Crillon le Brave

Discover the beautiful village of Crillon-le-Brave in the Vaucluse

Crillon-le-Brave is a stunning hilltop village in the Vaucluse, located 12 km from Carpentras and 35 km from Avignon, at an elevation of 363 meters in the southwestern foothills of Mont Ventoux.

The location is ideal for those who want to discover the most authentic Provence, far from the usual tourist routes. With panoramic views of the vineyards and Mont Ventoux, a village built entirely of stone, and a luxury hotel classified as a Relais & Châteaux property nestled among Provençal homes, Crillon-le-Brave checks all the boxes for a unique stay in the Vaucluse.

The History of the Village

A former fortified village, Crillon le Brave has preserved the remains of its 16th-century ramparts and gates. Its name comes from an extraordinary figure: Louis de Balbe-Berton, a comrade-in-arms of Henry IV, proclaimed “the world’s greatest captain” by the king and nicknamed “the Brave.” At the end of the 19th century, the town council decided to rename the town in his honor. His bronze statue welcomes you at the entrance to the village.

Tour of the Village

Arriving via the Caromb road, the village opens up to visitors through the Gérin Gate. Continue on your way and park in the lot in front of the town hall. You’ll then discover the town hall, housed in the village’s former school, and next to it, the mechanical music museum. But don’t rush inside just yet—first, take in the panoramic view from this vantage point.

To the right of the town hall, you can admire a few tastefully restored houses. The village has managed to preserve the authenticity and charm of the Provençal buildings of yesteryear. On a small square stands the Church of Saint Romain, built entirely of stone. Inside, you’ll see a carved wooden altarpiece attributed to Bernus.

From the church square, you can reach the medieval castle (it is private property and closed to visitors). You can only admire its facades from the outside, to which modern battlements have been added.

Once a purely agricultural town, Crillon has grown significantly today thanks to tourism. Many vacation homes are occupied during the season. As soon as the warm weather arrives, the population swells considerably. Don’t leave Crillon-le-Brave without visiting the private cellars of the wineries that produce Côtes du Ventoux.