Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EAST OF AVIGNON
The small towns between Avignon and the Luberon are defined by water. Pernes-les-Fon-
taines' aesthetic derives from scores of fountains, some dating to the 15th century; L'Isle-
sur-la-Sorgue, famous for antiques trading, is bisected by the glassy River Sorgue; and
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is home to the river's mysterious source.
Pernes-les-Fontaines
POP 10,666
Famous for 40 fountains that splash and gurgle in shady squares and narrow cobbled
streets, Pernes-les-Fontaines - once the capital of the Comtat Venaissin - is now a sleepy
village of ancient buildings.
Activities
WALKING TOUR
Fountain Walk
A free walking-tour map from the
tourist office
( 04 90 61 31 04;
www.tourisme-per-
Aug; 9am-1pm & 2-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat Sept-Jun)
details one- and two-hour strolls
through quaint streets past historic sights such as
Maison du Costume Comtadin
( 04
90 61 31 04; rue de la République; free; hours vary)
, a 19th-century Provençal costume
museum;
Maison Fléchier
( 04 90 61 31 04; pl Fléchier; free)
, which displays local
crafts; and the gloomy fortified 11th-century
church
. Follow a rough path to the top of the
medieval
clock tower
(tour de l'horloge)
for panoramic views. Among the not-to-miss mo-
numental fountains: grandiose
Fontaine du Cormoran
(pont Notre-Dame, 1761),
Fon-
taine Reboul
(place Reboul, 15th century) and
Fontaine du Gigot
(rue Victor-Hugo,
1757).
Sleeping & Eating
Mas La Bonoty €€
( 04 90 61 61 09;
www.bonoty.com
;
chemin de la Bonoty; menus lunch €22-48, dinner
€32-54;
PROVENÇAL
mid-Dec-mid-Nov; )
It's worth getting lost to find this 18th-century
