Vaison-la-Romaine… The name makes its history clear, as "Romaine" means "Roman" in French! This town in Vaucluse indeed has a rich Roman heritage represented by the impressive remains of Villasse and Puymin. Covering fifteen or so hectares, the two sites are evidence of the scale and splendour of the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vasio, forming France's biggest archaeological site! On the Puymin site, the Théo Desplans Museum contains some wonderful archaeological collections: marble statues, funerary and everyday objects, and fresco and mosaic decorations. A listed Historic Monument, the single arch Roman bridge over the Ouvèze connects the town centre to the Upper Town (Haute Ville), providing another reminder of this rich ancient past.

Vaison-la-Romaine also has a medieval heritage that is very much in evidence. Discover it on a walk around the Upper Town, after crossing the Roman bridge. Perched on a rock, this picturesque neighbourhood is protected by a double enclosure of ramparts and a fortified door topped by a belfry, marking the entrance to the medieval town. As you stroll around, you can admire beautiful houses, pretty squares and art galleries. A wander along the charming lanes will lead you to an old cathedral dating from the 15th to 18th centuries as well as the castle of the Counts of Toulouse. Accessible via a steep path, this ruined building dates back to the 12th century and offers a splendid view of Vaison and the surrounding area from its forecourt!

A beautiful example of Provençal Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth and its peaceful cloister date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, of which a few vestiges still remain, the church has kept a fine octagonal cupola adorned with the symbols of the Four Evangelists. In the same architectural style, the Chapel of St. Quenin is interesting with its 12th-century triangular apse and lavish carved decorations.

Before you leave, pay a visit to the Garden of the 9 Maidens (Jardin des 9 Damoiselles), a poetic and philosophical space featuring 81 carved granite stones! Nine of them represent the nine European cities of culture in the year 2000. And each one is engraved with a quote from a local poet, in its original language and translated into French.

At the foot of Mount Ventoux, in the Baronnies, lies a wild and beautiful site, the Toulourenc Gorges, rightly considered to be one of Haute-Provence's most scenic spots.

Starting from its source near the village of Aulan, the River Toulourenc has dug deep gorges into the rock near the hamlet of Veaux. Accessible via Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, in Drôme, or Malaucène, in Vaucluse, this landscape fashioned by nature is awe-inspiring!

The Toulourenc Gorges also offer some rather special walks. Indeed, when the water is shallow in the summer, you can walk along the riverbed with your feet in the water for a few kilometres. Tiny beaches where you can stop for a rest are also dotted here and there, to the delight of walkers.

Perched on a rocky spur, Aulan Castle towers proudly over the Toulourenc Valley. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. Still intact, it cuts an imposing figure in the landscape with its towers and high walls.

Once upon a time there was an imposing castle at the heart of Vaucluse, facing Mount Ventoux. Towering over the village of the same name, Barroux Castle was originally a mighty fortress built in the 12th century. Back then, it was surrounded by thick walls and its keep provided a watchtower to spot any attacking enemies. Its strategic position between Provence and Dauphiné gave it the status of a border and toll house. In the 16th century, when it became the property of Henri de Rovigliasc, Count of Veynes, it was turned into a beautiful Renaissance home, but it was later damaged during the Wars of Religion and the Revolution. Not to mention a terrible fire during the Second World War, which was only put out after 10 days.

Now a listed Historic Monument and open to visitors, this remarkable building opens its doors for you to discover its attractions and eventful history. You can also take the opportunity to enjoy a very scenic view over the Comtat Venaissin plain!

Nestling at the foot of a hill amid a vineyard landscape, Séguret is a typical Provence village reminiscent of the nativity scenes for which it makes figurines. You are sure to fall in love with Its atmosphere and character. As you wander the cobbled streets, pause to breathe in the scents of the climbing roses that adorn the houses. On Rue des Poternes, the old houses are a charming sight.

In Séguret, there are still visible traces of the medieval period, as shown by the Reynier gate, a vestige of the fortifications, and the Huguenots gate, which still has its door with two iron and wood leaves. As you continue your visit, you will see the picturesque washhouse and the beautiful Mascarons fountain, a listed Historic Monument, the Romanesque church dating from the 10th-12th centuries and the old 17th-century belfry, whose clock has just one hand.

