Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAVAILLON
POP 24,572
The Luberon's other service town, Cavaillon is synonymous with cantaloupe melons, often
simply called 'Cavaillons' in France, regardless of provenance. Melons perfume the early
morning Monday market, May to September, and throughout town during July's four-day
Fête du Melon. However non-fabulous the town, it's a good-value base for lodging, there's
some life after dark, and it's just 25km (30 minutes) from Avignon. On Tuesdays the town
shutters.
Sights
SYNAGOGUE
Musée Juif Comtadin
(Jewish Museum; 04 90 72 26 86; rue Hébraïque; adult/child €3/free;
9.30am-12.30pm & 2-6pm Wed-Mon)
Cavaillon's tiny
synagogue
(1772-74) - unusual for
its heavily ornamented baroque style - sits above the small Musée Juif Comtadin, which
examines the town's Judaic history. No self-guided visits; tours (English and French) every
30 minutes.
Sleeping
Le Mas Amandier €
B&B
( 04 90 06 29 60, mobile 06 21 90 80 21;
www.mas-des-amandiers.com
;
1539
chemin des Puits Neuf; s/d €70-82/77-89; )
Surrounded by countryside and centrally
located for day trips, this converted 18th-century silk farm has a quiet, easy vibe, which is a
reflection on its happy owners - one a famous portrait artist, who painted Pope John Paul II
for the Vatican's collection.
Painting courses
( 04 90 06 29 60;
www.lorber.fr
;
1539
chemin des Puits Neufs, Cavaillon; 2hr session adult/child €21/17, 20hrs €195/140)
are
offered in his on-site studio. Big, bright, airy rooms face flower-filled gardens, with a pool
and summer kitchen beneath grape arbors.
Hôtel Toppin €
HOTEL
