Malaucène
Situated 9 km south of Vaison la Romaine and 18 km north of Carpentras.
Article updated in May 2024
Discover the village of Malaucène in Vaucluse
Malaucène is the capital of the Ventoux and nestles within the old ramparts. It takes shape around its ancient fort, standing at the highest point of the village.The old town is partly surrounded by a remarkable avenue lined with ancient plane trees.
Pope Clement V once lived in the village!
All that remains of Malaucene's fortified enclosure is a few of the gates. One of these, the Soubeyran gate, was used in former times as a gallows for publics hangin. During the first half of the 14th century Pope Clement V had his summer residence in Malaucene. He left his mark on the town in the form of the church of Saint Michel.
Saint Michel church
When you visit it, you will be amazed by its fortified appearance with machicolations, pillboxes and other military-type elements (rather rare in a religious building) and also its blend of Romanesque and Gothic style.
Inside, you will see its case organ in gilded wood (1639), its pulpit entirely sculpted and its curious stone bench, 41.77 metres long, without doubt the longest in France.
The Notre-Dame du Groseau chapel
The chapel of Notre-Dame du Groseau, situated a few kilometres away on the D97 road to Mont Ventoux, is all that remains of a monastery dating from the 7th century. It was destroyed by the Saracens and then rebuilt in the 11th century. Pope Clement V stayed there on several occasions.
Little by little, Malaucene became a large market town by developing the same industrial activity over the last four centuries: the Papeteries de Malaucene. This paper mill specialises in manufacturing the tips for cigarette filters.
Pretty houses, restaurants and cafés in the old centre
Agriculture has developed alongside this and in the last few years tourism has also become part of Malaucene's resources. Strolling through the streets of Malaucene, you will be able to admire t beautiful residences dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, the ancient fountains and the wash-houses. On the Cours Isnards you will find restaurants, cafe terraces and hotels as well as numerous shops.
Malaucène market
Not forgetting the market on Wednesdays. This will provide an opportunity to buy, not only the famous "blanches", "burlats" and "coeur de pigeon" varieties of Ventoux cherries that the area is so well known for, but also asparagus, apricots and other produce from the region.
Sports and hiking on Mont Ventoux
Malaucene is the starting point for many walking trails and horse-riding trails to the Mont Ventoux. (Don't miss the superb trail that leads up to the panoramic viewpoint at Calvaire). There are numerous leisure activities available here for children and adults. If you feel like something different, less Provencal but quite picturesque, why not visit the experimental farm that breeds llamas on the Le Barroux road. You may also enjoy a visit to its weaving workshop.
Our map of Malaucène
To find your way around Malaucène, you can use our interactive map of the village, which you'll find on this page. We have included all the points of interest in the village (town hall, church, chapel, etc.) as well as our recommendations for accommodation in Malaucène. You can then locate them before booking your holiday in the pretty village of Malaucène.
What to see
Gothic church with remains of fortifications.
Sculpted pulpit and historic organ.
The residences and ramparts of the old city (16th and 18th century).
The Clock Tower (1539), Chapel of Groseau (12th century), the Groseau spring .br /> The llama farm. The winter festival on Mont Serein.
Leisure activities
Tennis, mini golf, fishing, horse-riding centre.
climbing, skiing, paragliding and hang-gliding.
Botanical trail, walking in the Malaucene forest,
(guided tour with an officer from the National Forest Authority (O.N.F).
Bed and breakfast
Charming guest rooms 2 & 3 people, in a calm setting amidst vineyards and olive trees, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux - Air conditioning - Kids playground - Heated pool - Secure bike shed. Free wifi - Spa
Holiday rentals
10 villas and apartments for 2 to 10 persons surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Air conditionned. Wifi
4 outdoor pools + Spa with hammam, jacuzzi, sauna
3 independent Provençal furnished holiday rentals *** 4 to 8 pers
19th Renovated stone farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, forests, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Swimming pool, closed garden, parking. Wifi
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals : Hiuse, apartemnts, gites.
Campsite.
Your questions about Malaucène
You have sent us several questions about Malaucène and the nearby Mont Ventoux. In order to inform all our readers, we have added our answers below. Don't hesitate to send us an email if you have any other questions.
How do I get to Mont Ventoux by car?
You can drive up to the summit of Mont Ventoux from Malaucène from mid-May onwards. In April, you can do so from the village of Bédoin via Chalet Reynard. In winter, the road is closed due to snow and poor weather conditions at the summit.
What's the hardest part of Mont Ventoux?
To be honest, climbing Mont Ventoux by bike (or on foot) is very difficult on both sides. Rumour has it that the climb on the north side, i.e. the Malaucène side, is even more difficult... but that doesn't mean that the other side is easy! Good luck!
To get to Mont Ventoux, is it better to stay in Malaucène or Bédoin?
The two villages of Malaucène and Bedoin are very close to Mont Ventoux and welcome many tourists and cyclists wanting to discover (or tackle) Mont Ventoux. You can therefore choose one or other of the two villages according to your preferences. Take a look at our page on the village of Bédoin to get an idea.
Where is Malaucène in Provence?
The charming village of Malaucène lies at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse department in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region.
How many people live in Malaucène?
There are 2,900 inhabitants in the small village of Malaucène. They are known as the Malaucéniens and Malaucéniennes. The village is very pleasant and popular with tourists, and despite its small size it is gaining inhabitants year on year.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Beaumont du Ventoux (6 km), Le Barroux (6 km), Entrechaux (7 km), Suzette (9 km).