From the orientation table on Place de l'église, you can gaze upon the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Alpilles and the Cévennes. Then follow the little path to the heights of the village, where you will find the feudal castle ruins, and take in the panoramic view stretching out before you…

Between Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park is a subtle blend of Alpine and Provençal influences. Created in 2014, this is an exceptional place where unspoilt nature dominates a territory of nearly 1,800 km².

The wild and unique expanses of the Baronnies Provençales fascinate visitors. Here, limestone mountains nonchalantly rub shoulders with woodlands. Fields of lavender, olive groves, orchards, oak and pine forests: such are the landscapes you will be able to admire on your journey. Between the lavender, thyme and rosemary, expect to breathe in sweet scents from all around...

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park also has a remarkable built heritage, including picturesque hillside villages like Montbrun-les-Bains, Venterol and Vinsobres. The old towns of Nyons and Buis-les-Baronnies, with their many remnants of the past, also reflect this great historical heritage. As do the dry stone terraces, built following an age-old method.

Boasting remarkable biodiversity, the park is home to over 2,000 plant species and around 200 protected animal species. It also contains around 150 natural habitat sites, including those of large birds of prey like vultures.

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park also has a diverse terroir with six Appellations of Controlled Origin and seven Protected Geographical Indications. These include for example Nyons olive oil, Provence honey, picodon, banon, Haute-Provence einkorn wheat and Coteaux des Baronnies wine. Plenty to delight the taste buds of food-lovers and gourmets!

Keen explorers are sure to enjoy the park's many footpaths, bridle paths and mountain bike trails. Likewise, thrill-seekers haven't been forgotten, with many rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning and paragliding opportunities.

Buis-les-Baronnies is an agreeable small town in Provençale Drôme, some thirty kilometres south of Nyons. It is located in the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park and is surrounded by pastures, lavender fields and olive groves. In the distance, Mount Ventoux towers proudly over the landscape.

To soak up the welcoming atmosphere of Buis-les-Baronnies, try to come on a Wednesday or Saturday morning. Indeed, the market place with its charming fountain is a real invitation to discover the flavours of the region. Surrounded by 15th-century arcades, the stalls exude the sweet smell of Provence and display a thousand colours. All around, you can observe the Gothic style of most of the arcades and the colourful façades of the picturesque square.

Then head for the typical side streets of the old town, an ideal way to discover the architectural heritage. Buis-les-Baronnies is filled with buildings and historical relics that make it an appealing place to be. The old houses and remains of the old town walls from the 14th century are reminders of the medieval era. The House of Plants (Maison des Plantes), devoted to the aromatic and medicinal plants of the Baronnies, is based in an old tower in the ramparts.

Other monuments not to be missed: the Ursuline Chapel and its Renaissance door, or the Chapel of the Hermitage of St. Trophime, built on a rocky peak in the 17th century, three kilometres south of the town centre.

Famous for its black olives, the town of Nyons is located in the south of Drôme, at the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park. Its olive grove is a Remarkable Site of Taste and its olive oil has earned PDO certification.

Nyons' history goes back a long way and many traces of its past can still be seen today. Take a journey through time in this welcoming town, listed among the Most Beautiful Detours in France...

One of the most iconic buildings in Nyons is probably the Pont Roman bridge over the Eygues. With a span of 43 metres, this vaulted grey stone bridge has just one arch and stands 18 metres tall. The viewpoint over the river and the surrounding area promises some beautiful photo opportunities! At the foot of the bridge, old oil mills from the 18th and 19th centuries remind us of how important olive oil production has been for hundreds of years here.

The old town, which you can reach via Rue des Bas-Bourgs, is also brimming with architectural beauties. There is the 14th-century St. James Gate (Porte Saint-Jacques) in particular, which is part of the medieval town walls. Or the 17th-century Church of St. Vincent, which houses a beautiful collection of paintings. We should also mention Place des Arcades, which dates from the 14th century. To this day, it is still the site of the traditional market on Thursday mornings, where flavours and smells mingle with bright colours.

