Fontaine de Vaucluse
Pretty village with a wondrous green river and a 'hidden spring'
The main attraction of Fontaine de Vaucluse is the river on which it sits. The source of the Sorgue is found here, a network of underground rivers and streams fed with water from the surrounding mountains.
This impressive 'hidden' spring comes to light at Fontaine de Vaucluse where it forms a large emerald green pool - divers have measured its depth to be 308m. Only when you see the white water rapids taking water away do you realise that it's not just a pool, but a fully fledged river with it's source underground. In the rainy spring and autumn, it can gush up to 200 cubic metres of water per second. It's the largest natural spring in France (and 5th largest in the world).
The river has a fantastic green colour, very striking with the sun shinning down, and the blue sky above. The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse is found after the rapids where the river calms itself and it winds around watermills and dams before continuing downstream. An old paper mill (open to the public) is the only remaining indication that the village was a hotbed for paper making in the 17th and 18th century.
Just opposite the mill are the ruins of the 14th century Castle of the Bishops of Cavaillon. The walk from the village to the source of the river (La Fontaine) will take you around 20 minutes. There is a bike rental store in the village if you prefer.
A number of restaurants and cafés line the river, and the village is fairly touristy and very popular so try to come out of season if you can. If you're driving, note that there is only pay-parking in the village.
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Sights & Attractions in [locality]
In the village itself, you'll find an 11th century church (Notre-Dame et Saint Véran) and the remains of a Roman canal running alongside the left bank of the river. There are a number of gift shops and artisans workshops in the village - glass, wood work, pottery, jewellery, paintings and sculpture are all practised here.
There are several museums in Fontaine de Vaucluse, from a crystal museum to a geological museum.
Sights in Provence
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La Maison de Nostradamus
This museum in the old town of Salon de Provence is dedicated to Nostradamus, who was most famously known for his predictions about the future.
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Musee des Merveilles, Tende
This museum was created to protect one of the most important petroglyph sites in Europe, in the Merveilles Valley (valley of Wonders).
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Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin
This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
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Planetarium, Nimes
See the universe projected onto the roof of a large room filled with 65 comfortable seats, and wonder at the scale of it all.
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Chateau du Barroux, Carpentras
A wonderful castle to explore in the heart of the Vaucluse department, offering wonderful views over the surrounding areas.
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Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
Georges Mazoyer was an accomplished diver and a talented artists. In 1975 he was inspired to create a museum full of his most treasured souvenirs from the sea and as a gallery for his own art.
Things to do in [locality]
Many lovely hikes start or pass through Fontaine de Vaucluse, including three Grand Randonnee trails.
The GR6 will take you towards Gordes and the Luberon, or south to Bouches du Rhone.
The GR91 takes you north towards Vaison la Romaine and eventually on to Grenoble, and GR97 is part of the Tour of the Luberon.
Things To Do in Provence
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Hotels in [locality]
There are a couple of hotels in the village - try the Hotel du Poete.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
6 September 20257 NightsIn the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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Chateau de Varenne Hotel, Sauveterre
This charming hotel is housed in a former XVIIIth century residence, on a beautiful green three-hectare estate above the small village of Sauveterre in the heart of Provence.
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Amphitheatre Hotel
Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
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Le Mas de Peint Hotel
This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
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Hotel de Tourrel, Saint Remy de Provence
This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.
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Le Clair de la Plume Hotel, Grignan
This stunning boutique hotel is situated at the base of the Grignan castle and has three different sites (The Main House, The Private House and the Mediterranean Garden) spread throughout the beautiful Provencal village.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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New development for Sale, Val d'Isere
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Price: €4,150,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
