Visiting Vaison-la-Romaine: the best discoveries

If you’re planning a visit to Vaison-la-Romaine, it’s essential to know more about the origins of this charming ancient town. Formerly known as Vasioits history dates back over 2,000 years. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it quickly established itself as a major center of trade and culture in the region. Situated in a protected valley between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, the town’s strategic position favored its development and prosperity under the Roman Empire.

The ancient remains of Vaison-la-Romaine still bear witness to this flourishing era. Important public buildings, residential quarters and monuments such as theRoman amphitheatre, Roman bridge and thermal baths have survived the centuries, allowing you to imagine the grandeur of this ancient city.

In the Middle Ages, Vaison-la-Romaine became a stronghold under the rule of the Counts of Toulouse, and its rich medieval heritage blends harmoniously with its ancient history. Today, Vaison-la-Romaine remains an open-air museum, where every spot tells a story two millennia old.

It’s unthinkable to visit Vaison-la-Romaine without stopping off at its Roman amphitheatre, a vestige of the ancient city of Vasio. Built in the 1st century A.D., this amphitheatre was capable of accommodating thousands of spectators. It was therefore the ideal venue for large-scale spectacles of the time, such as gladiatorial combat and chariot races. Today, this monument of great beauty retains its majesty and remains a powerful symbol of the opulence of the Roman era.

During your visit, you can wander among the stone spans, descend into the vaulted corridors and feel the atmosphere that prevailed over 2,000 years ago.

Address: Amphithéâtre de Vaison-la-Romaine, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 6pm (times vary according to season).
Prices: €9 full price, €4 concessions
Our verdict: An impressive site, steeped in history and magnificently restored, with exceptional acoustics in a beautiful natural setting. An enriching experience, where Roman history comes to life through quality shows and events.

When visiting Vaison-la-Romaine, don’t forget to cross the Roman Bridge, which gracefully spans theOuvèze River. Dating from the 1st century A.D., this Roman engineering structure remains an outstanding example of the mastery of the builders of the time. Designed to link the two banks of the ancient city, it has survived the centuries and the elements, testifying to the solidity and precision of Roman construction.

Today, it’s a key stopping point for visitors, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding hills. Stroll along its arches, take a photo and enjoy the serenity!

Address: Pont Romain, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Opening hours: Open all year round
Rates: Free
Our verdict: a magnificent Roman bridge, admirably well preserved despite the ravages of time and the Ouvèze’s devastating floods. It provides an invaluable historical link between the ancient town and the medieval upper town. Not to be missed on your visit to Vaison-la-Romaine!

Planning a visit to Vaison-la-Romaine? Don’t forget to visit Notre-Dame de Nazareth Cathedral, a fine example of Provençal Romanesque architecture. Dating back to the 12th century, this cathedral is distinguished by its light-colored stone façade and its equally remarkable cloister. With its calm, solemn atmosphere, it invites contemplation and discovery of medieval sacred art.

The cathedral’s interior, with its colorful stained glass windows, provides a soft light that blends perfectly with the building’s austere yet pleasant architecture. The cloister, with its elegant arcades and finely sculpted columns, is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: 2 place de la cathédrale, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 6pm (variable according to season).
Rates: Free

Our verdict: Notre-Dame de Nazareth Cathedral, with its sober, elegant architecture, seduces with its discreet beauty. Visitors particularly appreciate its cloister, a veritable haven of peace, often described as a privileged moment of calm and serenity.

For those wishing to explore Vaison-la-Romaine in greater depth, the Musée Archéologique is a must. Located just a stone’s throw from the main ancient sites, this museum presents a vast collection of objects from excavations carried out on the site, tracing the town’s history from Gallo-Roman times to the Middle Ages. Sculptures, mosaics, pottery and ancient tools are on display, providing an insight into the way of life of the inhabitants of ancient Vasio.

One of the museum’s centerpieces is a faithful reconstruction of a Roman house, allowing visitors to better visualize the daily life of the period. The museum is also a place of discovery for archaeology enthusiasts, with temporary exhibitions and workshops enriching the visitor experience.

Address: Site Antique de Puymin, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Opening hours: open Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm (times vary according to season).
Prices: €9 full price, €4 concessions
Our verdict: thanks to a well-thought-out chronological and thematic tour of the museum, you can discover the evolution of the town, from prehistory to the Gallo-Roman era.

The Jardin des 9 Damoiselles, on the banks of the Ouvèze river, is the perfect way to round off your visit to Vaison-la-Romaine! This poetic, philosophical garden is an invitation to serenity, with its carved granite stones bearing symbolic messages and poems, donated by the European Cities of Culture. The setting is soothing, with a 4,000-strong bamboo grove and unspoilt nature providing a sense of calm and tranquillity.

Address: Jardin des 9 Damoiselles, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Opening hours: open all year round
Rates: free of charge
Our verdict: the Jardin des 9 Damoiselles, with its stones inscribed with philosophical thoughts, offers a haven of calm and reflection. An ideal place for those seeking to reconnect with nature and themselves!

If you want to visit Vaison-la-Romaine in the best possible way, consider a stopover at our campsite near Vaison-la-Romaine! You’ll leave feeling soothed and refreshed, and ready to set off on another tour of the Vaucluse!