Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Castle above the Sorgue

Above the closed valley

The remains of the fortress follow the line of rock above Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Below, the Sorgue leaves the bottom of the cirque, passes through the village and reaches the plain. From this height, the geography of the place is immediately clear: the narrow gorge, the limestone cliffs and the opening towards the Sorgue plain and the Rhône valley.

The name of the department comes from this geological setting: Vallis Clausa, the closed valley. The abundant spring, the former industrial village and the medieval castle are the key features of the landscape. Our Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the Sorgue spring getaway follows the river below the cliffs. Further downstream, the river divides at the Partage des Eaux, before passing through L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where the water wheels continue the story of this hydraulic power.

The residence of the bishops of Cavaillon

The Château de Vaucluse belonged to the bishops of Cavaillon, lords of the place in the Middle Ages. A first fortification is recorded in 1034; the ruins that remain today date mainly from the early 13th century. It was a seigneurial residence set above the passage, within sight of the spring and the village.

A gateway, sections of wall and rocky terraces remain. The castle held the upper part of the valley and looked over the village.

Philippe de Cabassole welcomes Petrarch to Vaucluse

Philippe de Cabassole, bishop of Cavaillon, was among Petrarch’s close friends. When the poet stayed in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in the 14th century, he found in him a friend and protector. The castle recalls this direct link between the valley, the bishop and the writer who gave Vaucluse an enduring place in literature.

Petrarch reread ancient authors, sought out their manuscripts and placed human experience at the centre of his work. Through his Latin writings and his Italian poetry, he ranks among the founders of humanism and modern literature.

On the banks of the Sorgue, the Musée-Bibliothèque François-Pétrarque holds early editions, drawings and prints devoted to the poet, Laura and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Its garden follows the river beneath the trees, a few steps from the start of the climb.

The climb to the ruins

A staircase begins to the right of the vaulted passage at the Musée-Bibliothèque François-Pétrarque. It joins a steep path cut into the rock, leading up to the ruins. The slope, uneven steps and exposed stretches call for sturdy footwear and constant care.

The climb is not recommended for people who are not comfortable on steep ground. From the village, the castle remains very present in the landscape: viewing it from the banks of the Sorgue also makes its position above the valley clear.