Vaison-la-Romaine… The name makes its history clear, as "Romaine" means "Roman" in French! This town in Vaucluse indeed has a rich Roman heritage represented by the impressive remains of Villasse and Puymin. Covering fifteen or so hectares, the two sites are evidence of the scale and splendour of the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vasio, forming France's biggest archaeological site! On the Puymin site, the Théo Desplans Museum contains some wonderful archaeological collections: marble statues, funerary and everyday objects, and fresco and mosaic decorations. A listed Historic Monument, the single arch Roman bridge over the Ouvèze connects the town centre to the Upper Town (Haute Ville), providing another reminder of this rich ancient past.
Vaison-la-Romaine also has a medieval heritage that is very much in evidence. Discover it on a walk around the Upper Town, after crossing the Roman bridge. Perched on a rock, this picturesque neighbourhood is protected by a double enclosure of ramparts and a fortified door topped by a belfry, marking the entrance to the medieval town. As you stroll around, you can admire beautiful houses, pretty squares and art galleries. A wander along the charming lanes will lead you to an old cathedral dating from the 15th to 18th centuries as well as the castle of the Counts of Toulouse. Accessible via a steep path, this ruined building dates back to the 12th century and offers a splendid view of Vaison and the surrounding area from its forecourt!
A beautiful example of Provençal Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth and its peaceful cloister date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, of which a few vestiges still remain, the church has kept a fine octagonal cupola adorned with the symbols of the Four Evangelists. In the same architectural style, the Chapel of St. Quenin is interesting with its 12th-century triangular apse and lavish carved decorations.
Before you leave, pay a visit to the Garden of the 9 Maidens (Jardin des 9 Damoiselles), a poetic and philosophical space featuring 81 carved granite stones! Nine of them represent the nine European cities of culture in the year 2000. And each one is engraved with a quote from a local poet, in its original language and translated into French.
