For many, Vaucluse represents idyllic rural Provence, often referred to in films and books, where days are spent gathering fruit & veg at the local market, sipping coffee in village squares, and browsing for hidden gems in antiques markets. This is certainly true ini the Luberon area in the heart of Vaucluse, with the pretty villages of Gordes, Roussillon and Lourmarin.
For sightseeing, you will find it hard to beat Avignon with it's super-impressive Palais des Papes, galleries & museums and it's performing arts festival which is held every July. But historic monuments are not just restricted to Avignon. Orange and Vaison la Romaine have wonderful Roman remains, and there are a number of historic castles and abbeys dotted throughout. The river Rhone runs down the west of Vaucluse and along it's banks you will find vineyards of the famous Cotes du Rhone wine region. A trip to Chateauneuf du Pape will be a highlight for wine lovers, who should also consider wines from Cotes du Ventoux and Cotes du Luberon.
