Luberon: Fontaine de Vaucluse, Roussillon, The Ochre valley
Provence - The Luberon massif
Walk - About 1h + 45 min + 45 min - 5€
(ex. suppl.2€)
Novel
These 3 audio guides will help you understand the fusion between the landscape and the architecture.
We’ll explore the Fontaine de Vaucluse: it’s true that the village itself is charming and we’ll be reminded that the Italian poet Petrarch found refuge here. However, it’s above all the great 1,000-foot high cliff and the river that gushes at its base that will draw our attention. This source is ranked as having the 5th largest volume of flow in the world.
At the village of Roussillon, two more audio tours are available. One will take you through the Ochre Path which is located by the village. The path takes us down into a pretty little valley filled with the flora that is so characteristic of these ochre sands. As we climb back up again, we’ll come across some unusual spires formed in the ochre – these are known as Fairy Chimneys and have been sculpted by the wind.
The other tour is a visit of Roussillon itself. You’ll stroll through the picturesque maze of lanes and little squares. Under the belfry a vaulted passage leads to the old part of the village and the castrum, or walled castle, where the memory of Lady Sirmonde’s love affair still lingers.
Places and topics covered
1 : Fontaine de Vaucluse : walk by the Sorgue, springs, poet Francesco Petrarca, mills 2 :The Ochre Path : geology, vegetation, quarrying of ochre 3 : Roussillon : castle, view over the valley and the Luberon mountains
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Informations
Author: Elizabeth Petitjean Departure point: Village square in Fontaine de Vaucluse Access: By car Comments:The Fontaine de Vaucluse: Our audio tour begins on the village square. The village itself is located some 19 miles to the east of Avignon. Set off from there on the N100 as far as Ile sur Sorgue where you’ll pick up the D25. You’ll be able to park in the large car parks outside the village. Roussillon: leave your car in the paying car park at the entrance to the village. You’ll pick up signs there directing you to the famous “Chemin des Ocres”. When you’ve completed your walk along the Ochre Path you can continue with the tour of Roussillon.
