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COMTAT VENAISSIN - Vue du Mont Ventoux
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COMTAT VENAISSIN - Charité
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| To the east of Mont Ventoux, the Comtat plain extends to the Vaucluse Mountains. This immense garden of vines, orchards and cypress has always been sought after. Firstly by the Roman Empire, then by the Comtes de Toulouse and finally by the Holy See. |
Carprentras, the ancient capital of Comtat, was an important commercial crossroad. Between 1229 and 1791 it was in the hands of the Papacy, who contributed enormously to its beautiful architecture. As did the Mediterranean Jews. When numerous Jewish families were expelled from the French Kingdom they found safe refuge on the Popes’ territory.
TO SEE:
The Cathedral St. Siffrein, built at the demand of Pope Benoit X111.
The Synagogue, among one of the oldest in France, was constructed in |
1367 and rebuilt in 1774 on the ruins of the first.
The Pharmacopoeia of the Hotel-Dieu houses a rich collection of pottery from between the 16th and 18th century.
In 1802, the ancient Palais Episcopal became a Palais de Justice.
The Porte d’Orange is the only vestige left of the ramparts dating from 1357 to 1395.
Many beautiful 17th and 18th century houses, chapels and convents, are to be found in the small streets of the old center. |
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