At the heart of Fontaine-De-Vaucluse is La Fontaine de Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue and the most significant exsurgence in mainland France. Its annual outflow is 630 to 700 million cubic metres. This gives the village a clear focus on nature; museums, paper craft and historic buildings offer further perspectives. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether the spring, culture or historic craftsmanship is especially important for your stay.
Collections and paper craft
The Musée-bibliothèque François Pétrarque presents collections on the Renaissance and humanism, as well as the spread of Petrarch’s writings in Europe. The range of topics therefore extends from intellectual movements to the history of texts. Groups and school classes are welcomed throughout the year by prior reservation. Options include self-guided visits, guided tours and educational workshops.
The Moulin à Papier – Vallis Clausa offers a different perspective: paper is made by hand there, as it was in the 15th century. Paper-making was an important activity in the village until the middle of the 20th century. The demonstration of the process and its former importance in the village can thus be considered side by side. The Musée-bibliothèque focuses on writings and ideas, while the Moulin explores handcraft production and its history in the village.
Buildings and historical traces
The Aqueduc de Galas has 13 semicircular arches, each with a span of 9 metres. It is 159 metres long overall and more than 24 metres high. The dimensions can be read on two levels: the span describes an individual arch, while the length and height describe the structure as a whole.
The ruins of the Château were entered on a list by decree dated 12 January 1931. The Oppidum de Bondelon illustrates a fortified settlement. The two details highlight different aspects: for the Château, the dated listing is a specific point of reference; Bondelon conveys the function of a fortified settlement.
Digital tour and traces of old routes
The experiences differ in how they work: Explore Fontaine is a smartphone-based audio-guided tour through the village, with QR codes leading to seven sights. The Bondelon circular route focuses on former cart tracks. Polished wheel ruts, known as Rodans, make these tracks visible. Check the latest route details for Explore Fontaine before setting off; access restrictions may apply to the Bondelon circular route depending on the season.
Bicycle service at the village entrance
At the Vergnes car park at the entrance to Fontaine-De-Vaucluse, there is a self-service bicycle repair station. It offers tools for minor repairs, such as inflating tyres and tightening components. If you need a specific tool, check before your visit whether the station is available and suitably equipped.
Discover more destinations: Lapalud, Mormoiron, Richerenches, Althen-Des-Paluds, Villedieu, Saignon, Grambois, Taillades.
For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.
