An extraordinary village at the foot of the cliffs
Fontaine de Vaucluse, nestled at the foot of a narrow valley surrounded by high limestone cliffs, is a striking natural landmark, where water, stone and vegetation form a particularly beautiful setting. This charming village in the Vaucluse has retained its authenticity, with narrow streets, stone houses, artisans and shady terraces and souvenir shops along the river. But what makes Fontaine-de-Vaucluse truly unique is the presence of the Sorgue spring, one of the most powerful springs in Europe, which rises at the foot of a huge cliff. This mysterious natural phenomenon has fascinated visitors since ancient times: no one knows exactly where the water comes from and even the greatest speleological investigations have never been able to reach its depths.
Unfortunately, access to the spring has recently been closed to the public for safety reasons; however, the walk along the river up to the fence at about 50 m from the spring is still worthwhile.
The charm of the village lies both in this geological curiosity and its special atmosphere. Here, time seems to slow down. The murmur of the water accompanies every step, the plane trees provide welcome shade and the surrounding hills invite contemplation. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a must for those who want to discover a fresher, more secretive Provence, a mix of nature and cultural heritage.
The source of the Sorgue: an impressive natural site
In the heart of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the Sorgue spring is a natural phenomenon that both intrigues and amazes. Located at the foot of a 230-metre-high cliff, this karst spring is one of the most powerful in Europe and discharges an average of 630 million cubic metres of water a year. In late winter and early spring, when the water table is saturated, the water cascades down, creating a spectacular, almost unreal spectacle. In summer, the pool is calmer, but retains a fascinating emerald colour that reflects the light between the rocks and vegetation.
The spring, which has long remained a mystery, has been explored by generations of cavers. Despite the use of probes, robots and deep dives, the underground galleries are still partly unknown. This enigma adds to the magic of the place, which attracts thousands of visitors every year who are curious about the origins of the river Sorgue, who’s cool, clear waters then irrigate the region’s picturesque villages, including L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Lagnes and Saumane, and, of course, our village of Entraigues sur la Sorgue ! From 1812 until the 1960s, the Sorgue drove the water mill of our Moulin de Souchières….
Although access to the gorge is now closed, you can walk up from the village centre along a pleasantly shaded path with shops and old mills. The walk up to fifty metres from the spring combines natural beauty, welcome coolness in summer and the impression of witnessing a perpetual living spectacle, always changing with the seasons.
Beautiful walks around the Sorgue valley
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is an ideal starting point for lovers of hiking in unspoilt nature. Hiking in the Sorgue Valley is an authentic way to discover nature, with limestone cliffs, forests full of holm oaks and spectacular views of the river. From the village, several signposted footpaths lead to the surrounding hills, including the one that climbs up to the viewpoint overlooking the spring: here a breathtaking panorama of the region awaits you.
For those who prefer a quiet walk, the path along the Sorgue is perfect: shady, peaceful, dotted with benches and bridges, it allows you to follow the river all the way to the old paper mills while enjoying the freshness of the water and the birds’ songs. It is a very popular family activity in Fontaine de Vaucluse as it is accessible even for young children. Some circuits also offer longer loops towards Saumane-de-Vaucluse or Lagnes, with varied landscapes and ideal picnic spots.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, the trails around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse offer several opportunities to discover the somewhat wilder Provence, far from the hustle and bustle enjoying the peace, beauty and contact with nature.
Wonderful historical heritage to explore
Besides its spectacular scenery, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The village has long attracted artists, poets and thinkers, starting with the famous Petrarch, who stayed here in the 14th century. His house, now a museum, tells of his life and his attachment to this peaceful place, which inspired many of his verses. A short distance away, the Vallis Clausa paper mill is still in operation, where you can discover the traditional techniques of making paper by hand in an authentic and lively environment.
The old feudal castle overlooking the village, although partially dilapidated, adds a medieval dimension to the visit. It is accessible on foot and offers stunning views over the village and the valley. Between nature and culture, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a perfect illustration of Provence’s natural heritage, where geological wonders merge with human history.
With its museums, artisans, shady paths and riverbanks, the village is an ideal tourist getaway in Provence. You can spend a few hours or a whole day there, alternating between cultural discoveries, gastronomic breaks and walks along the river or, for sporty visitors, longer hikes in the surrounding mountains.
Our personal tips
To get the most out of your visit to Fontaine de Vaucluse, it is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in high season. The site is very popular and both the narrow streets and the path leading to the spring can quickly fill up. Arriving before 10am guarantees a peaceful walk and ideal light for photos, while at the end of the day, the coolness of the valley and the newfound tranquillity offer a magical moment.
We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, because although the walk to the spring is short, the ground is sometimes uneven, especially as you go further into the mountains. Remember to bring water, sun hats and caps for the kids in summer: despite the shade of the plane trees, the heat can be quite intense in sunny spots.
For a gastronomic break, there are several terraces along the river: some serve simple, tasty Provençal dishes, while others serve homemade ice cream that is very popular with children. And if you are with the whole family, the paper mill is a fun and educational visit not to be missed, as well as free entry !
With older children it is fun to navigate the Sorgue by kayak; you don’t need to be an expert to canoe across the cool, clear waters of the Sorgue. In the heart of a protected ecosystem, the descent from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a gentle 8-kilometre trip suitable for young and old, open from the end of April to the end of October.
You can also extend your outing with a picnic on the banks of the Sorgue or a short hike in the surrounding hills. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is best discovered slowly, by taking your time to observe and enjoy this special place.
Only 23 km from our holiday home
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is only 23 km from the Moulin de Souchières, our charming holiday home in the heart of the Vaucluse. In less than 30 minutes by car you can reach Fontaine de Vaucluse for a half-day or longer excursion. It is an ideal day trip during your stay, for a refreshing morning walk or to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the late afternoon.
Staying in a holiday home near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse gives you the opportunity to visit this unique place in a peaceful, natural and relaxing environment. After exploring the source and the surrounding paths, it is wonderful to come home to the Moulin de Souchières, its pool and garden and its ideal central location to explore Provence. A wonderful place to experience Provence at your own pace !
To complete your discovery of the region, don’t hesitate to read our articles dedicated to visiting L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and or discovering Gordes, two must-see places located near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, perfect for enriching your stay between Provençal charm and remarkable heritage. You can also discover other ideas for family outings and activities in Provence on our blog.
More info about Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Website tourist office : https://islesurlasorguetourisme.com/decouvrir/terre-de-patrimoine/nos-villages/fontaine-de-vaucluse
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