A decorative pool made of almost 55,000 colored terracotta tiles gives the Jardin Romain in Caumont-Sur-Durance a distinctive archaeological character. On Colline de Piécaud, by contrast, the focus is on panoramic views, hiking and birdwatching. These different highlights can help you decide whether you are looking for garden history or a nature experience.
Roman garden design at the Jardin Romain
The Jardin Romain is a restored and landscaped Gallo-Roman garden on the site of a Roman villa dating from the 1st century. The reconstructed garden covers 12,000 m² and comprises eight themed gardens; admission is free. The overall area and themed sections convey the scale of the site, while the decorative pool highlights a clearly defined archaeological feature.
The decorative pool is 65 meters long and 3.20 meters wide. It is paved with almost 55,000 colored terracotta tiles in opus spicatum and is considered the largest decorative pool known to date in Gaul. Its dimensions, material and laying technique offer a tangible point of interest for anyone interested in Roman garden design. Its length is just over twenty times its width, making the pool’s elongated shape easy to appreciate.
Views and nature on Colline de Piécaud
The orientation table on Colline de Piécaud offers panoramic views of Mont Ventoux, the Alpilles, the Durance and the surrounding agricultural plain. The hill, with the Sentier de la Garance, also offers a hike with exceptional views and is suitable for nature and ornithology enthusiasts. Migratory birds can also be spotted there.
Due to its rich biodiversity, Colline de Piécaud is designated an “Espace Naturel Sensible” (sensitive natural area). If this designation is important to your plans, check its current status in advance. At the Jardin Romain, the reconstructed garden and its Roman context are the main focus, while on the hill the emphasis is on scenery, hiking and birdwatching.
Festival and bus connection
The Demoiselle Festival is celebrated in Caumont-Sur-Durance every year on the third Sunday in September. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the program for the relevant date.
Orizo connects Avignon and Caumont-Sur-Durance with bus routes 22 and 907. Check the current timetable and route before traveling, as routes and times are subject to change by the operator.
Nougat tour by appointment
The LAURMAR confectionery between Avignon and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue offers tours by appointment. You can see how traditional Provençal nougat is made. This glimpse into food craftsmanship offers a different focus from the garden and the hill. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm availability before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Mornas, Taillades, Peypin-D'aigues, Vacqueyras, Bonnieux, Gignac, Cheval-Blanc, Lagnes
For the wider travel guide: Vaucluse.
