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Vaucluse - Churches, monasteries, oratories, France

Vaucluse Tourism

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SPIRITUAL ELEVATION
Enter a cloister, and let your mind wander. Walk
along the country lane lined with cypress, to the
chapel in the vineyards, drinking in the silence
and the light. Go into the church, where the cool
dark interior refreshes after the heat of the
summer countryside… Churches in Provence mean
very simple, strong sensations.

They can be brilliant, splendid, majestic. And they
can be simple, discrete, modest. Every architectural
style has been expressed in the churches in
Vaucluse. The splendor of the Papal presence came
during the Gothic period. Baroque then followed,
deploying its charm in triumphant decorative
profusion. However, Romanesque architecture
truly left its mark on the churches and chapels in
the countryside and villages in Provence. The
purity of the lines suits the southern sun to
perfection. The sobriety of Romanesque
architecture allies with the natural beauty of the
stone which is so abundant in Vaucluse. The
strong presence of Roman architecture inspired the
harmonious Romanesque style. Medieval
spirituality has drawn the face of Provence. The
mistral wind itself has left its mark, inspiring the
light but strong wrought iron campaniles, through
which the wind can freely blow.

UPPER VAUCLUSE
Notre Dame de Nazareth Cathedral and Cloister
in Vaison la Romaine
This cathedral was built atop Gallo-Roman foundations
and dates from the 6th century. The adjoining cloister
gallery houses archeological finds and a Christian
sarcophagus. Guided visits available from the Tourism
Office during the summer or by appointment. Entrance fee.
T. 33 (0)4 90 36 02 11 - F. 33 (0)4 90 28 76 04

MONT VENTOUX
Saint Siffrein Cathedral in Carpentras
Saint Siffrein Cathedral, a good example of southern
Gothic architecture, was built over a period of more
than one hundred years, between 1405 and 1519,
which explains the diversity of architectural styles.
The present cathedral was built where three other
churches had previously stood. You can see the
vestiges of the 12th century Romanesque church on the
northern side of the apse. You can enter the church
through two doors, one of which is called the “Jewish
door”, on the south side. This is a beautiful example of
flamboyant Gothic architecture. The main door enters
through the classical façade which was added in the
17th century. The richly decorated interior has lovely
wrought iron doors, 17th and 18th century marble
altars, paintings by Mignard, Parrocel, Duplessis, a
primitive from the Avignon School, and a set of gilded
statues by the Comtadin sculptor Jacques Bernus
(1650-1728). The Cathedral’s treasure holds religious
gold work from the 12th to the 19th centuries, vestments
from the 18th to 19th centuries, and the “Holy Bit”.
Place Général de Gaulle
T. 33 (0)4 90 63 08 33

Notre Dame de Venasque and Baptistry
(See registered villages pages)
Place du Presbytère
T. 33 (0)4 90 66 62 01 - F. 33 (0)4 90 66 40 46
Walking Paths to Discover the Chapels
on Mont Ventoux in Bedoin
This is an itinerary to discover the chapels around
the towns of Brantes, Malaucène, Beaumont du
Ventoux, Monieux, Aurel, Bedoin, Entrechaux, Le
Barroux. Brochure available from the Vaucluse
Tourism Board and in the Tourism Offices in
Bedoin, Malaucène, Monieux and Sault.
Free of charge, walk on own
Public: General public

LUBERON
Saint Hilaire Priory in Ménerbes
In the valley, facing the Luberon, a beautiful
Romanesque priory built by the Carmel fathers and
consistently expanded to meet the needs of monastic
life and adapt to changing times. See the Renaissance
stairway, the 17th century cloister, the vestiges of the
dovecotes which are among the oldest in Provence.
This cloister has been privately owned since 1961 but
can be visited (closed in winter). It has been a
registered historical monument since 1975.
Entrance fee.

Abbaye Notre Dame de Sénanque in Gordes
Notre Dame de Sénanque abbey is one of the three
Cistercian abbeys in Provence. There are a limited
number of guided visits for small groups, in French
during the week. Visits last approximately one hour
and discover the 12th century buildings – cloister,
church, chapter room, dormitories, chauffoir... The
monastic community places strict emphasis on the
religious nature of the premises devoted to prayer.
Silence and correct clothing are requested. Advance
reservations required.
Route de Murs
T. 33 (0)4 90 72 05 72 - F. 33 (0)4 90 72 15 70