Vaucluse Information from Latitudes French Property Agents.

"The Heart of Provence & The World of French Impressionist Painters became a house name thanks to Peter Mayle and his book "A year in Provence""...

About the Vaucluse Region

The Vaucluse is named after the medieval village of Fontaine de Vaucluse with its famous spring. It is situated in the Provence- Cote d’Azur region in southeast France. Due to its location, 3 types of climate can be found in Vaucluse: the north-eastern part is influenced by a mountain climate, the north-western part by a semi-continental climate and the south by a Mediterranean climate.

The Vaucluse is bordered by two rivers: the Rhone and the Durance and offers varied landscapes including mountains (its most famous peak is Mont Ventoux ), plateaux and plains. It comprises of 3 different areas: the Haut Vaucluse in the north, the Luberon in the South and le Pays d’Avignon/Comtat Venaissin in the centre.

The Haut Vaucluse: a beautiful unspoilt region with the Massif des Baronnies and the Dentelles de Montmirail. It is a land of oak and pine forests, a land of lavender fields, a land of historical interest (Vaison la Romaine and Orange) where good wine and good food are respected and loved.

The Luberon (Luberon mountain): A sought after region with castles, picturesque hill top villages, many historical and cultural sites. It is a land of vineyards, orchards, and rocky landscape where the sunlight is so vibrant it captivated impressionist painters such as Cezanne and Van Gogh.

Pays d’Avignon/Comtat Venaissin: Vaucluse vast plain with orchards, vineyards, lavender fields, waterways and the majestic Mont Ventoux. Home to Avignon, the City of art and culture and to the pretty market town of L'Isle sur la Sorgue famous for its antiques' fairs
The region has strong wine making traditions and produces some very fine wines such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Beaumes de Venise to name just a few.

The Vaucluse offers a wide range of activities: hiking, horseback riding or cycling in the Mont Ventoux, rock climbing, golf, tennis, also sightseeing, wine tasting, colourful Provencal markets selling fresh aromatic herbs, fruits, vegetables and wines, or just relaxing around the pool.

Vaucluse and its 6 listed most Beautiful Villages in France

Ansouis (south Vaucluse): with its castle looking onto the Grand Luberon.

Gordes: a pretty hilltop village overlooking the plain of Cavaillon –don’t miss its castle, church and its narrow cobbled streets.

Lourmarin: Picturesque village set amidst vineyards and olive groves. Boasts a superb chateau, pretty cobbled streets with many restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Albert Camus is buried in Lourmarin cemetery.

Ménerbes: Fortified village with a castle overlooking the Luberon garrigue and vineyards. Picasso used to have a house there.

Roussillon: The Must see of Vaucluse. A beautiful village with old houses with magnificent ochre facade, picturesque streets and squares. Worth a visit!

Venasque: Provencal village located at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Things to see: medieval ramparts, Saracen towers, cathedral and 11C baptistery.

The Vaucluse is a small “Departement” in size yet it boasts a rich historic, art and cultural heritage, offers beautiful and varied landscape, colourful markets, picturesque Provencal villages basked in sunshine where people enjoy life at a slow pace. French Art de Vivre at its best.