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Avignon, L’Isle sur la Sorgue, the hilltop villages of the Luberon and the Mont Ventoux, Vaison-la-Romaine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Orange…

An overview of the rich historical heritage, natural sites, and the art of living in Vaucluse.

It was in the 14th century that the history of Vaucluse took a completely unexpected turn thanks to an extraordinary occurrence: the establishment of the Papal Court in Avignon.

Seven Popes reigned here over the course of the next century and they changed the face of the city. This transformative effect extended far beyond the city walls, throughout the territory which would remain the property of the Holy See for 400 years, as an Enclave in the Kingdom of France…

In 1307, Philip the Fair, the King of France, drove the Jews out of the country, and at the end of the 15th century it was King Charles VIII who drove them out of Provence. Only the Comtat Venaissin, then the Papal Territories, remained open to them. Yet this tolerance was purely relative…

A fascinating story that continues to be told today.

Learn how to make your own organic cosmetics, how to recognise edible wild plants and naturally cook them, discover the manufacturing process and uses of essential oils, relax in an organic spa near the Uchaux mountain range, enjoy a bike ride along a signposted route, watch the sun set over the Dentelles de Montmirail…

Vaucluse ranks as one of the top French Departments in terms of its organic farming.

It must be said that its incredible sunshine (300 days per year) certainly helps, as well as the mistral – the wind which blows through Provence and keeps the crops in an excellent state of health.

Backing onto the Rhône river, Vaucluse boasts diverse vine-covered landscapes all along the different appellations of the southern Côtes du Rhône. There is of course the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Cairanne… as well as the AOC Luberon and Ventoux.

Dating back thousands of years, the history of the vine is closely entwined with that of Vaucluse, ever since it was first planted by the Greeks. Then came the Romans, followed by the Popes who played a decisive role, not to mention that of the Rhône.

Naturally, we offer a wine-tourism centred approach to our vineyards, with their many grape varieties of which the Grenache reigns supreme.

Artists have long taken up residence in Avignon and the villages of Vaucluse, and the contemporary art scene continues to thrive.

Picasso, Dora Maar, Nicolas de Staël, Vasarely… All of these people found inspiration in the bright light and landscapes of Vaucluse. Collectors have opened foundations here and contemporary artists exhibit their works in the gardens which crown hilltop villages…

In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, more than 350 second-hand goods traders, antique dealers and decorative artists gather throughout the year. This little market town attracts thousands of bargain hunters from across the world every weekend. Over time, designers, craftsmen and renowned factories have settled in this capital of antiques and second-hand goods, as well as in the surrounding villages – makers of high-end natural blankets, chandeliers, skilled metalworkers…

Beyond furniture, décor lovers can go and learn about coating, patina, and decorative paints at Okhra in Roussillon – a place entirely dedicated to the practice and use of natural colouring materials. Here, colour comes to life through handiwork and the passing on of craft skills.

Rue des Teinturiers, rue des Ocriers, route de la Garance… The names of the streets in the towns and villages of Vaucluse reveal a rich industrial past which contrasts with the sometimes agricultural, sometimes cultural image of the Department. Weaving and fabrics in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Avignon, stationery in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and Malaucène – these industries owed their development to the clear waters that run through the valleys.

Cultivation of madder, which was imported by Jean Althen; mulberry tree plantations for silkworm farms; mining of the Luberon’s ochre; distilleries which produced absinthe and pastis, candied fruits… Today, we still find traces of these skills. Finish your visit with a 20th-century masterpiece: the impressive hydro-electric dam in Bollène, on the Rhône, now open to visitors.

Of course there’s the Pont d’Avignon and the Popes’ Palace, which can be explored thanks to the interactive ‘Histopad’ tablet, or as part of one of the guided visits offered by the Tourist Office. Entry is now free to the city’s museums; see Picasso and Van Gogh paintings as you browse the rooms of the mansion that houses the Angladon Foundation, and then see Yvon Lambert’s unique collection of contemporary art, where icons bask in the light-filled 18th-century Caumont and Montfaucon townhouses.

On the left bank, the right bank, Barthelasse Island, and even on the Rhône, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore Provençal gastronomy and the wines of the Côtes du Rhône’s capital!

Leaving Mont Ventoux to the sporty ones, the country lanes of Vaucluse are reserved for families and nature-lovers. Across hills and plains, the little country roads and reserved cycle lanes, combined with the ideal Mediterranean climate, are perfect for bikes.

To make the most of these advantages, much of Vaucluse is connected by signposted cycle routes that you can ride along for several hours or several days, and the Department has also worked to make professionals mindful of a cyclist-friendly welcome with the «Accueil vélo» label. In addition, the department is included in big European itineraries such as the Via Rhôna and the Mediterranean by bike.