| HIGH VAUCLUSE |
| or POPE'S PROVENCE |
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| It is the meeting point between the massive Alpins and the Rhone plains, and presents a well-preserved Provence of contrasting relief: the jagged mountains of Drentelles de Montmirail, the narrow gorges of Toulourenc, and the hills dotted with grapevines. |
Terreprovence Bed and breakfast |
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HIGH VAUCLUSE - The Antique theater - Orange
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HIGH VAUCLUSE - Vaison la Romaine
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| The earth gives birth to truffles, lavender, honey and a very good wine. |
This area, together with Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange, is steeped in history, beginning from the time of the Roman occupation. The enclave of Valreas is called ‘enclave of the Popes" in testimony to the accomplishments of the Popes during the 14th century.
VAISON-LA-ROMAINE, the jewel of the Roman Provence and therefore an incontestable site of archeological interest. The Ouveze River divides the town. The Romans constructed the lower town, situated on the northern side of the river. |
Excavations of this ancient Roman colony have revealed huge and luxurious gallo-roman houses with richly decorated interiors. At the archeological site of Puymin, there is a Roman theater with a seating capacity for 6000 people, constructed in the 1st century. On the southern side, clinging to a rocky spur, is the High town, the origins of which go back to the 13th century. In the Middle Ages the villagers lived at the foot of the chateau to protect it from invasions and looting. Today, nothing exists except for the ruins of the chateau, stronghold of the Counts of Toulouse. The streets are dotted with small squares, superb fountains and beautiful facades of houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
TO SEE
The High Town.
Gallo-Roman era: archeological traces of Puymin and Villasse, and the Roman bridge with a span of 17meters, joining the High Town to the Low Town.
Roman epoch: the 11th century Cathedral of Notre Dame de Nazareth and its monastery.
Middle Ages: The Cathedral of the Ville Haute, constructed in 1464.
ORANGE
The Cite des Princes Orange is a large Provencal village with renovated facades and small shaded squares. Founded in BC 35 by the veterans of the 2nd Gaelic legion, this village has an exceptionally rich historic past.
Two monuments are under the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage: the Roman theater and the Arc de Triomphe.
TO SEE
The Antique theater, constructed at the beginning of the 1st Christian era. It is the only Roman theater in Europe to have conserved its backdrop paintings. Built on the northern side of the Saint Europe hill, it was capable of seating 10,000 spectators!
The Arc de Triomphe, a symbolic monument to the glory of Roman imperialism. Constructed outside the ramparts in the 1st century, it is one of the oldest arches with three passages.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Nazareth, constructed in 1338, has a very beautiful roman-style portal.
L’ENCLAVE DES PAPES
The history of this pocket of Vauclusien land in the heart of the Drome district goes back to 1317 when the Popes living in Avignon decided to extend their domain to the surrounding villages to supplement their income.
Four villages make up this enclave: Valreas the capital, Richerenches, Grillon, and Visan.
Richerenches was the ancient residence of the Commander of the Templars who specialised in breeding horses for the Crusade. At that time it was a prosperous, commercial town. Today, Richerenches earns its keep thanks to truffles and vineyards. Grapevines and olive trees cover all three domains. |
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