Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison-la-Romaine, as its name suggests, has an important Roman heritage. Known for its Roman ruins, Vaison-la-Romaine also boasts a charming medieval old town, the High City.
The Gallo-Roman ruins, which constitute the largest archaeological field in France, extend over the site of la Villasse and the site of Puymin. The archaeological museum is located at the Puymin site.
The visit of the town continues with the Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth cathedral and the monastery, which is a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art.
The fortified gate from the 14th century, with its belfry tower, marks the entrance to the medieval town and its beautiful houses. The castle of the Counts of Toulouse, built in the 12th century, dominates the urban complex.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VAISON-LA-ROMAINE
Vaison-la-Romaine is a city in the Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, 28 km northeast of Orange.
The urban area of almost 27 km² lies between the corridor of the Rhone Valley in the west and the foothills of Mont Ventoux and the Provençal Baronnies in the east.
Traversed by the course of the Ouvèze, the site of Vaison has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it is under Gallo-Roman antiquity that the town developed. Capital of a Celtic tribe conquered by the Romans, it becomes one of the richest cities of the province of Narbonne after an alliance with Julius Caesar.
Initiated in the modern era and continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeological excavations will highlight this golden age and give its name to the city.
In the Middle Ages, the Count of Toulouse built a castle on a rocky outcrop and a second city surrounded by ramparts, safer for the inhabitants, took its place.
Now consisting of an upper town and a lower town in which the ancient remains coexist with the contemporary town extensions, Vaison-la-Romaine which has nearly 6200 inhabitants has preserved a rich heritage covering more than 2000 years of history. In addition to its wine production (wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation), it is a major tourist attraction in the heart of a region with a privileged climate.

TO SEE, TO DO
On either side of the Ouvèze, whose deadly flood in 1992 still brings back memories, the upper town and the lower town form a formidable open-air museum that appeals to heritage lovers.
You can start a long journey discovered by the upper town, surrounded by medieval ramparts.
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption was built in the east of the hill in the 15th century, and was extended in the late 16th. Its rich decorations were the victim of looting during the Revolution and it was subsequently abandoned in favour of the first cathedral, in the “lower town”. Restored, the building now regularly hosts cultural events.
Dominating the whole, then towards the castle of the Count of Toulouse built in the thirteenth century, including three fortified buildings and a square dungeon around a beautiful courtyard. From the courtyard you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the whole of Vaison.
It is pleasant to stroll through the narrow and winding streets of the medieval town, dotted with old houses and picturesque squares decorated with fountains.
After this city within the city, the visitor is called upon to plunge into a more distant past and wander through the 15-hectare old ruins of Puymin and Villasse. Ancient thermal baths, sumptuous villas, water tower, shops and magnificent theatre: you will discover these well-preserved vestiges of the prestigious Roman city during a free visit or commentary. Special sessions for families are also planned. Open all year round except for the second weekend in January and the second weekend in February. Price: 4 and 9 euros (pass valid for all archaeological sites). Information and reservations on +33 4 90 36 50 48.
We will not forget the Roman bridge from the first century, which has been a historical monument since 1840. A strategic site for utilitarian and commercial purposes. This great work has withstood weather and flood thanks to its clever architecture.
See also the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth, built from the 11th century onwards (before the rise of the upper town), and for which blocks of ancient monuments were again used. Impressive or even austere (few openings), it is however an example of Provençal Romanesque art with its sculpted decorations. In the 12th century, it was endowed with an octagonal dome where the evangelists appear. The remarkable cloister adjoining the cathedral, with its galleries and decorations, completes the visit.
On a religious level, the Saint-Quenin chapel dating from the 12th century was built on an ancient necropolis. A visit may be surprising. A visit will allow you to admire its amazing triangular apse and its very elaborate Romanesque decorations. Entry by reservation only on +33 4 90 36 50 48.
Logically, this rich heritage and its historical journey end at the Théo Desplans museum, where numerous sculptures and collections of objects bear witness to everyday life in Gallo-Roman times. Models, frescos and 3D reconstructions including the medieval city are also presented. Entry included in the pass including archaeological sites.
For a faster tour of the city, a small tourist train travels throughout Vaison, connecting the main sites from April to September. Price: €3 and €5.
In addition, guided tours of the various sites and monuments, and even of certain districts in particular, are possible all year round. Information at the tourist office on +33 4 90 36 02 11.
The city is also known for its important cultural leisure offerings.
Housed in a typical Provençal farmhouse, La Ferme des Arts programmes exhibitions of contemporary artists (painters, sculptors, photographers) all year round. Information on +33 4 90 28 84 49.
To go also, the unique garden of 9 Damoiselles with its granite blocks carved and engraved with contemporary poems. Free entry.
In another genre, away from the city, the Vaison Ventoux observatory with its 8 telescopes and astronomical glasses welcomes children and adults for observation evenings. In summer, the nights are particularly clear. Price: 7 and 12 euros. Reservation advisable on +33 7 88 37 08 75.
The city, the environment that announces the valley of the Rhone, where the pre-alpine peaks in the east are also suitable for hiking or mountain biking. Some circuits are specifically dedicated to wine tourism. Maps and information on +33 4 90 36 02 11.
For those who prefer horseback riding in these typical landscapes, visit the Palis Equestrian Centre on +33 4 90 36 25 82.
Von Mitte Juni bis Ende August ist eine Abkühlung mit Schwimmen und Entspannung im Sommerbad möglich, das über einen bewaldeten Bereich mit Solarium und Rasenflächen verfügt. Eintritt: 1,50 und 2,50 Euro. Informationen unter +33 4 90 36 50 00.
Für ein Tennisspiel schließlich müssen Sie einen Platz beim örtlichen Club unter +33 9 51 76 59 56 reservieren.

VERANSTALTUNGEN UND FESTE
Im Juli internationales Tanzfestival (verschiedene Stile: klassisch, Jazz, zeitgenössisch) mit Shows vor allem im römischen Amphitheater.
Ende Oktober, gastronomische Treffen.
Jeden Dienstagmorgen, typischer Markt der Provence. Entstanden im Mittelalter, eine unverzichtbare Veranstaltung, um den Reichtum des regionalen Terroirs zu entdecken.
Der dritte Sonntag im Monat, Flohmarkt Place Montfort.
Kunstgalerie an der Straße, in der Nähe des Touristenbüros.

VERANSTALTUNGEN UND FESTE
Der Markt findet jeden Montagmorgen statt.
Im April wird ein Theaterfestival mit verschiedenen Aufführungen organisiert.
Im Mai steht der Tag des Waldes auf dem Mont Ventoux an, mit Schwerpunkt Wandern, Workshops, einem Bauernmarkt, Holzbearbeitungsvorführungen oder auch Geschichtenerzählen.
Das Recampado-Festival findet im Juni statt, um das Feuer des Heiligen Johannes vorzubereiten. Das Programm umfasst Tänze und Volkslieder.
Im Juli bietet die Stadt ihr Festival AOC Ventoux-Weine mit musikalischer Unterhaltung, Verkostungen oder Spielen.