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5 art museums to discover around Mont Ventoux
L’Inguimbertine, the library-museum of Carpentras
Its reopening has been awaited for about ten years. The majestic Hôtel-Dieu , built in the 18th century at the request of Bishop d'Inguimbert, has been admirably restored to house the only library-museum in France . Past the historical gallery that traces the history of the city and the Comtat Venaissin, we delve into the intimacy of the study rooms that bring together the exceptional collection of old books of the former bishop of Carpentras: medieval manuscripts , incunabula , rare printed works , etc. The fine arts gallery brings together a superb collection of paintings by regional artists from the 18th and 19th centuries : portraits by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis, landscapes by Joseph-Xavier Bidauld, genre scenes by Évariste de Valernes, orientalist paintings by Jules Laurens.
L'Inguimbertine - 180 pl. Aristide-Briand, 84200 Carpentras - Tel. 04 90 95 23 70 - www.inguimbertine.carpentras.fr
The Petit Palais museum in Avignon
You probably know the Palais des Papes , but have you been curious enough to venture to the foot of the imposing building that closes the view of the square? This former 14th century cardinal's palace , which became the Palais des archevêques , now houses a unique collection of Italian paintings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (13th - 16th centuries ) . Among its remarkable works are the Venus with three putti and a Virgin and Child by the great Florentine master Botticelli. A section is also devoted to the Provençal school, as well as Romanesque and Gothic sculptures. But this is only the tree that hides the forest, because Avignon has many other museums – Calvet, Lapidaire, Requien and Palais du Roure – which complement each other and offer several thousand works of art. The icing on the cake is that all these municipal museums are free !
Petit Palais Museum - 21 pla. du Palais-des-Papes, 84000 Avignon - www.petit-palais.org
The Orange Museum of Art and History
Although it is somewhat overshadowed by the monumental stage wall of the best-preserved ancient theatre in the Western world, the Orange Museum of Art and History is a good introduction to a visit to its illustrious neighbour . Housed in a 17th century mansion , it traces the history of the town from prehistory to the present day and brings together, among other things, archaeological remains from the theatre's decor or discovered during local excavations. Unique in the world are the impressive fragments of three cadastral maps engraved on marble in the 1st century, on the orders of Emperor Vespasian. 
Museum of Art and History - R. Madeleine Roch, 84100 Orange - Tel. 04 90 51 17 60 - www. theatre-antique.com
The Marceau Constantin Museum in Saint-Christol
Another place, another time. To the east of Ventoux, the small village of Saint-Christol pays tribute to the local boy, the painter Marius Constantin (1918-2017), who was close to several modern artistic movements, from figurative to quasi-abstract, and exhibited all over the world. The museum dedicated to him allows you to admire 200 of his works, very graphic and vibrantly colored paintings , but also illustrations , engravings , serigraphs , ceramics , sculptures ... An original universe to discover in the middle of the lavender fields of the Albion plateau.
Marceau Constantin Museum – 18 L e cours, 84390 Saint-Christol - Tel. 06 84 37 96 76 - www.musee-marceau-constantin.com
The foundation of the Villa Datris, in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
If antique dealers and second-hand dealers have made L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's reputation, it is contemporary sculpture that is the focus at Villa Datris. This elegant Provençal residence with its colorful façade hosts exhibitions every year that are as eclectic as they are delightful, showcasing emerging talents as well as nationally or internationally renowned artists. On the 2024 program, " Faire corps" invites 65 artists from around the world to share their vision of the body. The visit ends in the delightful little sculpture garden hidden behind the house, on the banks of the Sorgue.
Villa Datris - 7 rue des Quatre-Otages, 84800 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - www.fondationvilladatris.com
The art of welcoming at Slow Provence
After having navigated between nature and culture, you will only have to reach your vacation spot. To do this, trust the Slow Provence agency , which will be able to offer you a wide selection of vacation rentals around Mont Ventoux , a stone's throw from the trails... and museums !