At the foot of Mont Ventoux between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Vaison-la-Romaine (30 kilometers from Orange) is an excellent stop on an itinerary through Provence. The picturesque village is known as "one of the most beautiful detours in France." Begin exploring Vaison-la-Romaine in the Quartier de Puymin archaeological site, which reveals evidence of the ancient Roman town that thrived from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD.
On a hillside shaded with oak and cypress trees, the Quartier de Puymin is a fascinating site where ruins of ancient Roman houses, the House of the Messii and the Portico of Pompey, were uncovered. Also on this site are the remains of an ancient Temple and Roman theater (now used as an outdoor venue during the summer). Amid the archaeological ruins, tourists will find the Musée Théo Desplans.
This archaeological museum displays the original statues that were found on the site (copies appear on the site) along with other antiquities discovered in Vaison-la-Romaine. In the Quartier de la Villasse, tourists can see ancient paved streets with gutters and original mosaic floors from Roman houses.
In this slow-paced town, time seems to stand still. Narrow cobblestone streets and an abundance of fountains and leafy plane trees lend a distinctive old-world character. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Vaison-la-Romaine is considered "modern" but the building was constructed around the 11th-13th century. A tradition since 1483, Vaison-la-Romaine's weekly market is held on Tuesday mornings throughout the main streets and squares of the town.
This traditional Provençal market includes more than 400 stalls selling fresh fruits; vegetables; flowers; regional specialties like tapenade, fougasse, olives, and truffles; as well as linens and handcrafted ceramics. A farmer's market offering organic produce and food products takes place at the Place Burrus on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Summer is an especially enjoyable time to visit Vaison-la-Romaine, when the markets are at their busiest and lively cultural events such as the Vaison Dance Festival and Ancient Theater Week (held at the ancient theater in July) bring the town to life.
About 31 kilometers away from Vaison-la-Romaine is a stunning nature sight, Mont Ventoux, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. According to local legend, the poet Francesco Petrarch climbed the mountain in 1336. Today, the area has many hiking and biking trails. It's worth making the trek to the Col des Tempêtes viewpoint for sensational panoramas.
