Vaison-la-Romaine: 2,000 Years of History Between Ventoux and the Dentelles
Vaison-la-Romaine is home to the largest Gallo-Roman archaeological site in France still under active excavation: the Villasse and Puymin districts reveal baths, patrician villas, mosaic-lined porticoes and a Roman theatre (6,000 seats) still used for performances during the nearby Chorégies d'Orange festival. The medieval upper town, enclosed by ramparts and dominated by the Château des Comtes de Toulouse, makes a striking contrast with the Roman city spread out below.
Set at the confluence of the Ouvèze river, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail and 30 km from the summit of Mont Ventoux, Vaison sits at the geographical centre of Provence's golden triangle: Avignon (50 km), Orange (30 km), the Luberon (60 km). Its Tuesday market is one of the most celebrated in all of Provence.
Our Bastides and Villas in Vaison-la-Romaine
CasaBooking offers properties between the Ouvèze plain and the Dentelles hillsides, for immersive stays in authentic Provence.
Provençal Bastides with Pool Among the Vines
The vineyards of Vinsobres, Séguret and Gigondas surround Vaison. Our bastides within the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellations offer an exceptional wine-country setting, minutes from the Roman sites.
Village Houses in the Medieval Upper Town
Within the cobbled lanes of the upper town, a handful of stone houses are available for short-term rental. Views over the Roman bridge and the Ouvèze, with restaurants and the archaeological digs all within walking distance.
What to Do in Vaison-la-Romaine and Northern Vaucluse
The Roman excavations of Vaison (Villasse and Puymin districts, Musée Archéologique Théo-Desplans) can easily fill an entire day. The ancient theatre hosts the Nuits Estivales de Vaison each July and August. The single-arched Roman bridge (Augustan era) spans the Ouvèze right in the town centre.
The Dentelles de Montmirail (10 km away) offer spectacular hiking and the finest rock-climbing routes in Provence. The vineyard trail winds through Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise. The ascent of Mont Ventoux from Malaucène (north face, 20 km) is one of the most iconic cycling challenges in France.
CasaBooking in Vaison: Roman Provence and Wine Country
Our team arranges guided tours of the Roman ruins, tastings at estates in the Dentelles appellation (Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Vinsobres) and excursions to Avignon and the Luberon. See also our page for Buisson.