The region
Our sweet provence
Carpentras
The "Gîte du Carmel" is the ideal place to discover Carpentras, a small town rich in art and history, located in the heart of Vaucluse, in Provence.
Former papal city, today the capital of the Comtat Venaissin, Carpentras retains the remains of Roman ramparts behind which run small streets where there are private mansions and mansions with magnificent carved doors. The labyrinth of alleys in the city center hides behind high imposing walls marvelous gardens and charming unsuspected fountains.
The Saint Siffrein cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, the Hôtel Dieu, the Synagogue, the Notre Dame de Santé chapel, the Inguimbertine library… are all monuments that bear witness to a past with a strong spiritual influence.
Every Friday the Carpentras market is held: the world flocks, the scents of Provence spread and the atmosphere is in full swing. Depending on the season, flowers, truffles or strawberries are given pride of place.
Provence
Carpentras is the perfect starting point to visit this beautiful region that is Provence and which is full of so many possibilities: a day in the mountains, a getaway by the sea or river, a trip to the surrounding Provençal villages...
Departing from Carpentras, you will be led to contemplate exceptional places, internationally known:
- Avignon, its historic ramparts housing the Palais des Papes and the Festival in summer
- Orange, with its magnificent Roman Theater, scene of great operas
- Sault, and its globally represented lavender fields
- The Mont Ventoux, which lives up to its nickname of "Giant of Provence"
- The Gorges du Toulourenc, and its pleasant swimming and banks
- The Gorges de la Nesque, with their breathtaking panoramas
- The "Colorado Provençal" of Roussillon, a dazzling spectacle of glowing ochres
- The Dentelles de Montmirail, a medieval town with its excavation fields and churches
- The wine route, dotted with good cellars, to discover our best vintages
Carpentras will lead you by discreet paths to the most beautiful villages of Provence, among others:
- Bédoin and his hair-dressed young ladies
- Beaumes de Venise and its famous fruity white wine
- Venasque and its 13th century baptistery
- Saumanes and its 18th century bastide
- Fontaine de Vaucluse and its singular source
- Gordes, stone village on the mountainside
- Oppède le Vieux, and its 12th century collegiate church
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, capital of the Alpilles
- Les Baux-de-Provence and its famous Carrières de Lumières
Our recommendations
Holidays in Provence are synonymous with culture, landscape and slow-life. Let yourself be tempted by a homecoming where only the noise of the barbecue and the birds cannot disturb the ambient silence.
The diversity of places to discover nearby will leave you spoiled for choice: the hardest part will be choosing! To do this, you can rely on the recommendations guide that we have produced especially for you, in which we share all our good addresses.
This guide is full of well-kept secrets that only locals have the privilege of knowing. Staying at the "Gîte du Carmel" will undoubtedly make you fall in love with our beautiful region.
