Vaison-la-Romaine

Visit Vaison-la-Romaine, Provence

The interesting and picturesque town of Vaison-la-Romaine is situated 30km north-east of Orange, in the Vaucluse department of Provence. The town has a long and colourful history, stretching back before the Roman conquest of France 2000 years ago (hence the name of the town).

A visit falls into two parts - the roman ruins and the medieval 'upper town'.

Roman Vaison-la-Romaine

There are still significant roman remains to be seen in the town, especially those of the roman baths and theatre, and the town is said to be the largest archaeological site in Europe. Centred around the Puymin area, the excavations have also uncovered significant remains of luxurious roman houses, with mosaics demonstrating that this was once a very wealthy settlement.

This colourful history can be followed in the Puymin museum, which most notably contains imposing marble statues of three of the Roman emperors.

The stone bridge across the river also dates from Roman times (and the view of the bridge across the river Ouveze is one of the scenic highlight in Vaison).

During the summer the large Roman theatre plays host to various artistic events as part of a summer festival.

Vaison-la-Romaine old town

After exploring the Roman ruins head for the old town. This part of vaison-la-Romaine is very attractive, with lots of narrow steep streets winding up the hill past medieval houses, through vaulted passages that lead to small squares with 18th century fountains, and numerous small architectural highlights such as ornate doorways and carved stone windows.

There is a wide selection of cafes and small shops, and lovely views from the higher parts of the village due to the raised hilltop position of Vaison-la-Romaine.

The ruins of the castle, built by the Counts of Toulouse and dating from 1195, perch at the top of the rock above the village itself.

The Notre-Dame cathedral and cloister, dating back in part to the 13th century, is another highlight of Vaison-la-Romaine.

Tourist classifications for Vaison-la-Romaine: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour); Listed town of Art and History;

Suggested places to visit near Vaison-la-Romaine, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Pernes-les-Fontaines 27km; Venasque 28km; Le Beaucet 29km; Montbrun-les-Bains 30km; Sault 31km; Provencal Drome 31km; Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 36km; Fort Saint-Andre 38km; Villeneuve-les-Avignon 38km; Gordes 38km; Avignon 39km; Viviers 41km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 41km; Roussillon 42km; Aigueze 42km; Saint-Montan 42km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison-la-Romaine tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Nazareth (Vaison-la-Romaine) - religious monument (0km) : Dentelles de Montmirail - site of natural beauty (7km) : Nyons - recommended detour (14km) : Mont Ventoux - grand site of france (18km) : Jarditrain - remarkable garden (26km) : Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux) - religious monument (27km) : Jardin du château de Brantes - remarkable garden (30km) : Gorges de la Nesque - site of natural beauty (30km) :

French version: see Vaison-la-Romaine (Francais)