Another emblem of Nyons to discover is the 13th-century Randonne Tower, located in the hills near the town. The somewhat steep ascent to get there is well worth the effort. Indeed, once you are up there, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the town and surrounding scenery! The medieval Randonne Tower was originally used as a keep and a military prison, before becoming a religious building in the 19th century, the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Succour (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours), which can today be recognised by the statue of the Virgin on top of it.

Next, head to the picturesque Forts district. The medieval atmosphere is still in evidence here, with typical cobbled side streets and vaulted covered passages. Not forgetting the old feudal castle and a few remaining sections of wall depicting other traces of this historic past.

Nyons is therefore a great town for a stroll. With its shaded town squares and many cafés, restaurants and shops, this place has plenty of appeal. Let your curiosity lead you to the Scourtinerie, the last olive-pressing mat factory in France. These small, flat mats woven from coconut fibre, known as "scourtins" in French, are used as filters for olive oil extraction.

"Dentelle" means "lace" in French, but this is actually a limestone massif in the department of Vaucluse! Yet the name is no coincidence, since the shape of its peaks and needles is indeed reminiscent of lace. A long process of erosion has created a remarkable landscape that's exceptional to say the least. The highest point is a cliff called the Crête de Saint-Amand, at an altitude of 734 metres.

With their rocky faces, the Dentelles de Montmirail are a joy for climbers. They are also ideal for hiking and mountain biking through landscapes of forests, rocks and vineyards, where aromatic plants, holm oaks and Aleppo pines abound.

At the foot of this unique site, take the opportunity to stop by one of the charming villages among the famous Côtes du Rhône vineyards such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras or Beaumes-de-Venise, to sample some local flavours that will delight your palate!

Culminating at an altitude of 1,912 m, Mount Ventoux is recognisable from afar, within a radius of up to a hundred kilometres. A symbol of Provence and one of the most awe-inspiring sites in Vaucluse, its white limestone summit looks just like a lunar landscape, inspiring amazement and wonder. Not to mention the extraordinary panoramic view of the Luberon, the Sainte-Victoire mountain, the Nesque Gorges, and even the Mediterranean coastline on a clear day!

Yet Mount Ventoux is above all remarkable for its great climatic and natural diversity. Here Mediterranean plants, there beech and fir forests or Arctic plants. This abundance has earned it the status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Come here to discover and watch exceptional wildlife including raptors and other birds, as well as deer.

Whether for walking, cycling or horse-riding, Mount Ventoux is a popular place among sportier visitors. Hikers have a range of marked paths to choose from while cyclists can attempt the tough ascent to the summit. The view from the top is well worth the effort! In winter, snow covers the slopes of the Mont Serein and Chalet Reynard ski resorts. Then skiers can have a ball on the groomed slopes, while snowshoers may prefer to appreciate the beauty of the place by making their way along one of the routes provided. In summer, you can experience the thrill of a Dévalkart ride down the grassy slope at La Lisière.

At the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyard, overlooking the village, Suze-la-Rousse castle in Provençale Drôme stands out thanks to its dualistic architecture. Erected in the 12th century, it gradually became a military fortress. Its location on a rocky promontory made it a strategic defensive point at the time. And surprisingly, the castle did not suffer much damage. Then from the 16th century onwards, the fortress became a large holiday residence. The military architecture made way for a less austere design inside. The grand staircase with two spirals, the monumental fireplace in the grand drawing room and the wall decorations are examples of this architectural renewal. The same goes for the Italian-style inner courtyard with arcades, one of the most beautiful in France! This remarkable reminder of the Renaissance is indisputably the building's flagship feature.

A museum exhibition tells the story of the fortress and its inhabitants, and that of wine-growing and the uses of wine through the centuries. The prestigious University of Wine is located inside the castle, in fact. This internationally famous institution offers courses and conferences on the subject of vines and wine.

Suze-la-Rousse Castle is located within a large woodland park, La Garenne. Holm oaks, stone pines and other tree species make up this former seigniorial hunting reserve. This vast green space has a few relics from the past, like a 16th-century jeu de paume court, a 17th-century chapel and an old dovecote.

