Cité Médiévale

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Wandering around Vaison-la-Romaine's wonderful medieval quarter, you could be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into a forgotten set from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Ringed by ramparts and accessed via the pretty Pont Romain (Roman Bridge), it's a fascinating place to explore, criss-crossed by cobbled alleyways. Look out for the elaborate carvings around many of the doorways as you climb up towards the 12th-century château and its wrap-around vistas.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Nazareth

0.33 MILES

The peaceful 12th-century Romanesque cloister at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Nazareth is a five-minute walk west of La Villasse – and a great spot to find…

2. Gallo-Roman Ruins

0.33 MILES

The ruined remains of Vasio Vocontiorum, the Roman city that flourished here between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC, fill two central Vaison sites. Two…

3. Abbaye Ste-Madeleine

4.69 MILES

Two kilometres north of Le Barroux along thread-narrow lanes, this abbey hears Gregorian chants sung by Benedictine monks at 9.30am daily (10am Sundays…

4. Château du Barroux

7.08 MILES

Built in the 12th century to protect Le Barroux from Saracen invaders, Château du Barroux is one of Provence's few castles. Its fortunes rose and fell,…

5. Synagogue de Carpentras

12.7 MILES

Carpentras’ remarkable synagogue dates from 1367 and is the oldest still in use in France. Although Jews were initially welcomed into papal territory, by…

6. Arc Romain

12.74 MILES

Hidden behind Cathédrale St-Siffrein, the Arc Romain was built under Augustus in the 1st century AD and is decorated with worn carvings of enslaved Gauls.

7. Cathédrale St-Siffrein

12.77 MILES

Carpentras’ cathedral was built between 1405 and 1519 in meridional Gothic style, but is crowned by a distinctive contemporary bell tower. Its Trésor d…

8. Église St-Florent

14.89 MILES

This Franciscan church was established in the 14th century and was the burial place of the princes of Baux. It was heavily damaged in the Wars of Religion.