Villes-sur-Auzon lies at the foot of Mont Ventoux and at the entrance to the Gorges de la Nesque. Old fountains, lanes, squares and plane trees define this Provençal village. The surrounding area offers ways to explore local history, go for walks and cycle. When looking for accommodation, you can consider whether your stay will focus mainly on village history, outdoor activities or regional produce.
Village history among lanes and gates
The Grand Portail is the only surviving gate of Villes-sur-Auzon’s former fortified enclosure. Its gable is made of dressed stone. A walking tour with historical information panels explains the history of various districts and how they have changed over the centuries. An inscription on the village church bears the words “République Française”. These details offer different perspectives on the village: a surviving part of its former fortifications, the development of its districts and an inscription on the church building.
On foot and by bike: different scales
The marked Sentier de découverte is near the stadium. It passes through mountain vegetation and by traces of human activity, with information panels along the way. The Sentier des citernes can be started in the village and leads through a landscape of slopes and gorges, where you can discover numerous cisterns fed by rainwater. The focus differs: one trail combines vegetation and traces of human use with information panels, while the other draws attention to the cisterns and their water supply.
The Sentier des charbonnières starts about eight kilometres from Villes-sur-Auzon on the D1 road towards Sault. It leads to around twenty historic charcoal-making sites and offers views of the landscape. For cycling plans, the distances and elevation figures for two other outings are useful: the summit of Mont Ventoux is 25 kilometres away by road; the actual climb is 18 kilometres long, with an average gradient of ten per cent. Check conditions and access before setting out. A cycling route through the Gorges de la Nesque to the Belvédère covers 38 kilometres there and back, with 400 metres of elevation gain and views into the bottom of the gorge. When comparing the two, it is important to note that the 18 kilometres refer to the actual climb up Ventoux, while the 38 kilometres for the Nesque route include the return journey.
Ochre, vineyards and cherry trees
Ochre-coloured soils, vineyards and cherry trees shape the landscape around Villes-sur-Auzon. Cherries and table and wine grapes are part of the village’s agricultural profile. Villes-sur-Auzon is also at the centre of AOC Ventoux wine and table grape production; grapes are marketed under AOC and AOP designations. The wines and table grapes are celebrated each year in late September at the Muscat des Terrasses grape festival. If you would like to include the area’s agricultural tradition in your travel plans, this annual event offers a specific seasonal reference point.
Climbing and other activities
The Combe de l’Ermitage natural climbing site is near Villes-sur-Auzon and caters to beginners as well as experienced climbers. The sports complex includes a football pitch, tennis courts, a skate park and a swimming pool; there is also a children’s playground. Some facilities may be open seasonally. If you plan to visit one of them, check that it is accessible beforehand. This makes it easier to choose the focus of your stay: the trails and landscape, historic details in the village or a particular leisure activity.
Discover more destinations: BĂ©darrides, Crestet, Villedieu, Sorgues, Lourmarin, Menerbes, Castellet, La Roque-Alric
For the regional travel overview: Vaucluse.
