Things to do in Monteux

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Provence

Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes stands majestically on the rocky heights at the northern end of the old town of Avignon, overlooking the Rhône River. It is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. In the early 14th century, the papal court moved to Avignon, and for nearly seventy years thereafter, several popes successively resided here, earning Avignon the title of "the papal city." The palace and fortress are integrated into one, with thick walls and multiple towers guarding its perimeter. Inside, it is divided into the old palace and the new palace: the old palace, built during the reign of Benedict XII, is simple and sturdy, with a strong defensive character; the new palace, expanded by Clement VI, is magnificent and grand, representing mature Gothic architecture, including the over-50-meter-long great chapel within its walls. Historical calamities have scattered most of the interior furnishings, making the architecture itself the main attraction—Giovannetti's frescoes on the domes and walls of the Saint Martial and Saint John chapels, the full-wall hunting scenes in the pope's study "Hall of the Stag," along with the lofty and spacious conference hall and the hall where cardinals once convened to elect the pope, still evoke the grandeur of the past. The tour route is quite long, with most halls now featuring plain stone walls, though the two small frescoed chapels and the "Hall of the Stag" are particularly worth close attention. The spacious halls make good use of the multimedia tablets available for virtual reconstructions, allowing visitors to "see" the original furnishings. From the palace's elevated terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of the old town's red-tiled roofs and the Rhône River, with the nearby Pont Saint-Bénézet also fully visible. The Avignon Theatre Festival, held every summer, uses the palace courtyard as one of its main stages—visiting during this time lets you experience the lively atmosphere that takes over the old town.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

The Bridge of Avignon

The Broken Bridge, also known as the Saint-Benezee Bridge, is a famous bridge in the 12th century, spanning the Rhone River and leading to the handsome King Philip Castle on the other side. The original length was about 900 meters, but due to frequent floods, the risk factor continued to increase. Finally, after the catastrophic flood in 1668, only 4 of the early 22 bridge arches survived today, becoming today's "broken bridge". The bridge is not restored to its original state, but there is such a beautiful presence. There is an exhibition "History of Bridges" at the entrance of the bridge, which introduces the bridges listed as world cultural heritage around the world; there is also an exhibition about the 3D restoration of broken bridges. Because it is the source of inspiration for the French folk song "On the Bridge of Avignon (Surle Pont d'Avignon)", it is desirable. The surviving Benezer Chapel on the bridge tells the story of the shepherd Benezer, who was inspired and sent by God, and frantically requested donations from the villagers. He spent his whole life working hard to build this stone bridge connecting the two banks, benefiting the local residents. The St. Nicholas Chapel on the north side of the bridge has a unique main hall in the shape of a bow.

Spirou Amusement Park

Spirou Amusement Park is a park themed around the classic comic characters created by Monte, where visitors can visit familiar scenes from Monte's comics, such as the Monte family's house and the city's central square. In these scenes, visitors can take photos with Monte and other classic characters and get up close and personal with them.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Avignon Cathedral

Avignon Cathedral is situated on a rocky plateau overlooking the Rhône River and is an important local religious building and historical landmark. Its history dates back to the 12th century, and the main structure is Romanesque in style, featuring thick stone walls, rounded arches, and a simple, solemn facade. Unlike many cathedrals in France known for their Gothic spires, the overall silhouette of this building is more understated, reflecting the style of medieval religious architecture in the Provence region. The interior features religious sculptures, paintings, altars, and decorative details, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere, while also preserving traces of renovations and artistic developments from different periods.

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Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is situated in a valley near Gordes in the Vaucluse department of Provence, France, and is a Cistercian abbey in France, as well as a representative medieval religious building in Provence. Founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks, the complex follows the Cistercian design philosophy of simplicity, restraint, and practicality. It is constructed primarily of stone, with a simple and solemn exterior. The abbey preserves its church, cloister, monastic living quarters, and public areas, while its arched structures, thick stone walls, and minimalist decoration showcase the typical characteristics of Romanesque architecture. Surrounded by mountains, the tranquil environment resonates with the life of prayer and contemplation that the monks have long pursued.

Town View Point Gordes

Town View Point Gordes is located in the town of Gordes, in the Vaucluse department of Provence, France, and is a classic spot to admire the overall view of this hilltop town. From here, you can clearly see the town's compact cluster of buildings, winding streets, and historic buildings perched on the heights, while in the distance, the rolling hills and open countryside of the Luberon region stretch out. In clear weather, the stone buildings take on warm tones under the sunlight, and the changing light of morning and evening gives the village different visual effects. Combining traditional hilltop architecture with the Provence countryside, this is an iconic vantage point for experiencing the local history and natural environment.

WAVE ISLAND

WAVE ISLAND is a water park known for its wide variety of water activities and thrilling water attractions. WAVE ISLAND features multiple themed areas, including a surfing area, a lazy river, water slides, and more, making it suitable for visitors of all ages to enjoy water fun. The park also features a large wave pool where visitors can experience the sensation of surfing as if they were in the ocean. Additionally, the park has a children's area that provides safe and fun water play facilities for kids. Beyond water activities, WAVE ISLAND also offers restaurants, shops, and leisure areas, providing a full range of services for visitors.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is located in the Vaucluse department of southern France. The department takes its name from the Vaucluse Spring, which boasts the most abundant flow of any spring in the region. As the fifth-largest spring in the world, it has an annual flow exceeding 600 million cubic meters. The abundant spring water converges in the west of the town into a clear stream that winds through the entire town. With hundreds of houses built along the riverbanks, it forms an idyllic summer retreat. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, breathing in the moist air and listening to the babbling water will leave you feeling refreshed. If you crouch down to take a sip of the spring water, you will experience a crispness far superior to Evian mineral water. The history of this town dates back to the 6th century. Every midsummer, tens of thousands of visitors flock here, eager to witness one of the largest springs in France with their own eyes. The main dining area is situated where the stream is widest and offers the best views. Ordering a coffee or a glass of wine here and dozing off beside the clear spring water makes for a precious, leisurely memory.

Grottes de Thouzon

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Walls of Avignon

Walls of Avignon (Remparts d'Avignon) are ancient fortifications surrounding the old city of Avignon, with a perimeter of 4,300m. Built by the Roman Popes in the 14th century and renovated in the 19th century, the walls bear traces of rainwater erosion that highlight their age, passing by the Palais des Papes, The Bridge of Avignon, and other sites. The walls are well-preserved to this day and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.