Vaucluse places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Vaucluse department of Provence. See also our Vaucluse travel guide
Abbey of Senanque
Senanque Abbey is a roman style abbey in Provence surrounded by lavender fields and with many of the 12th century monastic buildings lovingly restored See Abbey of Senanque guide
Ancient Theatre of Orange
The Antique Theatre in Orange is one of the best preserved Roman theatres in western Europe See Ancient Theatre of Orange guide
Ansouis
The quaint medieval centre, the castle and the views from Ansouis make it one of our favourite Luberon villages See Ansouis guide
Apt
Less touristy than many Provence towns, the highlight in Apt is the baroque style cathedral See Apt guide
Avignon
The Pope's Palace, the Pont d'Avignon and an attractive town centre make Avignon very interesting to explore See Avignon guide
Avignon Bridge
The Pont Saint-Benezet is the remaining part of the bridge on the Rhone in Avignon that was immortalised in the nursery rhyme 'Sur le pont d'Avignon' See Avignon Bridge guide
Bonnieux
Less visited than some of the Luberon villages, the upper town in Bonnieux and the views from the top of the hill make it very pleasant to visit See Bonnieux guide
Cadenet
Cadenet is a small town in the south of the Luberon Regional Natural Park See Cadenet guide
Carpentras
Carpentras is a sizeable town, and although not always considered a 'tourist town' we found it had a good number of sites of interest See Carpentras guide
Chateau de Lacoste
The chateau de Lacoste is an 11th century castle in Provence, known for its connection with the Marquis de Sade See Chateau de Lacoste guide
Chateau de Lourmarin
The Chateau de Lourmarin is a castle on the edge of the village of the same name, with both medieval and renaissance elements See Chateau de Lourmarin guide
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a pretty village in Vaucluse, overlooked by a ruined castle and well known for the wines produced nearby See Chateauneuf-du-Pape guide
Cucuron
Enter Cucuron through one of its medieval gateways to discover a picturesque old town and lots of interesting houses See Cucuron guide
Dentelles de Montmirail
Although at quite low altitude the jagged peaks of the Dentelles-de-Montmirail are a lovely place for hiking See Dentelles de Montmirail guide
Extraordinary Museum of Georges Mazoyer
Museum featuring an eclectic collection of objects discovered in the ocean and various works of art by Georges Mazoyer See Extraordinary Museum of Georges Mazoyer guide
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The highlight of your visit to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the wooded valley and river emerging from the rocks next to the village See Fontaine-de-Vaucluse guide
Gordes
The exceptionally pretty-village of Gordes is also one of the most visited villages in France See Gordes guide
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a pretty town well known for its rivers and their numerous water wheels See L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue guide
Lacoste
The small village of Lacoste, one of the most beautiful in the Luberon, stands below the castle of the Marquis de Sade See Lacoste guide
Le Barroux
From the castle ramparts in Le Barroux you have very far-reaching views across the vineyards and olive groves of the region See Le Barroux guide
Le Beaucet
The castle, the fortifications, the cliffs and the troglodyte dwellings come together to make Le Beaucet part of the landscape See Le Beaucet guide
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is one of the most important scenic villages in the Luberon region See Lourmarin guide Luberon Natural Park
The Luberon Regional Natural Parc includes several of the most beautiful villages in France and stunning scenery. Highly recommended! See Luberon Natural Park guide
Menerbes
One of our favourite Luberon villages, the streets of old Menerbes are overflowing with charm See Menerbes guide
Naturoptère
Naturoptere is a biodiversity centre where you can learn of the interaction between nature and insects See Naturoptère guide
Oppede-le-Vieux
Oppede might be less visited than the more famous of the Luberon villages, but a visit is still recommended - and the crowds rather less! See Oppede-le-Vieux guide
Orange
Orange is best known for its Roman monuments such as the very good condition Theatre See Orange guide
Papal Palace, Avignon
The Papal Palace in Avignon is the most imposing gothic palace in Europe See Papal Palace, Avignon guide
Pernes-les-Fontaines
Pernes-les-Fontaines takes its name from the large number of historic fountains in the town - 40 at last count! See Pernes-les-Fontaines guide
Pertuis
Pertuis is a small Provencal town to the south of the Luberon Regional Natural Park See Pertuis guide
Roussillon
As well as the orange houses of the village you can explore the ancient ochre mines just below Roussillon See Roussillon guide
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
It is true that Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt is larger and less visited by tourists than many of the Luberon villages, but find the time and you will discover another scenic small town See Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt guide
Sault
In a region most visited for the surrounding lavender fields, Sault is also a picturesque village to explore See Sault guide
Seguret
Seguret is a very picturesque village east of Orange, now classified among the most beautiful villages in France See Seguret guide
The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon
The Ochre mines of Roussillon are eroded into beautiful colours and shapes and fascinating to explore See The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon guide
Vaison-la-Romaine
You are spoiled for choice in Vaison-la-Romaine, with substantial Roman remains and also a large medieval centre to explore See Vaison-la-Romaine guide
Venasque
The ancient baptistry and the scenery of the Nesque river valley are just two of the reasons to visit the village of Venasque See Venasque guide
Village des Bories
The Village des Bories, near Gordes in Provence, is a fascinating group of ancient stone dwellings and shelters See Village des Bories guideFor more information see the Vaucluse guide
Market towns & days in Vaucluse
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Apt: Saturday
Avignon: every day except Monday
Bedoin: Monday
Bollene: Monday
Cadenet: Monday
Carpentras: Friday (high season only)
Cavaillon: Monday
Courthezon: Friday
Gordes: Tuesday
La Tour-d'Aigues: Tuesday
Le Pontet: Thursday
Le Thor: Saturday
Lourmarin: Friday
Malaucene: Wednesday
Maubec: Sunday
Orange: every day except Sunday
Pernes-les-Fontaines: Saturday
Pertuis: Friday
Piolenc: Monday
Roussillon: Thursday
Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque: Sunday
Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes: Saturday
Sault: Wednesday
Sorgues: Sunday
Vaison-la-Romaine: Tuesday
Valreas: Wednesday
Vedene: Tuesday
Tourist attractions to visit in Vaucluse
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Sites of Natural Beauty
Colorado Provencal
Dentelles de Montmirail: See tourist guide
Gorges de la Nesque
Gorges de Régalon
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Avignon: See tourist guide
Listed 'Remarkable Gardens'
Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon
Jardin de la Louve
Jardin du château de Brantes
Jardin du château de Val Joanis
Jarditrain
Religious Monuments
Abbaye Cistercienne de Boschaud (Villars)
Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes): See tourist guide
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Nazareth (Vaison-la-Romaine)
Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges (Sorgues)
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Repos de Montfavet (Avignon)
Regional Natural Parcs
Luberon: See tourist guide
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Apt: See tourist guide
Pernes-les-Fontaines: See tourist guide
Vaison-la-Romaine: See tourist guide
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
Ansouis: See tourist guide
Gordes: See tourist guide
Lourmarin: See tourist guide
Menerbes: See tourist guide
Roussillon: See tourist guide
Seguret: See tourist guide
Venasque: See tourist guide
UNESCO world heritage sites
Avignon Centre: See tourist guide
Orange Roman Theatre: See tourist guide
Grand Sites of France
Mont Ventoux