Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

The source of the Sorgue in this village is the most spectacular in Provence.

In the narrow valley above the town, the water gushes out in a crystal-clear underground cavity and then turns into a rushing river.

It was in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse that Petrarch decided to stay and it was here that he wrote some of his most romantic verses.

Things to do

• The spring: a 5-minute walk from the village and free of charge, the view of this turquoise-water cavity is exceptionally beautiful. On days of particular abundance, the flow reaches 20 cubic metres per second. If you are in the area during the busiest tourist periods, we recommend an early morning visit.
• Petrarch Museum: the small museum celebrates the poet’s stay from 1337 to 1353 and his meeting with his beloved Laura.
• Notre-Dame-Saint-Véran Church: a beautiful little church in the Provençal Romanesque style.
• Museum of Santons and Provençal traditions.