Visan is a tiny village in the Vaucluse, to the north east of Orange and on the border of the Drome.
Visan lies in the Enclave des Papes and is named after the time when the Pope resided in Avignon.
It seems that Popes Clement V and his successor John XXII enjoyed the region's wine so much, that they bought a number of vineyards and the area became the property of the Popes. Because of this influence, a number of Renaissance and Baroque mansions were built in this small village.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The pretty church St Pierre has a mix of architectural styles - the doorway from the 15th century (the walnut doors were added later in 1637), the bell dates from the 16th century, and the alters were added in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Just outside Visan on the road to Vaison la Romaine is the chapel Notre Dame des Vignes from around the 13th century. It has a very ornate interior and is one of France's Historical Monuments. Check with the tourist office for opening hours.
However, it is mainly for the vineyards that visitors come these days - Visan is surrounded by rolling hills that are covered in vineyards. The wine produced belongs to the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages and is distinctive thanks to its relatively northerly altitude, stony soils and hours of sunshine. There are many vineyards in the area who will welcome you for tastings.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
La Synagogue, Carpentras
Located in Carpentras
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
Place de la Republique
The centre piece of this square is the famous Roman obelisk which sits on top of a fountain. It dates from the 4th century and was originally located at the Roman circus in Arles, moving to its current location in 1676.
Le Musee du Savon de Marseille
The tour will tell you the fascinating story of soap in Provence, which starts in the Middle Ages.
MuCEM, Marseille
This museum (Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée — MuCEM) showcases civilisations in the Mediterranean in the twenty first century, and has been developed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Lavender farm & conservation garden, Sault
The lavender collection is certified by French National Conservatory for specialist plant collections, and is located on family land on the Route du Mont Ventoux, near the village.
Events in [locality]
There is an evening market on Mondays and a farmers market every Friday morning in La Place de la Coconnière.
Things to do in [locality]
The village itself is pleasant to wander around, although it's somewhat lacking in shops or attractions. The ruined medieval (12-13th century) castle was originally a court for the Dauphins. It has peaceful views over gentle hills and the caves below are used to store wine. Two ancient fortified gates built by the Dauphins still exist today - Porte du Puy-Baret and Porte Saint-Martin and date back to the 14th century.
Rue des Nobles is lined with 16th-18th century mansions with Renaissance features and arched windows. La Place de la Fontaine is also surrounded by Renaissance mansions. Many have inner courtyards and some are joined by soustets (covered walkways) over the road.
The tourist office is found in an 18th century mansion, L'Hôtel de Pélissier. It remains unaltered since this time and has undergone restoration in recent years by the town hall. It's intended to use some of the rooms for exhibitions and concerts.
The area is also known for its black truffles (November to March) and lavender fields (in bloom mid June to mid July).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
19 July 20257 Nights
€1,068
La Coquillade Hotel, Gargas nr Roussillon
This is a small luxury hotel offering 28 rooms in the wonderful countryside of the Luberon, with its own vineyard.
La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
19 July 20257 Nights
€16,940
Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Cloitre Saint-Louis Hotel
Located in Avignon
Originally a 16th century Jesuit seminary, the Cloitre Saint Louis is set in a peaceful cloister within Avignon's old town.
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.
