Vaucluse and history

It can be argued that it is not the Romans who conquered Provence, but Provence which conquered the heart of the Romans. The Romans settled in Provence as early as 125 BC, and named it the Provincia Romana. The Romans left behind outstanding examples of their civilisation, now claimed as UNESCO Heritage for all Humanity. The engineering genius of the Romans contributed to creating new roads and opening the region to the construction of monuments and cities.

Roman sites to see:
Roman theatre in Orange
Arch of Triumph in Orange
The digs in Vaison la Romaine (La Villasse, Puymin)
Roman theatre in Vaison la Romaine
The Pont Julien in Bonnieux
Arch of Triumph in Carpentras
Arch of Triumph in Cavaillon
Roman garden in Caumont
Sarcophagi in Mazan

Museums displaying Gallo-Roman treasures in Vaucluse.
Théo Desplans Museum in Vaison
Marc Deydier in Cucuron
Archaeology Museum (Musée Lapidaire)

Roman sites near Vaucluse :
Pont du Gard
Arles
Glanum (near Saint-Rémy de Provence)
Nîmes
> for more information

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, marked by strong faith, churches were built or rebuilt, religious orders spread, building convents and abbeys. Romanesque chapels were dedicated to the saints. In 1136, the Knights Templar founded their powerful commandery. The era of the cathedrals was also the era of fortresses and fortifications. In 1309 Pope Clément V settled in Avignon. Construction of the Palace of the Popes started in 1335 and lasted only 20 years. The Palace continues to be visited today. At the time, Vaucluse was known as the Comtat Venaissin. It was Papal territory and Avignon was the capital of the Christian world. Cardinals’ palaces, churches, frescoes and decors were created in every part of the Comtat Venaissin.

Vineyards were planted and tended. This was the time that the Jewish and Waldesian communities also existed on church lands, and were protected for a time.

Sites to see :
Popes' Palace in Avignon
Pont St Bénezet in Avignon
Forteresse de Mornas
Fort médiéval de Buoux
Our Lady of Sénanque Abbey
Tour Ferrande de Pernes les Fontaines
Saint-Hilaire Abbey
Our Lady of Nazareth Cathedral and Cloister
Saint-Siffrein Cathedral in Carpentras
Our Lady of Nazareth Church in Valréas
The Order of the Temple Commandery of Richerenches
The Papal Castle in Châteauneuf du Pape
Circuit des Bornes Papales dans l'Enclave des Papes
Circuit du Patrimoine Juif
Circuit des chapelles dans les Dentelles de Montmirail
An outing to see the Chapels on Mont Ventoux
Our Lady of Aubune Chapel in Beaumes de Venise
Our Lady of Groseau Chapel in Malaucène
Baptistère of Venasque

From the Renaissance to the 18th century

During the late Middle Ages, the earlier fortress-castles were transformed into Renaissance castles. Their owners undertook designs and changes inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Gardens and terraces were added, vineyards were tended. Churches and synagogues were endowed with masterpieces. Today, guided or on-own visits are offered at the castles in Le Barroux, Valréas, Ansouis. Other castles, like the castles in Lourmarin, Lacoste, Gordes and La Tour d’Aigues, are home to museums, collections and festivals. During walking tours in the city of Avignon, see the mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Don't miss :

Lourmarin castle
Tour d'Aigues castle
Ansouis castle
Gordes castle
Lacoste castle
Le Barroux castle
Simiane castle in Valréas
Notre Dame des Anges Collegiate Church in Isle Sur la Sorgue
The Plague Wall
Cavaillon Synagogue
Carpentras Synagogue
Carpentras Hospice

Vaucluse, land of contemporary art and artists

In Vaucluse, the 19th century is synonomous with the great renaissance of the Provencal language and literatures, led by Fréderic Mistral. The 19th century is also when the ochre and textile industries thrived, when the railroad arrived, and irrigation canals were built, greatly enhancing agriculture.
In the 20th century, new perspectives opened with development work on the Rhone river, and the rise of tourism, drawn by the landscapes, the sites and the lifestyle in Provence. The Avignon Festival gained international notoriety. Vaucluse was chosen by many artists looking for inspiration and drawn to the peace and beauty of the outstanding light here. These trends have continued, and are still in effect today.

Don't miss :
Fondation Lambert à Avignon
Musée Angladon à Avignon
Musée Pol Mara à Gordes
Cheminent des sculptures à Gigondas
Musée Calvet à Avignon
Maison René Char à L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Festival d'Avignon