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What to See in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France | |
| Although the main attraction is the Fontaine, or source of the Sorgue, there is more in this small town. | ||
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A visit to the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse makes a nice half day trip from nearby L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (map). You come to see the source of the Sorgue, and find the village has more to offer. As you approach the village, you'll see several large parking lots along the road. If these are not occupied, keep driving into the center of the village, where you'll be met by a parking official, charged a small fee, and directed to a (hopefully) closer lot. The town center is focused on La Colonne, a large granite column erected in 1804 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Pétrarque, who lived in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse from 1337 until 1353, writing sonnets. A small museum illustrates his life and works. From the Place de la Colonne you can walk up to Le Gouffre, the site where the spring (fontaine) that feeds the Sorgue River emerges. The largest spring in France, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is known for its high volume, dramatic situation, and gorgeous colors. More...
Along the footpath you'll pass a variety of souvenir shops, as well as a couple of points of interest. The Vallis Clausa is a paper mill that still makes paper using traditional methods. With the power of the Sorgue River, the area once was home to several paper mills, and this one remains. You might also want to visit Le Monde Souterrain, an underground museum of rocks and other items of geological and historical interest. The village sits at the foot of the ruins of the Château des Évêques de Cavaillon. Dating from the 14th century, the ruins are perched high on the cliff. A number of walking trails lead up into the area of the château. In the village is the small Romanesque Église Saint-Veran. Built in the 11th century on the site of a previous pagan temple, it is known for its simple decor and vaulted arches. There are a number of restaurants around the Place de la Colonne, and it's a delightful place to have lunch or a coffee, sitting with a view of the river and sheltered by large trees. You might also want to spend the night in a nearby hotel:
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Above, The river as seen through the trees. The bright green colors were amazing!
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