What to See & Do
Vaison-la-Romaine Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Puymin & Villasse | ★★★★☆ | Roman Town Ruin | Self | Paid |
| 02 | Medieval Town | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 03 | Château Comtal | ★★★☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 04 | Vierge Noire | ★★★☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 05 | Food Market | ★★☆☆☆ | Food Market | Self | Free |
| 06 | Town Center | ★★☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 07 | Notre-Dame Cathedral | ★★☆☆☆ | Cathedral & Cloister | Self | Free |
| 08 | St. Marie Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 09 | Tourist Train | ★☆☆☆☆ | Tourist Train | Tour | Paid |
01. Puymin & Villasse
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Roman Town Ruin
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Puymin & Vilasse is the largest archaeological site related to the Roman era in France.
Historically, the site’s construction began in the 1st century BC when Vaison-la-Romaine was a thriving Roman town. The site was gradually abandoned in the 5th century as the Roman Empire declined. Excavations that started in the early 20th century uncovered the ruins.
The site is divided as follows:
Puymin
- Outdoor Antique Site:
Ruins of streets, houses, shops, gardens, etc. - Théo Desplans Museum:
It houses many artifacts uncovered during excavations, including statues and everyday objects. - Antique Theater:
It could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators for the artistic events of the time. From the top of its stands, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Villasse
- Outdoor Antique Site:
Ruins of streets, houses, shops, baths, etc.
The ticket is valid for all locations on the site and is valid for 24 hours.
02. Medieval Town
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Medieval part of Vaison-la-Romaine is located south of the river. It’s perched on a hill and dates back to the 12th century. It offers a picturesque walk through narrow cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings.
03. Château Comtal
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
The castle in the old medieval part of town dates back to the 12th century. It is now in a state of ruin and is closed to the public.
It offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding area.
Note that the path to access it can be difficult.
04. Vierge Noire
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
This statue of the Black Madonna is located on a hill, slightly away from the city center and to the east of the medieval old town. The spot offers a panoramic view of the old town.
05. Food Market
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Fod Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
The large food market takes place on Tuesday mornings. Its size varies with the seasons, peaking in the summer. It is held in the main squares and streets of the town.
06. Town Center
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Town Center of Vaison-la-Romaine is a bustling area filled with shops, cafés, and local businesses, offering a lively atmosphere for strolling around.
The main areas include Place Monfort square and Grande Rue street, which is partially pedestrianized or fully pedestrianized depending on the season. It remains lively throughout the year with its many shops.
Also, just a bit south of the town center, over the river, you’ll find the Roman bridge, one of the few ancient bridges still in use today.
07. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Cathedral & Cloister
Visit Self
Cost Free
The town’s cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is Romanesque in style.
It also includes a Romanesque cloister.
08. St. Marie Church
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Church of Sainte-Marie-de-l’Assomption, located in the medieval part of town, is a former cathedral dating back to the 15th century.
It houses abstract stained glass windows created by the Korean artist Kim En Joong.
09. Tourist Train
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Tourist Train
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
A leisurely way to explore Vaison-la-Romaine, the tourist train offers a quick overview of the town’s main attractions.
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Things to Do in Vaison-la-Romaine
