The Chateau

Capital of the region of “Enclave des papes”, Valrèas is classified as “station verte de vacances” and is surrounded by renowned vineyards, lavender fields and olive gardens. It has centuries old history and offers a lot to see and do nowadays.

To see in Valrèas:

• Roman church Notre Dame de Nazareth, 12th c with an organ from 1506
• Pénitents Blancs chapel, 16th c with its beautifully decorated interior
• The Ripert Tower, the only remain from the ancient Chateau Riperti; today it is possible to climb to its top and admire the views to the landscapes of Haut Vaucluse and Drome Provencale, as well as the rooftops of Valrèas
• Chateau de Simiane, a 15th c impressive building which is today’s town hall of Valrèas; part of it is open to the public and houses exhibitions and a superb collection of rare books
• Museum of cardboard and printing;

To do:

• Wander along medieval narrow streets and low-arched vaulted passages in the old town and around the ring of beautiful walled houses built in the 17th and 18th c
• Visit the vineyards with the winemaker
• Go hiking to La Lance, the mountain dominating the plain of Valrèas, 1300m altitude
• Go biking (bikes can be provided on site)
• Go horse riding (stables nearby)
• Savour local products and wines

To enjoy:

• June 23 – the night of St John the Baptist (dating back to 1504), when a medieval parade is organised and some 400 people in traditional dress parade along the streets with lights and music
• The first weekend of August, which is the time of the Corso de la lavande with parade, funfair and wine tour of wineries in the town
• The huge Creche Provencale at the church of ND de Nazareth at Christmas
• The truffle market in Richerenche (from November to March)

To see around Valrèas:

• The Drome castles – Grignan, Suze la Russe, Adhémar
• Provencal markets and Provencal hilltop villages
• The town of Nyons
• The Roman towns of Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine and Avignon