Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
POP 610
France's most powerful spring surges from beneath the pretty village of Fontaine-de-
Vaucluse, at the end of a U-shaped valley beneath limestone cliffs. The miraculous-seem-
ing appearance of this crystal-clear flood draws 1.5 million tourists each year - arrive
early, before the deluge; avoid it on Sundays in summer.
Several mini-attractions, from serious to frivolous, cater to the crowds, but the real
draw is the springs. Wander beyond the tourist distractions and you quickly sense the
peace and beauty that inspired Italian poet Petrarch (1304-74), who wrote his most fam-
ous works here - sonnets to his unrequited love, Laura.
Sights & Activities
La Fontaine
At the foot of craggy cliffs, an easy 1km walk from the village, the River Sorgue surges
from the earth's depths. The spring is most dazzling after heavy rain, when water glows
azure blue, upwelling at an incredible 90cu metres per second. Jacques Cousteau was
among those who attempted to plumb the spring's depths before an unmanned submarine
eventually touched base (315m down) in 1985 - but the spring's depths remain largely un-
charted.
SPRING
Canoe to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The glassy Sorgue is a beauty for canoeing on a summer's day. Two companies offer
guided or self-guided two-hour trips to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 8km downstream, from late
April to October. Afterwards, you're returned upstream to your car. The trip can also be
done in reverse. Contact
Canoë Évasion
( 04 90 38 26 22;
www.canoe-evasion.net
; rte
de Fontaine de Vaucluse, on the D24 towards Lagnes)
or
Kayak Vert
( 04 90 20 35
44;
www.canoe-france.com
;
Quartier la Baume, 1km out of town on the D25 toward
Lagnes)
.
CANOEING
Musée d'Histoire 1939-1945
( 04 90 20 24 00; chemin de la Fontaine; adult/child €3.50/1.50; 10am-6pm Wed-
Mon Apr-Oct & Jan-Feb, Sat & Sun Mar, Nov & Dec)
Examination of life in occupied
France during WWII. Request an English-language brochure.
WWII MUSEUM
