Vaison-la-Romaine

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A place of vital significance in the early history of Provence, Vaision-la-Romaine extends on both sides of the river Ouvèze, with an upper self-contained medieval quarter with the look and character of a hill-village. Encircled by fragments of its medieval walls, its many cedars giving it a certain Tuscan character, this is a place of tranquility and slightly decayed charm which contrasts heavily with the bustle of the lower town. Standing exposed on its bare rock summit is the imposing shell of the castle of the Counts of Toulouse, from the terrace of which you can appreciate to the full the beauty of Mont Ventoux, capped by its white limestone crest which creates an impression of perpetual snows.

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The narrow river of the Ouvèze, spanned here by a one-arched Roman bridge, flows between the low-lying new town of Vaison and the rocky spur on which the medieval settlement, characterized by its fortress-like houses, is built. _____________________________________________

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