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Vaucluse
Located in the heart of the Provence-Alpes- Côte-d’Azur region in France’s south-east, Vaucluse is a little-known vacation destination among locals and visitors alike. Avignon, its departmental capital, brings together the best of the old-world charm at every street corner with the worldliness of modern culture.
The northern hilltop views in the rustic town of Orange hide all the best of French Provencal cuisine that a food-lover may wish for. Wine, honey and truffles are available due to its lush vegetation and centuries old oak and pine forests.
Medieval fairytales spring to life in this picturesque landscape. The old-world village of Lacoste and its castle once belonged to the Sade family, later restored by the famous clothing designer, Pierre Cardin. The fortified village of Mornas was once a powerful military stronghold, figuring in many wars of religion. Today it welcomes visitors interested in medival culture.
Luberon Valley in particular is a rich heritage site for the French, which is also the inspiration for novelist and gourmet writer Peter mayle’s “A Year in Provence.”
The Renaissance castle Lourmarin in the Luberon Valley of the Vaucluse has played host to famous philosophers and writers like Henri Bosco and existentialist Albert Camus (who was buried in a nearby chapel).
Ansouis features a castle dating back to the 12th century, as a military fort for its medieval barons.
The village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse can be found by following the waters of River Sorgue as it flows downstream. Charming and cool during the summertime, visitors join locals along its nature trails to the natural springs at the headwaters of the Sorgue river, contemplating the scenery which invited the poet Pétrarque to write of tragic love.
