Visit the Théo Desplans Archaeological Museum, whose rich collections present religious, burial and household objects from that era.
Take your seat in the stands of the magnificent Roman theatre, still used for concerts and performances during « Vaison Danses » and the « Choralies ».
Explore, at the Villasse site, the ruins of wealthy private homes of exceptional dimensions, the 2 700 m2 Maison au Dauphin (Dolphin House). It is reconstituted digitally in the film shown at the museum.
Continue your tour of the town at the Romanesque cathedral Notre-Dame de Nazareth, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries; and its cloisters, spaces of peace and serenity.
Or visit the chapel of St. Quentin, a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art. When you enter it, you will notice the curious triangular arch.
To reach the Haute-Ville (upper town) you cross the Ouvèze river, via the Pont Neuf, and walk up rue Gaston Gévaudan. The Haute-Ville was largely settled during the medieval era and is easy to spot because of its castle.
To explore the old town, protected by its high ramparts and fortified gate, head towards the « Beffroi » tower. Within its walls you will find a second cathedral, a fourteenth century castle, Renaissance houses and a collection of fountains whose source comes from the hills behind the town.
If you climb up to the Castle, first built by the Counts of Toulouse in the 12th century, you have a magnificent view of Mont Ventoux and the Ouvèze. The church-cathedral Sainte-Marie-de-l’Assomption is located at the far eastern corner of the Rock.
Walk up rue des Fours and discover the fountain in the Place de l’Orme. Take the Montée du Chateau and climb the stairs to the count’s medieval castle, perched at the summit of the rock, which proudly overlooks the village.
A former stronghold occupied by the soldiers of the Count of Toulouse, it belonged to the Papacy from the 14th century until 1791, when Provence opted to join France. The castle is closed to visitors, but the view at the foot of the castle provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding mountains and river valleys.
Head back down toward the rue des Fours, on cobbled calades or cobblestone lanes. These calades link rue de l’Evêché (Bishop’s street) and rue des Fours (street of the ovens) which join at the shaded old market square.
Walk along the ramparts and you will come to the Roman bridge, formerly the only way to cross the river. Anchored into the rock, it is the link between the old town and the town center. It is the largest bridge in Roman Gaul. Listed as a « historic monument » in 1840, it has stood firm against both war and flood.
Back in the lower town, go up the « Grand’rue », busy yearround with its many shops. Come to Montfort Square, the heart of the modern town to enjoy a meal or a drink at one of its many cafes, shaded by huge 150 year old plane trees.
Vaison-la-Romaine is famous for the richness and eclecticism of its cultural offerings, which include festivals dedicated to dance, song, theatre and major sporting events.
FAVORITE
St. Quenin Chapel is unique in France. A very fine example of Romanesque Provençal art, it has a triangular chevet, with an ancient-style decoration.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Voconces had their capital in “Vasio” (Vaison) and were already producing a sweet wine whose praises were sung by Pliny the Elder.
MUSTS
The Tuesday morning market dates back to the 15th century. Pope Sixtus IV authorized it in 1483, at the request of local residents. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in Provence.
VILLAGE SECRET
Few theories explain the presence and development of rich Roman villas. A secondary route for reaching the Alps, perhaps ? In any case, Vasio was neither a military garrison nor a trading post. So why the opulence in Vaison ?
Inhabitants : +6400 referred to as les Vaisonnais
Elevation : 156m mini and 493m maxi
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