History in many forms

In Avignon-Montfavet, Memento brings together the Département’s archaeological service, departmental archives and museum collections in an 11,000-square-metre heritage centre. Archaeology, archival work and museum collections are housed under one roof; Memento is also dedicated to preserving and presenting 3,000 years of history. As an introduction to Vaucluse, this place draws attention not to a single monument, but to the different ways history is collected and shared.

The centre includes temporary and permanent digital exhibitions, a 150-seat auditorium, educational spaces and an adjoining reading room. The combination of exhibition formats and spaces gives Memento a broad profile: digital presentations sit alongside facilities for learning, events and reading. The different areas complement its archaeological, archival and museum focus without limiting it to a single era.

Other museums each have their own focus. The Musée-bibliothèque François Pétrarque in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is dedicated to the Italian humanist and poet Petrarch. The Musée du Cartonnage et de l’Imprimerie showcases industrial expertise in packaging and printing. The Musée d’Histoire Jean Garcin 1939-1945 traces the Second World War in Provence. The cultural offering thus ranges from an individual historical figure to industrial skills and contemporary history.

Architecture and historic sites

Avignon’s historic centre, with the Palais des papes, the episcopal ensemble and the Pont d’Avignon, is an exceptional example of medieval architecture. In Orange, a different architectural history takes centre stage: the Théâtre antique d’Orange is one of the best-preserved large Roman theatres. The Arc de Triomphe d’Orange dates from between 10 and 25. Together, these sites show how architecture offers different ways to explore history—from a medieval ensemble to a large Roman theatre and a structure with a precise date.

Landscapes, trails and water

Vaucluse combines mountain and plain landscapes that can be explored on walks and hikes. A distinctive landscape feature is the Luberon ochre massif: it is protected and classified for its landscape, historical and picturesque character. The Côtes-du-Luberon appellation also has a specific geographical connection; it corresponds roughly to the Luberon limestone massif and its foothills in Vaucluse. Tourist routes also focus on wine and lavender landscapes. Marked hiking trails lead to the summit of Mont Ventoux. These offer different options, from themed routes to a clearly defined hiking destination.

Experiences on the water also vary. Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and pedal boating are available at Lac de Monteux. Lac du Paty is used for swimming and is also a waypoint on the GR de Pays Tour des Dentelles de Montmirail. If you would like to swim there, check local swimming conditions before your visit. Lac du Paty therefore combines swimming and a hiking route, while Lac de Monteux is characterised by its range of water activities.

Seven villages in Vaucluse, classified as Plus Beaux Villages de France, offer another point of cultural interest. Together with the museums, historic buildings and landscapes, they provide different ways to shape your trip around your interests: focusing on history and architecture, following trails through the countryside, or enjoying activities on the water.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mondragon, Althen-Des-Paluds, Ansouis, Apt, Aubignan, Avignon, Beaumes De Venise, Beaumont-Du-Ventoux, Bédarrides, Bédoin, Blauvac, Bollene, Bonnieux, Buisson, Buoux, Cabrières D'aigues, Cabrières-D'avignon, Cadenet, Cairanne, Caromb, Carpentras, Caseneuve, Cavaillon, Châteauneuf-De-Gadagne, Cheval-Blanc, Cucuron, Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue, Entrechaux, Faucon, Fontaine-De-Vaucluse, Gargas, Gigondas, Gordes, Goult, Grambois, Jonquerettes, Jonquières, L'isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, La Bastide-Des-Jourdans, La Bastidonne, La Motte-D'aigues, La Tour-D'aigues, Lacoste, Lagarde-D'apt, Lagnes, Lauris, Le Beaucet, Le Boisset, Le Thor, Lioux, Loriol-Du-Comtat, Lourmarin, Malaucene, Maubec, Mazan, Menerbes, Merindol, Mirabeau, Monieux, Monteux, Morières-Lès-Avignon, Murs, Oppède, Oppède-Le-Vieux, Orange, Pernes-Les-Fontaines, Pertuis, Piolenc, Puyméras, Puyvert, Rasteau, Roaix, Robion, Rochegude, Roussillon, Rustrel, Saignon, Saint-Marcellin-Lès-Vaison, Saint-Martin-De-Castillon, Saint-Romain-En-Viennois, Saint-Roman-De-Malegarde, Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Avignon, Sainte-Cécile-Les-Vignes, Sarrians, Sault-De-Vaucluse, Saumane-De-Vaucluse, Seguret, Sérignan-Du-Comtat, Sorgues, Taillades, Travaillan, Vaison-La-Romaine, Vaugines, Velleron, Venasque, Viens, Villars, Villedieu, Villelaure, Villes-Sur-Auzon, Grillon, Valreas, Visan, Peypin-D'aigues, Saint-Martin-De-La-Brasque, Savoillan, Joucas, Flassan, Camaret-Sur-Aigues, Saint Didier, Mormoiron, Vitrolles-En-Lubéron, La Roque-Sur-Pernes, Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Apt, Sablet, Lagarde-Pareol, Mornas, Crillon-Le-Brave, Lafare, Vedène, Vacqueyras, Montfavet, Le Pontet, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Beaumettes, Les Tourrettes, Brantes, La Roque-Alric, Saint-Christol, Richerenches, Caumont-Sur-Durance, Violès, Le Barroux, Castellet, Auribeau, Sannes, Puget, Saint-Pierre-De-Vassols, Saint-Léger-Du-Ventoux, Uchaux, Aurel, Méthamis, Courthézon, Caderousse, Modène, Saint-Trinit, Lapalud, Crestet, Malemort-Du-Comtat, Lamotte-Du-Rhône, Gignac, Beaumont-De-Pertuis, Sivergues, Saint-Hippolyte-le-Graveyron, Saint-Pantaléon

For the regional travel overview: Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur.