Smile, you are in Provence! In the heart of the land of cicadas, lavender and olives. Vaucluse is a department of the PACA region bordered by the Rhone River and lies to the east ofAvignon, the city of the Popes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To the south, it is home to one of the most attractive regions in France: the Luberon, bordered by the Durance River. This small country of great charm has seen the real estate boom and stars settle there during their vacations. From Bollène to Pertuis, passing through Carpentras, it is landscapes of garrigue and sunny orchard, villages perched on their restanques and stone lace. Among the emblematic sites: the Mount Ventoux, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse where the Sorgue river has its source, the beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail appreciated by climbers. Among the charming villages, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a paradise for bargain hunters, Apt, its market, its candied fruits, and so many other picturesque villages, Gordes, Lourmarin, Ansouis, Séguret, Venasque... Let's add a jewel: the Ochre massif, saffron colored canyon and sculpted reliefs. The Vaucluse is happiness in concentrate, around festivals, agritourism, wine tourism and excellent tables to enjoy the flavors of the soil. Take a day trip with a heritage guide who will tell you how the Avignon bridge collapsed. It would be a pity not to discover the traditions, the legends and the history of this department which knows so well how to emphasize its heritage. And nobody prevents you from going to dance in a circle, on the Pont d'Avignon, wearing beautiful clothes.
When to go to the Vaucluse? The mild climate allows you to enjoy this territory outdoors all year round except when the winter mistral blows that freezes your blood. The high tourist season in the Vaucluse is summer. However, in summer, prices rise like mercury and sometimes reach heatwave levels. That said, it is in summer that the weekly markets are the most colourful and that you will attend, in addition to the Avignon festival, the most beautiful festivals and festivals in Vaucluse. During the Festival d'Avignon (July), the world's largest theatre festival, the city comes alive with a unique atmosphere where culture and festivities are intertwined. There is a crowd and more than one free place to stay in the capital of the Vaucluse. This department is also a very gourmet destination with renowned chefs, divine specialities, salty or sweet versions, and typical local products. Here we celebrate olive oil, truffles, wines and a whole art of living that tourists are invited to taste all year round, during short and thematic stays. Summer is the melon season, around Cavaillonits capital. A favourite for its tastiest local variety: the famous cantaloupe. Feel it: the heavier it is, the more mature it is. Cavaillon has its Melon Fair, early July. Don't neglect winter and its perennial traditions: the thirteen desserts and Christmas markets. The one in Avignon is magnificent. To tap into the magic of Christmas with santons, lights and sparkling stars and enjoy a less touristy and more authentic season. But beware of the mistral!
The Vaucluse has a Mediterranean climate, but with a marked continental note due to its particular geographical location in the interior of Provence and its relief (Monts de Vaucluse, Baronnies, Ventoux, Luberon). Temperatures are contrasted (annual amplitude of about 18°C) and it rains less than 80 days per year in the form of sudden showers in spring and especially in autumn. Summer is hot and dry. Winters are mild except when the Mistral wind blows.
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