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Fontaine de Vaucluse, at the source of the Sorgue
At the end of a deep green gorge, at the foot of a formidable cliff sculpted by erosion, gushes the most beautiful river of the department, the Sorgue. It is this valley, from the Latin "Vallis Clausa" (or Closed Valley), which gave its name to the Vaucluse.
The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse is an emblematic place in the Vaucluse, and people love to stroll through the village in all seasons to admire the deep green waters of the Sorgue, to refresh themselves by the water under the shade of the large plane trees, to discover the work of the many craftsmen (santon makers, glass blowers, etc.) or to visit the various museums.
Fountain of Vaucluse, the biggest spring in Europe
With an average total flow of 630 million m3 per year, this spring is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world, in terms of the volume of water flowing. It is the result of the emergence of an immense underground network.
Fresh and peaceful in summer, bubbling and impetuous in spring, the Fountain is a true caprice of nature that never ceases to amaze...
The village's craftsmen and businesses
In Fontaine de Vaucluse, you will discover a multitude of craftsmen exhibiting their work in the covered gallery Vallis Clausa and on the banks of the Sorgue: santon makers, glass blowers, potters etc.
On the way up to the spring, you will also pass by the colourful stalls of the local traders and the Provencal market.
After the effort, the comfort: after this small walk, you will appreciate all the places to have a drink or to offer you a good ice cream on one of the terraces at the edge of water! A pleasant outing to refresh yourself and stroll around in a festive and lively atmosphere :)
The Paper Museum
The Vallis Clausa paper mill in Fontaine de Vaucluse will make you discover the ancestral techniques that date back to the 15th century.
The museum brings back memories of the region's paper-making past.
Come and discover the moving wheel, the camshaft, the mallets... and you will know everything about the functioning of a mill and the making of paper.
You can also buy various products in the shop, such as writing paper, parchments, posters, cards, and all the products for calligraphy.
Visit to the museum: free
More about the museum: Paper Museum
The Medieval Castle
Perched on the immense rocky outcrop that surrounds the Sorgue resurgence, the ruins of the former Château des Evêques de Cavaillon still overlook Fontaine de Vaucluse today.
Built in the 12th century, this medieval castle became the summer residence of Philippe de Cabassole, Bishop of Cavaillon at the time.
The poet François Pétrarque, who retired to Fontaine de Vaucluse, became his friend and often visited him.
There is a signposted walk from the village tourist office.
Canoeing down the Sorgue river
On a hot summer's day, the whole family can canoe down the Sorgue on an 8km trip from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
=> 2 service providers available:
Canoé Evasion
Kayak Vert Canoe