Pernes-Les-Fontaines brings together 41 fountains, architectural heritage, two museums with distinct themes and trails for outdoor activities. If you are looking for accommodation, these themes can help you plan your stay: you can focus on culture or spend more time on the trails. The options range from cycling history and the war years to circular routes for hiking and trail running.
Fountains and architectural heritage
The 41 fountains are a distinctive local feature. Another way to explore the history of the town is the Tour de l'Horloge, a former keep of the Château des Comtes de Toulouse. From its terrace, panoramic views stretch across Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Architectural history and views come together here in one place.
The Tour Ferrande is an important heritage monument in Pernes-Les-Fontaines. The former Augustinian church has a different cultural role: it serves as a cultural centre and hosts concerts and performances. As the programme may vary, it is worth checking the dates if you want to include a particular event in your stay.
Two museums, different themes
The Musée Comtadin du Cycle presents more than 150 years of cycling history. Its collection spans from Pierre Michaux's 1869 velocipede to a time-trial bicycle made entirely of carbon. These two examples represent very different points in cycling history and give the subject a concrete historical framework.
The Musée de la Résistance de Pernes-les-Fontaines focuses on objects, writings, books and documents from the Second World War. The collection covers the Resistance, deportation and the Maquis. This gives the museum a historical focus that differs clearly from the technology and cycling history of the Musée Comtadin du Cycle.
Greenway and circular routes
The Via Venaissia is a greenway that connects Orange with Velleron and passes through Pernes-Les-Fontaines. Several circular routes for hiking and trail running also start in the town, allowing you to explore the surrounding area and natural landscapes. The routes offer different experiences: the Via Venaissia connects two towns, while the circular routes start in Pernes.
Some outdoor circular routes follow the Canal de Carpentras and take in the hill of Puy Bricon. Pernes-Les-Fontaines is also located in the Parc Naturel Régional du Mont Ventoux. If you are weighing up culture against outdoor activities for your stay, these places and trails offer different ways to plan your time, without requiring a particular itinerary.
Discover local crafts
The Ateliers de Pernes also add to the town's cultural offerings. Some workshops run introductory sessions throughout the year, where you can learn about their craft. What is on offer depends on each workshop. If a workshop is important to your trip, ask the relevant workshop about dates.
Discover more destinations: La Motte-D'aigues, Saignon, Goult, Buoux, Morières-Lès-Avignon, Lagnes, Rasteau, Saint-Pantaléon
For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.
