Home to numerous ancient and medieval remains, Vaison-la-Romaine is a veritable open-air museum that's a pleasure to visit.
The archaeological sites of Puymin and La Villasse reveal the Roman remains of luxurious residences, a number of residential quarters, artisanal businesses and some public buildings.

Visit the Théo Desplans archaeological museum, whose rich collections showcase religious and funerary practices, as well as domestic objects from the Roman era.
Take a seat in the tiers of the sumptuous ancient theater, still used for concerts and shows and the setting for the "Vaison Danses" and "Choralies" festivals.

On the Villasse site, discover the remains of wealthy private residences of exceptional dimensions, such as the 2,700 m2 Maison au Dauphin, recreated in digital images in the film shown at the museum.

Continue your tour of the town by visiting the 11th and 12th century Romanesque Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth cathedral and cloister, spaces of peace and serenity, the heart of the ancient medieval town of Vaison.

On the way up, you'll discover the charming Saint-Quenin chapel, with its curious triangular apse, a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art.

Cross the Ouvèze by the Pont Neuf and head for rue Gaston Gévaudan, in the direction of the Haute-Ville, occupied since medieval times and marked by the castle of the Counts of Toulouse that crowns it.

Protected by its high ramparts and fortified gateway, discover the old town. Make your way to the Belfry tower, topped by a bell tower. Admire the old facades of bourgeois and working-class dwellings and townhouses.

Continue your ascent via the Sainte-Marie-de-l'Assomption cathedral-church, located at the eastern end of the rock, from where you can enjoy a splendid view of Mont Ventoux and the Ouvèze, and admire the new "stained glass" windows created by renowned artist Kim En Joong.

Continue along Rue des Fours to discover Place de l'Orme, where you can refresh yourself at the fountain.
Take the Montée du Chapitre and climb up to the 12th-century château comtal, solidly built on its rock.

A vestige of medieval times, it proudly overlooks the village. A former stronghold occupied by soldiers of the Comte de Toulouse, it remained under pontifical ownership until 1791. The château is not currently open to the public, but the view from its pedestal offers a sumptuous panorama of the surrounding area.

Stroll back down to Rue des Fours through the cobbled streets and continue on to the shady old market square.

Follow the ramparts and you'll come to the ancient Roman bridge, once the only way to cross the river. Anchored in the rock, it links the old town with the center. It is the widest bridge in Roman Gaul. Classified as a "Monument Historique" in 1840, it has withstood the ravages of war and the floods of the Ouvèze.

Walk up the Grand'rue, a lively street full of shops all year round, to the Place Montfort, the heart of the modern town. Here you can take a quiet break in the shade of the tall trees.

Vaison-la-Romaine is also renowned for the richness and eclecticism of its cultural and festive program, with dance, song and theater festivals, as well as major sporting events.

HIGHLIGHT
The Chapelle Saint-Quenin is unique in France. A fine example of Provençal Romanesque art, it features a triangular chevet with remarkable antique-style decoration.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Voconces had Vasio (Vaison) as their capital and were already producing a sweet wine praised by Pliny the Elder...

NOT TO BE MISSED
The Tuesday morning market dates back to the 15th century. It was authorized by Pope Sixtus IV in 1483 at the request of the local inhabitants. It is one of the oldest and most important markets in Provence.

A VILLAGE SECRET
Few theories exist to explain the presence and development of farmhouses voconces in rich domus in Roman times. Was it a secondary route to the Alps? In any case, Vasio was neither a military garrison nor a trading post. So how do we explain Vasio's opulence? Was it the gentle way of life?

Population: +6400 Vaisonnais

Altitude: 156m min. and 493m max.

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