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Vaison la Romaine
20 kms from Bélézy, Vaison-la-Romaine is a stunning testimony to the Roman influence in Provence. The richness of its architecture makes it an essential place to visit for lovers of old stones.
Vaison, Gallo-Roman city of yesterday and today
Divided into two by the Ouvèze river, the town offers the visitor two different faces. On the right bank are two districts, the modern town and above all, the vestiges of the Roman city. It is here, on the sites of Puymin and La Villasse, that archaeologists unearthed immense, luxury residences. Mosaic floors, marble marquetry, statues, pools and private thermal baths, all bearing witness to the Roman art de vivre.
Other than these houses, several public buildings have been remarkably preserved. The Roman bridge, of course, with its single arch 17 metres long and 9 metres wide that is one of the largest bridges in the region. And which is one of the rare Roman bridges that is still in use. The baths and public garden complete the picture, witnesses of the past wealth of the city.
A remarkable medieval heritage
The Romanesque era has also left its mark on Vaison la Romaine. The Notre-Dame de Nazareth Cathedral (6th to 8th century), possesses a remarkable cloister whilst the Saint-Quenin Chapel (12th century) offers an unusual triangular-shaped apse and contains 135 sepulchres from the 5th-6th centuries.
On the left bank, the Haute-Ville is perched on a rocky spur. Built in the 13th century, at the foot of the former Comtes de Toulouse castle, it helps us relive other glorious eras of the town with its ancient doors, its 15th century church, its fountains and its narrow streets... From the summit, the view over the valley is exceptional.
Official website of Vaison la Romaine