Domaine de Dentelles - VAIS102EE

Straddling the Ouveze River, Vaison-la-Romaine is the largest archaeological site in Europe. Stroll through a vast Roman village. And it's also a lovely busy town with some superb restaurants and great shops.

Crestet ~ 3 km Villedieu ~ 6 km Roaix ~ 6 km Séguret ~ 7 km Puyméras ~ 7 km Entrechaux ~ 8 km Sablet ~ 9 km Buisson ~ 9 km Piégon ~ 9 km Orange ~ 29 km Carpentras ~ 29 km Avignon ~ 50 km

Vaison-la-Romaine is the largest archaeological site in Europe. The most interesting aspects of this ancient town are its geography and its Roman ruins. The ruins and the modern town are in the valley on the banks of the river Ouvèze which is crossed by a Roman bridge from the first century. When you visit the town, take the time to stroll through the vast Roman village. The excavated remains are actually of two Roman districts; wander around while imagining what it was like to go about your daily life 2000 years earlier. And it's also a lovely busy town with some superb restaurants and great shops. The old town itself (or new if you're comparing it to the Roman section!) is superb and well worth the wander up the hill.

The most interesting aspects of Vaison-la-Romaine are its geography and its Roman ruins. The Roman ruins and the modern town are in the valley on the banks of the river Ouvèze which is crossed by a Roman bridge from the first century. The excavated remains are of two Roman districts; wander around while imagining what it was like to go about your day 2000 years earlier. The old town itself (or new town if you're comparing it to the Roman section!) is superb and well worth the wander up the hill. Fabulous views, cobbled streets, delightful gardens and architecture. The valley floor was safe from attack in Roman and modern times. In the Middle Ages attacks were frequent and the town retreated up-hill to a more defensible position. The ruins of the castle, dating from 1195, perch at the top of the rock above the village itself. There is also a cloistered cathedral. Just south of Vaison-la-Romaine there are sculptures in natural settings to be discovered at the Crestet Centre d'Art. But contemporary Vaison la Romaine is also a delight! The Tuesday morning market in the lower town is huge and excellent. With a mix of fresh produce, fabrics, pottery and artworks, excellent breads and cheeses, fresh fish and hand made chocolates....from one end of the meal to the other! Local wineproducers offer tastings and the bric-a-brac dealers enjoy telling their stories. The town is full of all types of restaurants and shops.