An ancient Roman settlement nestling at the heart of Provence, the town of Orange in Vaucluse is steeped in history. First of all, it has two exceptional ancient monuments, dating back to the 1st century AD and now collectively classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the Roman theatre is wonderfully preserved and boasts an astonishing scaenae frons: 103 metres long and 37 metres high! It was a major venue in Roman times and still is today thanks to its incredible acoustics. The triumphal arch at the north entrance to the town is equally superb. A symbol of Roman imperialism, this monument dedicated to the glory of the city's founders (the veterans of the 2nd Gallic Legion), then to the Emperor Tiberius, is a remarkable example of Provençal Roman art.

Right in the town centre, the 105-metre-high Saint-Eutrope hill towers over the town and offers a beautiful view of Orange's historic centre and Roman theatre, as well as the Rhône and the surrounding countryside. Ideal for a family walk, the wooded park on Saint-Eutrope hill includes the remains of the old castle of the Princes of Orange.

For several centuries, the city was the capital of the principality of Orange and many buildings were erected at that time. Discover the traces of this rich past by strolling around the town's winding streets and squares, then stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth. Built in the 13th century, this monument has been altered several times during its existence, particularly in the 19th century when it was given frescoes, stained glass windows and a Neo-Classical porch.

History buffs will enjoy the Orange Museum of Art and History, based in a 17th-century mansion, or the BA 115 Museum, which tells the story of the Caritat air base from the interwar period to the present day. Opera and classical music lovers won't want to miss the famous Chorégies d'Orange, an international opera festival that takes place each summer in the prestigious setting of the Roman theatre.

Lastly, Orange market is one of the biggest in Vaucluse. Every Thursday morning, come and appreciate its typically Provençal atmosphere as you stroll among the stands selling crafts and regional products.

South-east of Montélimar, in a landscape of lavender, vines, pines and oaks, stands the famous Grignan Castle. Built on a rocky promontory at the heart of Provençale Drôme, it's the biggest Renaissance castle in South-East France! Made famous by the Marquise de Sévigné through her correspondence with her daughter, it has a turbulent history.

A castle fort in the 11th century, the Adhémar family converted it into a splendid holiday residence during the Renaissance. It was dismantled during the Revolution then rebuilt at the start of the last century. From the reception rooms to the private apartments, the rooms in Grignan Castle are sumptuously furnished and decorated. During your visit, you will be able to admire some beautiful wood panelling, particularly in the prestigious Adhémar gallery, majestic fireplaces, paintings, tapestries and a number of works of art.

Outside, a magnificent view of North Provence awaits you from the castle's famous terraces!

Take the perfectly restored wall walk to reach the 16th-century Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, located downhill from the ramparts. This is where the Marquise de Sévigné's tomb is located. This path also leads to an old washhouse in the Neo-Classical style, heavily inspired by the Temple of Love at the Petit Trianon in Versailles.

The area around Grignan Castle is also well worth a look. Make your way through the village's charming narrow streets adorned with flowers. On one of them, you can see some beautiful old houses, along with a belfry built in the 13th and 17th centuries.

East of Nyons, the small village of Sainte-Jalle probably contains one of the finest Romanesque churches in Drôme. Built in the 12th century, the Church of Our Lady of Beauvert (Notre-Dame-de-Beauvert) is the last remnant of the old Clunisian priory belonging to the diocese of Sisteron. The presence of a reused fragment in one of the building's pilasters shows that another church used to stand on this very spot, in Carolingian times.

The tympanum of the church's porch is undoubtedly the most interesting part of this historic monument. Various carved elements can be seen there including a figure with an owl, a viola player, a pilgrim or shepherd, as well as a cockerel.

The capital of the Tricastin, a historic region in the Rhône Valley, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux is an ancient fortified town in Provençale Drôme. It possesses a magnificent medieval heritage represented mainly by its remarkable 12th and 13th-century cathedral. A marvel of the Provençal Romanesque style, its choir contains a mosaic from the same era depicting the city of Jerusalem. The 17th-century high altar of gilded wood, the carved decorations in the nave, and the pipe organ from the early 18th century complete this harmonious interior.

