Located in Provence, this Roman-era town has well-preserved 1st-century ruins, medieval stone houses, and a 13th-century castle perched on a cliff above the Ouvèze River.
Vaison-la-Romaine in southern France sits on both sides of the Ouvèze River, with Roman ruins below and a medieval town above. Walk over a 1st-century stone bridge to reach the upper area, where a 12th-century castle overlooks terraced streets. Explore excavated Roman homes with mosaic floors at Puymin and La Villasse, or watch a play in the ancient theater. On Tuesdays, stalls fill the modern town center with fresh peaches, lavender soap, and handmade baskets. The area includes vineyards near Mont Ventoux and paths leading to cliffs like the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Exploring Roman Homes and Theaters
Vaison-la-Romaine’s lower town holds two main Roman excavation areas. At La Villasse, stone streets lead to the Maison au Dauphin, a large home with a fountain carved with dolphin designs. Nearby, the Maison à la Tonnelle displays stone presses once used for making olive oil. The Puymin site includes a theater that seats 3,000 people, where summer dance festivals now take place. Inside the adjacent museum, you’ll find marble statues of Roman leaders and detailed floor mosaics from local villas. Buy a combined ticket for €9 (adults) or €4 (ages 10–17) to enter both sites and the museum within a single day.
Upper Town’s Medieval Streets and Castle
The stone bridge connects to narrow, sloping streets lined with homes from the 1500s. Follow the path upward to the Château Comtal, a fortress built by medieval rulers, where you can see across the town’s rooftops to Mont Ventoux. Along the way, notice the arched belfry gate, part of the old defensive walls, and the Église Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth. This church has columns dating back to the 600s and a courtyard with carvings of animals and plants. The uneven steps and cobblestones require shoes with good grip, but the route passes small shops selling pottery and woven goods.
The 1st-Century Bridge and River Changes
The Roman bridge, still used daily, links the town’s two halves. A metal plaque on its side shows how high the water rose during the 1992 flood, which destroyed buildings and swept away cars. Today, the Ouvèze River flows calmly below, with gravel banks where people picnic or wade in summer. Poplar trees shade walking paths along the water, and the bridge itself frames views of medieval buildings mixed with ancient stonework. Locals often hang laundry from windows above the river, adding color to the scene.
Tuesday Market Stalls and Seasonal Foods
Every Tuesday since the 1500s, vendors have sold goods in Place Montfort and nearby streets. Tables hold jars of honey made from local lavender, wooden spoons carved from olive trees, and striped tablecloths dyed with natural pigments. From June to September, the market expands to Thursdays and Saturdays, adding stalls with handmade jewelry and dried herb bundles. Try slices of socca, a crispy chickpea pancake, from food trucks parked near the post office. Between October and March, look for black truffles sold in small paper bags by farmers from nearby woods.
Festivals and Art Exhibitions
During July, dancers from across Europe perform in the Roman theater for the Vaison Danses festival. In August, the Choralies event fills the town with choir groups practicing in squares and parks. La Ferme des Arts, a gallery in a converted barn, displays paintings of local landscapes and vineyards year-round. October’s Festival des Soupes lets you taste over 20 types of soup, from fish-based bouillabaisse to pumpkin cream. Check with the tourist office to join evening tours of the ruins lit by lanterns or talks about how Romans built their heating systems.
Walking Paths and Cycling Routes
A marked trail starting near the Roman theater leads through olive groves to the Rocher du Cité, a hilltop with traces of Iron Age settlements. Cyclists often ride through the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail cliffs or follow quieter roads past vineyards near Séguret. Climbers practice on limestone walls above the village of Buisson, equipped with fixed ropes and anchors. In winter, some trails on Mont Ventoux’s lower slopes become cross-country ski paths. Rent bikes or climbing gear from shops in town, or book a guided trip to explore the rocky Toulourenc Gorge.
Planning Your Visit
On Tuesdays, park at the free Parking Mairie lot near Puymin to avoid crowded streets. The tourist office sells maps with marked routes through ruins and vineyards for €2. Bring a sun hat and a refillable water bottle, as shade is limited at the archaeological sites. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid groups touring the ruins. Consider driving 20 minutes to Crestet, a village with a hilltop church and views of the Ouvèze River valley.
