Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9. SYNAGOGUE, CARPENTRAS
Expelled from France in the 14th century, the Jews sought refuge in those parts of
Provence then belonging to the pope. This included Carpentras, whose synagogue,
founded in 1367, is the oldest still functioning on French soil. Rebuilt in the 18th cen-
tury, the synagogue looks like neighbouring buildings from the outside: laws forbade
decoration. Within, the ground floor and cellar boasts the old bakery (for unleavened
bread) and pools essential for Jewish rituals. A monumental staircase leads to the
sumptuous two-storey area of worship (men upstairs, women below), setting for the
tabernacle, teba, candelabra and magnificent chandeliers.
Pl Maurice Charretier •
Open 10am-noon, 3-5pm Mon-Fri (until 4pm Fri) • Closed during religious ser-
vices • Donation
Google Map
10. CATHEDRALE ST-ANNE, APT
The relics of St Anne (mother of the Virgin) were discovered on this site in 776, and
here they remain, having survived the destruction of the church and its rebuilding
from the 11th century on. The two crypts have also survived, containing sarcophagi
from early Christian times. The cathedral has 18th-century paintings and a 15th-cen-
tury stained-glass window of the Tree of Jesse. The 17th-century St Anne Chapel con-
tains what is said to be the saint's veil, although it's probably of 9th-century Egyptian
origin.
Rue St-Anne • Open 9am-noon, 2:30-6pm Mon-Fri (except during reli-
gious ceremonies), 2:30-6pm Sun • Free
Google Map
The Vaudois Massacre
The bloodiest tale in Provençal history took place in Vaucluse in 1545, when
Catholic Royal authorities determined to exterminate early Protestant settlers,
the Vaudois. Within weeks as many as 3,000 were dead: women and children
were burned alive and villages were destroyed. The memories, and ruins, still
haunt the remoter mountainsides.
