Issue No.26

Vaison-la-Romaine
Vaison-la-Romaine can be viewed as two
separate towns - the lower, modern and
more commercial town, and the upper old
town across the Ouveze river. Both parts are
worth exploring. It’s especially nice in the
early Fall when the weather is mild and the
surrounding wine-growing region hums with
harvest activity.
Start your morning with a café crème and
croissant at a local cafe in the “modern” part
of town before touring the exceptional
Roman ruins. Unless your visit coincides
with the peak tourist season, you are likely
to have these ruins almost to yourself, an
extraordinary experience, rarely replicated
at other Roman sites of this stature and
importance. The two “quarters” - Quartier
de Puymin and Quartier de la Villasse will
allow you to imagine life in the 1st century
AD. The large urban dwelling, the house of
Apollon Laure, undoubtedly a very wealthy
resident, with its atrium, library, reception
hall and private bath contrasts with the other
residential area featuring “homes to rent” for
less affluent citizens. The Quartier de la
Villasse, with its colonnaded streets, shops
and baths provides an intimate view of
commercial and social life in the Roman era.
Don’t miss the Peacock Villa with its recently
excavated mosaics.
From the Quartier de la Villasse, cross the
Roman bridge and climb to the Medieval
upper town. The walk is a bit strenuous but
you’ll be rewarded by shady squares,
picturesque, narrow streets and, if you make
it to the top, a breath-taking view of Mont
Ventoux.