takes place about thirty kilometers from Avignon and its famous bridge. It is located just a few kilometers from Carpentras, within the former Comtat Venaissin and in the middle of 2800 hectares of agricultural and wine-growing land.
Inhabited since the Neolithic period, the territory of Mazan was known for its wine-growing activity from the Gallo-Roman era. The town is mentioned for the first time in the middle of the 9th century on a map of the first king of Provence, Charles, son of Emperor Lothaire. After the construction of a surrounding wall in the middle of the 14th century, it suffered looting, destruction of the castle and plague epidemics between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Today, the town continues to attract visitors with the quality of its AOC Côtes-du-Ventoux wine, a cooperative cellar and eight private cellars, as well as the production of fruit and vegetables such as asparagus, strawberries, cherries, melons, apricots, peaches and of course table grapes that you can buy directly from producers or on the Saturday morning market. You will be seduced by the charm of its architectural and natural heritage.
Strolling through the historic center of Mazan, you will be able to appreciate the gates of the 12th and 14th century ramparts, or the very beautiful Notre-Dame de Pareloup chapel which dates from the same period and which has undergone many transformations over the years. centuries. It presents in particular works by Jacques Bernus, a sculptor from Mazan, as well as parts of the 11th century. Inside, it is possible to admire the vaults of the co-lords of Mazan, a Christ in larch, as well as a plaster statue of Our Lady of Pareloup controlling a wolf at her feet.
Inaugurated in 2018, the dry stone trail stretches from the localities of Montagards and Lauzière, to the entrance to Mazan on the road to Blauvac. In the past, it was by this path that blocks of molasse stone were lowered before probably being used for the manufacture of early Christian sarcophagi and various other facilities abandoned in the course of the 19th century. Two loops of 6.5 and 2.5 km are thus proposed to discover this path rich in history.
Located within the municipal cemetery, the Merovingian sarcophagi of Mazan date from the 5th and 6th centuries. In massive limestone, they are decorated with sober sculptures and today represent the first witnesses of the Christianization of the city. They are sixty-six in number.
Several other vestiges of the medieval past of the city are still visible today, like the facade of the castle of Astaud-Causans integrated into the ramparts, or the door of Mormoiron, a double door with drawbridge.
Became a retirement home in the early 1920s, the Château de Sade reveals typical 18th century architecture. You can still admire a tower of the old castle.
The Hôtel de Valette, Grand'rue, has a very beautiful 17th century facade. Its door and the statue that overlooks it are now listed as Historic Monuments. Also from the 17th century, the Chapel of the White Penitents has on its ceiling a painting retracing the life of the Virgin and executed by Salomon of the Avignon school at the end of the 17th century. It now houses the municipal museum Camille Pautet labeled Museum of France and currently closed for work. It notably contains collections of geology, prehistory, archaeology, agricultural and educational tools, sacred art, figurines, Comtadin folklore, cameras and old clothing.
Located just two kilometers from the town, the Notre-Dame la Brune chapel stands at the crossroads of Gallo-Roman roads, where, according to popular belief, the Merovingian sarcophagi were exhumed. It was found at the beginning of the 18th century by an intervention of the wooden statue which is now used for an annual procession. Not far from there, it is possible to discover an old icehouse from the 18th century.
Now installed inside the parish church, the statue of the Virgin and Child dates from the 14th century. Formerly located above the Mormoiron gate, it is made of polychrome wood and has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries.
A local farmers' market is offered every Saturday morning.
At the beginning of May, the Piol spring festival takes place with a garage sale, entertainment for the whole family, and even a local farmers' market.
In July, Mazan celebrates its votive festival. Maz'en Fête is an opportunity to enjoy a pétanque tournament, dance evenings or even fireworks.
Sablettes lake in Mormoiron.
Gorges of the Nesque.
Mont Ventoux.
Roussillon ochres.
Fountain of Vaucluse.
Gordes.
Les Baux-de-Provence.
Roman theater of Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine.
For cyclists, the Via Venaissia and many other walks along the famous Carpentras canal.
At 15 km, Bédoin for the start of the ascent of Mont Ventoux (1912 m).
15 km away, Wave Island amusement park, 100% sliding in Provence in Monteux.