Located at the very heart of the historic centre, the cathedral is the starting point for a wander along the cobbled streets of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux. On your walk, you can not only admire Renaissance-style mansions but also relics from Roman and medieval times.

Let your curiosity lead you all the way to the Chapel of St. Justus, perched on a rocky spur accessible via a marked footpath of around 2.5 kilometres. Up there, the 360° panoramic view of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux and its surroundings is quite simply exceptional!

The Tricastin is a major centre for black truffle production. Opposite the cathedral chevet, the House of the Truffle and the Tricastin has a fun and interactive exhibition telling the story of this unique mushroom, the region's black diamond.

Near the beautiful village of Gordes in the Luberon, the Abbey of Our Lady in Sénanque is a must-see monument in Provence. Nestling amid lavender fields in a green valley, it was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks from Mazan in Ardèche. Monks are still there today, living in the purest monastic tradition following the Rule of St. Benedict. Their days are spent in prayer and at work, growing lavender and producing honey.

A true gem of the Provençal Romanesque style, Sénanque Abbey is also one of the finest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the abbey church, cloister, former dormitory, chapter house and calefactory are open to visitors. But be careful, to avoid disturbing the peace, all visits must take place in total silence…

Discover the abbey in the time of its first monks with the Histopad, a digital tablet that will take you right back to the 12th century.

Known as the Venice of Comtat, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a charming little town in Vaucluse. It's lovely to stroll along the Sorgue, dropping by the antique shops and art galleries on the banks of the peaceful canals. The water wheels on the river add real character to this little Provence town.

You should also take the time to discover L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's built heritage. Wander the winding streets to admire the mansions and Renaissance houses, or visit the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Angels, which combines the Southern French Gothic and Baroque styles. Then head to the Argent Tower, the emblem of the town that dates back to the 12th century.

If you love all things vintage, the famous antique fair that takes place at Easter and on 15 August should pique your curiosity. Also be sure to browse the particularly colourful and lively market, held every Thursday and Sunday morning.

Not far from the hillside villages of Provençale Drôme, the town of Pierrelatte has Europe's biggest animal park dedicated to reptiles. The Crocodile Farm is home to 11 of the 23 crocodile species currently existing in the world. Today, nearly 400 live in the animal park. Among them are the famous Nile crocodiles and a particularly rare species: the Albino Mississippi alligator. There are indeed only twenty or so in the world, and two of them live in the park.

Discover the trail created in a tropical glasshouse, where the temperature is around 30 degrees. Its explanation signs tell visitors all about how the various crocodile species live. A listed botanical garden, this glasshouse contains over 600 exotic plant species.

The Crocodile Farm is also home to other reptiles such as giant tortoises, varans, iguanas, anacondas and pythons. It also has fish and tropical birds. An ideal place for a fun and educational day out with the family!

Founded in 1137, at the heart of a remote valley between Montélimar and Grignan, in the municipality of Montjoyer, Aiguebelle Abbey is as superb as ever. Its location at the confluence of three streams explains where its name comes from. Indeed, Aiguebelle means "beautiful waters". This isolation amid unspoilt countryside enabled it to stand the test of time, especially during the Hundred Years War. During the Revolution, the monks were driven away and the abbey was not revived until they returned in 1815.

Benefiting from a peaceful and verdant setting to this day, the Trappist monastery of Aiguebelle is one of the most spiritual places in Provençale Drôme. Lovers of religious heritage will be able to discover its abbey church, as well as an exhibition room and a video about the life of the community. A religious bookshop and a shop selling monastery products including cakes, chocolate, jam, cooked meats and confectionery are also open to the public.

Perched on a rocky promontory in the Vaucluse Mountains, at the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park, Gordes is a typical Provence village full of picture postcard charm. Its picturesque cobbled streets lined with beautiful blond stone houses, fountains, vaulted passages and majestic Renaissance castle proudly dominating the landscape have attracted many artists in search of inspiration, such as Chagall and Vasarely.

Now it's your turn to fall for the charm of this amazing village! Stroll along the cobblestone paths, taking the time to stop and admire the various views they offer over the Luberon massif. Then head to the castle for a superb view of the surrounding area. Built in the 11th century and then rebuilt in the Renaissance, it now houses a cultural centre dedicated to art exhibitions.

