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

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Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, which gave its name to the department, is a small village of 600 inhabitants located 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 uprising, takes its source! We like to stroll along this pretty calm and translucent river all year round and watch the landscape change with the seasons.

The stroll along the Sorgue

A shaded path, bordered by shops on one side and the river on the other, takes you close to the source of the Sorgue. This short, easy walk of about 2 km is accessible to everyone. Only the last few meters are more stony.

We also invite you to take a break under the plane trees, where benches await you. You will thus be able to contemplate the color of the Sorgue and probably see some playful ducks. Don't be surprised if the water level is low! It depends in particular on the weather, rainwater or even the melting of the snow during the past year. Instead, your best chance of seeing the source spill out is between fall and the heart of winter. However, the walk remains beautiful all year round!

The paper mill

Along the way, don't miss the Vallis Clausa paper mill! Still active, 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 be able to witness directly how it is made. Otherwise, explanatory panels presenting the various steps are installed above the press machines. Admission to the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse paper mill is free.

The Notre-Dame-Saint-Véran church

Classified as a Historic Monument, the Romanesque church of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse dates from the 11th century. It is one of the oldest in the department. When you enter it, take the time to discover its remarkable altar carved in marble as well as the Saint-Véran sarcophagus.

Petrarch's gardens

Go forward to the Tourist Office and cross the tunnel under the rock: it will take you directly to the Petrarch Gardens and to his museum. The park is crossed by the Sorgue. It is a quiet and soothing place in the heart of the village, ideal for a cool break on the banks of the Sorgue! ! However, picnicking is not allowed in this place.

Explore Fountain and Intrigue in the city

Do you want to discover Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in a different way? With Explore Fontaine, follow an audioguided tour from your smartphone and discover, over several stages, the history of the village, the Sorgue and its heritage. For an even more fun visit, Intrigue dans la Ville takes you on an adventure to lead with family or friends: observe, look for clues and solve riddles while exploring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Two original experiences to explore the village at your own pace!
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The museums

Jean Garcin History Museum

The Jean Garcin History Museum is dedicated to the Second World War and traces the life of French resistance fighters under the Occupation. A rich museum, with a very beautiful authentic collection of objects, posters, stories and many other testimonies.
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François Pétrarque Museum-Library

The François Pétrarque Museum-Library is dedicated to poetry, as well as to the first humanist and to the poet living near the Sorgue, René Char. On the top floor, you can also discover drawings and prints by François Pétrarque! Did you know that he lived part of his life in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse?
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The Underworld Norbert Casteret Collection

A guide passionate about speleology will accompany you during the visit! During 45 minutes, you will learn more about the first underground explorations, the equipment of speleologists, and other speleological sites. An enriching and fun visit, suitable for both children and adults.
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Places to photograph

• The aqueduct
• The source
• The paddle wheels
• Petrarch's gardens (from the path to the chasm)
• The Place de la Colonne
• La Sorgue
• The cliff
• The House of the Rose

On Sundays, take a gourmet break with Père Chichi's chichis, on Place de la Colonne. To prepare your visit and discover other ideas, go to the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Tourist Office, open from April to September, or to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue all year round.

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