The highlights of Fontaine de Vaucluse: what to do, what to see?

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, which gave its name to the department, is a small village of 600 inhabitants in the south of France, in Provence, a few minutes from L'Isle sur la Sorgue. It is in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse that the Sorgue, the first national exsurgence, originated! We therefore like to stroll along this pretty, calm and translucent river to discover the “fountain” at the end of the path - the source of the Sorgue.

The walk to the source

A shaded path along the shops on one side and the river on the other takes you to the source of the Sorgue. It's a short walk, easy, about 2 km and accessible to everyone, only the last few meters are stony.

We also invite you to take a break under the sycamore trees, benches await you there. Thus, you will be able to contemplate the color of the Sorgue and probably some ducks that are a bit playful. At the end of the road, don't be surprised if the source is “empty”! Indeed, the water level depends on the weather, rainwater or even on the melting of snow in the past year. Knowing this, your best chance of seeing the spring spill is between fall and the heart of winter.

The paper mill

On the way, don't miss the Vallis Clausa paper mill! Still in business, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill makes paper as in the 15th century using the rag paper technique. On certain days of the week, you will see the production live, otherwise, panels explaining the production process are located above the press machines. Admission to the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill is free.

Notre-Dame-Saint-Véran church

Listed as a Historic Monument, the Romanesque church of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse dates from the 11th and is one of the oldest in the department. When you enter, you are invited to discover the remarkable altar, which was carved from a marble, and the sarcophagus of Saint-Véran.

The gardens of Petrarch

Go to the Tourist Office and cross a tunnel under the rock, which will take you directly to the Petrarch Gardens and its museum. The park is crossed by the Sorgue, it is a quiet and peaceful place in the heart of the village! However, you cannot have a picnic in this place.

The museums

Jean Garcin History Museum

The Jean Garcin History Museum is dedicated to the Second World War and retraces the life of French resistance fighters under the Occupation. A rich museum with a very beautiful authentic collection of objects, posters, stories, etc.

Practical info

François Pétrarque Museum and Library

The François Pétrarque Museum-Library is dedicated to poetry and to the first humanist and poet who lived near the Sorgue: René Char. On the top floor, drawings and prints by François Pétrarque! Did you know that he lived part of his life in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse?

Practical info

The Underworld Norbert Casteret Collection

A very friendly guide with a passion for speleology will visit you! During 45 minutes, you learn about the first underground explorations, the equipment of speleologists, and other speleological sites. An enriching and fun visit that adapts to children and adults.

Practical info

Places to photograph

• The aqueduct
• The source
• Paddle wheels
• The gardens of Petrarch (from the Chasm Road)
• Place de la Colonne
• La Sorgue
• The cliff
• The House of the Rose

On Sundays, be sure to try Père Chichi's hookah on Place de la Colonne! And do not hesitate to drop by and say hello to us for further advice, our office in Fontaine-de Vaucluse is open from April to September. Outside of these periods, move forward to L'Isle-sur-la Sorgue, we welcome you all year round!

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Article written by Gwladys Arnaud de Isle on Sorgue Tourism.