Your steps will also lead you to St. Fermin's Palace and its cellars dug into the rock, where you can see the remains of cisterns, silos and an old seigniorial oil mill, all evidence of the village's craft activities in the Middle Ages. The nearby Church of St. Fermin, built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century then remodelled in the 18th century, is sure to appeal to lovers of old buildings. Other interesting structures include an old washhouse on Rue de la Fontaine Basse, the Chaplaincy of St. James which used to welcome pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela, and the Chapel of the White Penitents.

The City of Popes from 1309 to 1376, Avignon in the department of Vaucluse is a town steeped in history. Its historic centre is listed by UNESCO and its old town has kept some impressive reminders of its past! Protected by ramparts, it includes the emblem of the city: the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes). Open to visitors, this superb Gothic monument dates back to the 14th century and consists of the old palace of Benedict XII, built between 1334 and 1342, and the new palace of Clement VI, built between 1342 and 1352. The Palace's vast square is also surrounded by other prestigious buildings like the Small Palace (Petit Palais), which is in fact the former residence of the archbishops. Built between the 14th and 18th centuries, this elegant building of almost 3,000 m² now houses a museum that exhibits Italian paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries, such as Botticelli's Madonna and Child, as well as Romanesque and Gothic sculptures. You can also admire the former Mint (Hôtel des Monnaies), with its beautiful 17th-century Baroque façade featuring eagles and dragons. Then visit Avignon Cathedral (Notre-Dame-des-Doms), built in the 12th century and remodelled in the 15th and 17th centuries. An example of the Provençal Romanesque style, it contains a magnificent Romanesque cupola, a white marble bishop's seat, and the Gothic tombs of Popes John XXII and Benedict XII. Outside, look up to see the huge, gilded statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of the bell tower.

Then wander through the medieval streets to admire the period houses, Renaissance mansions and old town squares. You are sure to find your way to Rue des Teinturiers, a picturesque pedestrian street paved with pebbles. The busy Rue de la République connects the ramparts to the plane tree-shaded Place de l'Horloge, the lively heart of the town with its many cafés and restaurants. Here you can see the Neo-Classical façade of the 19th-century town hall and its clock tower, a former 14th-century belfry with a jacquemart clock.

It's worth taking some time to admire the many buildings you will come across on your walk. These include the Basilica of St. Peter, with Renaissance door leaves on its façade, 17th-century woodwork in the choir and a 15th-century pulpit making it well worth a visit. Also be sure not to miss the night-time illuminations that transform the building into a sublime spectacle during the Hélios festival in summer. The Gothic Collegiate Church of St. Didier has a beautiful 15th-century carved altarpiece depicting Christ Carrying the Cross. On Place des Carmes, the last vestige of an old convent is the Augustins bell tower, with a wrought iron campanile on top. In the church, the painted wooden statues date from the 16th century.

Don't forget to take a walk to the top of the Doms Rock, where the town's origins lie. The lovely garden there is ideal for a rest in the shade and offers superb views of the Alpilles, the Rhône and the unmissable Pont d'Avignon bridge. Made famous by the well-known folk song and also known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, this medieval bridge used to connect the town with Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, 900 metres away. Although part of it was destroyed by the Rhône's repeated floods, it still has four arches and two superimposed chapels left. An exhibition space called "Le pont retrouvé" and touch screen tablets will help you discover a side of this iconic monument that you've never seen before!

Art-lovers have a number of museums to choose from: the Calvet Museum, which exhibits collections of fine and decorative arts and ethnography; the Lapidary Museum, which focuses on archaeology; the Louis Vouland Museum, with its prestigious collection of furniture and objects from the 17th and 18th centuries, and works by Provençal artists from the 19th and 20th centuries; and the Angladon Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of modern art.

