Althen-Des-Paluds brings together a distinctive history of madder cultivation, churches, bridges and waterways. The former Moulin des Gaffins and the statue of Jean Althen recall madder cultivation; historic buildings in Saint-Albergaty add architecture and irrigation to the story. There are also walks focused on flowers and birds, as well as fishing on the Sorgue de Velleron. Cultural history and activities by the water offer different ways to enjoy a stay.
Madder history and former uses
The former Moulin des Gaffins was a factory that produced madder powder and dates from 1882. Since 2016, it has been listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments. A statue of Jean Althen in the town hall square recalls the history of madder cultivation. The two places point to different aspects of the story: the mill represents the former production of madder powder, while the statue commemorates its cultivation.
The town hall also tells the story of a former use: since 1887, it has been housed in a former 18th-century church. The campanile of this building is listed as a historic monument. Unlike the former factory, the town hall illustrates the shift from religious to municipal use. The town’s architectural history can therefore be explored not only through dates of construction, but also through the functions of its buildings.
Churches and architectural history
The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption adds another church building to the picture. Construction of the larger church was completed in 1862. Its 35-metre-high bell tower is one of the tallest in the Vaucluse département. Together with the former church that now houses the town hall, it illustrates different chapters in the local history of church architecture: one church has a tower that is tall by département standards, while the other is a former church building that has served as the town hall since 1887.
Saint-Albergaty and its bridges
Saint-Albergaty is the oldest hamlet in Althen-Des-Paluds. Its architecture combines Renaissance buildings with 19th-century architecture in an unusual way. The Saint-Albergaty bridge dates from 1589 and is part of the irrigation system laid out across the plain during the Renaissance. The structure therefore reveals not only its age, but also a specific historical purpose: irrigating the plain.
The Pont Naquet offers a different perspective. It was built over the Sorgue de Velleron in 1845. Comparing the bridges highlights their different contexts: the Saint-Albergaty bridge is part of an irrigation system, while the Pont Naquet crosses a named waterway. Together with the hamlet’s architectural mix, they offer several perspectives on architectural history and water engineering.
Water and walks
The Sorgue de Velleron is one of the waterways that encircle Althen-Des-Paluds. People fish at Pont Naquet on the Sorgue. Les Sorgues Vertes offers themed walks focusing on flowers and birds along the banks of the Sorgues, beside canals, or at the former paper mill in Saint-Albergaty. Each walk has its own distinct focus and setting: nature and water are central, as is a former industrial site.
The Jardin de Montecarlo in Althen-Des-Paluds is also associated with pleasant walks. Visitors interested in architecture and history will find different points of interest from those who prefer walks or fishing. This comparison can help you plan a stay around your own interests without combining the different activities into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Jonquerettes, Lioux, Modène, Le Beaucet, Maubec, L'isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Camaret-Sur-Aigues, Fontaine-De-Vaucluse
For the full travel guide, see Vaucluse.
