Crillon-le-Brave offers points of interest in cultural history and natural scenery: two chapels, the parish church of Saint-Romain and two routes with distinct characteristics. When planning your stay, you can weigh up whether the history of religious buildings or a route with views and changing landscapes should shape it more. The differences below can help you choose your focus.
Chapels and Local History
The ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Michel lie on the plain, away from the hilltop village. They have been listed as a historic monument since 23 February 2011. The Chapelle Saint-Michel is characteristic of the Romanesque architecture of Provence.
Another historical trace leads to the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Accès. It was built in 1721 in honour of Saint Roch, in response to the plague that began in Marseille in 1720 and spread through Provence. Its construction the following year directly links the chapel to that outbreak of plague. The chapel preserves numerous votive offerings. A votive offering is a religious gift made in connection with a request or an expression of gratitude; here, the offerings add another aspect of religious practice to the historical account. A pilgrimage to the chapel still takes place in early September. If you would like to plan your stay around this occasion, check the exact date for the year in question before travelling. The two chapels have distinct historical associations: Saint-Michel is Romanesque in character, while Notre-Dame des Accès was built in the context of the plague.
Architecture at Saint-Romain
The parish church of Saint-Romain offers a different architectural perspective. It features Romanesque architecture with Gothic alterations and has a nave with four bays. A bay is a section of the nave; the detail gives a clearer picture of its layout. The church also houses a wooden altarpiece by Bernus. Compared with the Chapelle Saint-Michel, which is characteristic of the Romanesque architecture of Provence, Saint-Romain also draws attention to its Gothic alterations and specific details of the nave and furnishings.
Routes with Different Highlights
The third stage of the “Tour du Ventoux” runs from Veaux to Crillon-le-Brave along a ridge and offers beautiful views of Mont Ventoux. If the view of Mont Ventoux is what matters most to you, this stage is specifically noted for its vistas.
The “Circuit Pédestre - Bédoin Crillon” is a walking route. It takes in landscapes ranging from garrigue and olive groves to vineyards, and offers the chance to discover the small village of Crillon-le-Brave. The two routes therefore have different highlights: the ridge and views of Ventoux on the stage, and changing landscapes and village exploration on the circuit. Check the conditions on your chosen route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Lourmarin, Seguret, Malemort-Du-Comtat, Aubignan, Cadenet, Althen-Des-Paluds, Cavaillon, Cabrières D'aigues
For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.