Set in a steep valley, this charming town in the south of France boasts an incredible natural site: the Fountain of Vaucluse, nestled at the foot of a 230-metre-high cliff. This deep and mysterious chasm is where the River Sorgue has its source. This exsurgence, which has one of the highest flow rates in the world, is accessible via a path along the river. Once you arrive at the edge of this emblematic spot in Provence, you cannot fail to be charmed by the emerald green colour of its waters, and surprised by the power of its flow, especially in periods of flooding!

But Fontaine-de-Vaucluse also includes an old village where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll in the shade of the trees. Some trades of bygone days are kept alive there today, for instance a paper mill which makes paper as it did in the 15th century and operates with a water wheel. There is also the Cristallerie de la Fontaine, a studio and shop where you can watch glass being spun. So as you walk the streets, don't hesitate to step into the local craft shops for a look at what's being made in the region. You can also visit the Santon Museum and its impressive collection of traditional nativity figurines, equally enjoyable for children and grown-ups.

When it comes to history and heritage, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse has an 11th-century Romanesque church and a medieval castle perched on a rocky peak whose ruins overlook the village.

Near the beautiful village of Gordes, in Provence, is a unique and unmissable place: the Village of Bories and its thirty or so huts, whose exceptional dry-stone architecture has earned it the status of Historic Monument (Monument Historique).

Formerly used as seasonal shelters, the "bories" are small rural constructions built in a particular way: dry stones are skilfully stacked on top of each other and held in place using the corbel arch technique. The Gordes area counts nearly 400 bories, either isolated or grouped together in hamlets.

Inhabited until the 19th century, the Village of Bories is now a remarkable testimony to the Provençal way of life in centuries past. It's a real museum of rural life, where you can see dwellings, sheepfolds, bread ovens and wine vats. There are also objects and tools from bygone days.

Several walking routes in the countryside, such as the Local Heritage Trail (Sentier du petit patrimoine rural) or Les Bories de la Garriguette, enable ramblers with an interest in old buildings to complete their discovery of this incredible folk heritage.

In the Vaucluse mountains between Monieux and Méthamis, the Nesque Gorges offer an impressive natural spectacle! Along the sightseeing route, discover a magnificent canyon with wild and awe-inspiring landscapes, making for a thrilling itinerary. Made up of steep cliffs, imposing rocks and numerous caves, this fabulous natural site in Provence is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is not to be missed on any account.

Dotted with tunnels and belvederes, the road through the gorges offers extraordinary viewpoints, such as the one from the Castellas belvedere just opposite the monumental Wax Rock (Rocher du Cire). The rock is named after the wild swarms of bees living within it.

Tucked away in the Nesque Gorges is a small Romanesque cave chapel from the 12th century, accessible via a footpath starting from the village of Monieux.

Overlooking the Luberon Valley and surrounded by stunning scenery, the village of Roussillon is a Vaucluse village with a difference. Perched amid old ochre quarries, it stands out due to its colours, so characteristic of the area. Yellow, orange and red adorn the façades of the houses in this Provençal community full of authentic charm.

Explore the attractions of Roussillon as you stroll around the pretty squares and wander the winding streets, lined with colourful houses and cute shops, and leading to the highest point in the village. Once you reach the top, make the most of the splendid view over the Vaucluse mountains and Mount Ventoux from the orientation table! Then enjoy a stroll or a drink on pretty Place de la Mairie, a square surrounded by 18th-century houses, before stocking up on fresh local produce at the small market held every Thursday morning on Place du Pasquié. On your walk you will also see old buildings such as the belfry, a vestige of the fortified enclosure that was remodelled in the 19th century, and the Church of St. Michael, a 12th-century Romanesque building whose façade and baptismal fonts date from the 17th century. The old wall-walk offers a beautiful view of the needles in the Valley of Fairies (Val des Fées).

After exploring the village, be sure to pay a visit to the ecomuseum of Ochre - Ôkhra. Based in a former ochre factory, this unique place devoted to the world of ochre in the Luberon can be discovered on a guided tour, or at your own pace following the trail with commentary. There are discovery workshops for all the family along with art exhibitions.

Also not to be missed is the ochre trail ("sentier des ocres"), a walk through an old open-pit ochre quarry. With information signs along the way explaining how the site was formed and used, this specially created circuit allows you to discover the place's exceptional heritage and colourful landscapes!