What to see in France

Vaucluse, camping in the sweetness of Provence

Vaucluse
Vaucluse

 

Located in the south-east of France, the Vaucluse department is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. How can you not fall under the undeniable charm of its natural sites such as the ochre cliffs, the wild gorges, the hills and mountains as well as its exceptional cultural heritage? One comes to the Vaucluse to discover the red colour of the Luberon cliffs and its perched villages, the rich history of Avignon, the unique landscapes of Mont Ventoux. For those who love wide open spaces, camping accommodation seems to be an obvious choice in this area.

Campsites in Vaucluse

For a successful and stress-free holiday, there are more than 85 campsites in the Vaucluse available to you. We have selected for you the Les Fontaines campsite ***** in Pernes-les-Fontaines which has 38 rentals as well as a swimming pool with slides for the great joy of children. Located in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the campsite La Sorguette *** offers 43 rentals as well as a location on the river, allowing for kayaking. Set in a 15-hectare forest, the Beauregard campsite ***** has a wide range of accommodation and an aquatic centre with several pools and thrilling slides.

Must-see sites in the Vaucluse

Fascinating relics of the past...

Between the sumptuous Palace of the Popes, its medieval old town and its historic heart, Avignon, the former city of the Popes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the top tourist attractions in the Vaucluse.

Two exceptional ancient buildings are a must-see in Orange: the triumphal arch at the entrance to the city. It is a Roman monumental arch dating from the 1st century and registered on the list of historical monuments and then on the list of the world heritage in Europe. The Roman theatre, the second exceptional monument of Orange, is an admirable testimony of the Roman art of Provence. It was an important place for entertainment. Its 37-metre high stage wall and 103-metre long stage are as astonishing as its state of preservation. Today its exceptional acoustics are still used for concerts and other events.

It is in Vaison-la-Romaine that we find the two sites that form the largest archaeological field in France! Called the Puymin site and the Villasse site, these incredible vestiges of about fifteen hectares are the wealth of the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vasio. Mosaic decorations, marble statues and objects of daily life are the remains of the city and are housed in the Théo Desplans Museum. In the Upper Town, you will discover the entrance to the medieval city, which is delimited by a wall and a fortified gate. Finally, while strolling through the town, you should admire the Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth cathedral and its cloister and discover the Garden of the 9 Demoiselles with its 80 sculpted granite stones.

Located in the Luberon in the middle of lavender fields, the Sénanque Abbey is a real jewel of Provençal Roman art. A must-see monument in Provence, it was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks who are still living in the purest monastic tradition. Some of the rooms are open to visitors but in silence in order to respect the place.

Nearby and among the "most beautiful villages of France", Gordes is an emblematic village of Provence, located in the heart of the Luberon and its regional natural park. Perched on a rock, here you can wander through the charming cobbled streets and vaulted passages, admire the superb stone houses, the pretty fountains and stop off at its Renaissance castle, which promises breathtaking views over the entire Luberon massif. Many artists have been touched by this landscape, such as Victor Vasarelly and Marc Chagall, whose studios still exist in the village. The Saint-Firmin palace and its cellars as well as the chapel of the Pénitents Blancs are of real interest.

Sénanque Abbey
Sénanque Abbey© IStock

... with stunning natural landscapes

From the Luberon Regional Natural Park with its exceptional natural heritage, to the great natural and climatic diversity of Mont Ventoux, via the Dentelles de Montmirail and the old ochre quarries of the Provençal Colorado, the Vaucluse is a colourful region with a rich variety of natural landscapes.

An incomparable site, classified as a biosphere by UNESCO, Mont Ventoux, which rises to over 1900 metres, is home to an exceptional fauna made up of birds of prey, deer and birds. Ideal for nature and sport lovers, Mont Ventoux can be climbed by bike, on foot and even on horseback. At the top, you will discover a lunar summit made of white limestone and a superb panorama! The view over the Nesque gorges, the Sainte-Victoire mountain and the Mediterranean coast is breathtaking.

The village of Roussillon, which dominates the Luberon valley, is unique. Indeed, built in the middle of old ochre quarries, the orange-red colours of the houses give it a real singularity and a certain charm. The "sentier des ocres" (ochre trail), a walk in an old ochre quarry, the "écomusée de l'Ocre" (ochre museum), a place dedicated to the world of ochre and which also offers discovery workshops for children, and the top of the village, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Mont Ventoux, among other things, are just some of the many reasons to go and discover this magnificent village in the Vaucluse.

Roussillon
Roussillon© IStock

 

See all my campsites consulted