Méthamis

Last update on Oct 21, 2025

Situated 17 km south-east of Carpentras via the D4 and then the D5.

Discover the charming little village of Méthamis in the Vaucluse

Perched on its rocky promontory, Méthamis overlooks the Nesque Gorges at an altitude of 380 meters.

A major tourist attraction in the Vaucluse, the Nesque Gorges are a must-see. The closest starting point to Méthamis for the wild gorges is Villes sur Auzon.

A beautiful heritage to discover

Méthamis is a small mountain village that is part of the terraces of the Ventoux plateau. The village offers a small heritage to visit, providing an opportunity for a pleasant walk in nature: a visit to the church of Saint Pierre and Saint Paul will take you to the top of the rock where it stands perched.

This is one of the curiosities of the Comtat Venaissin. Worth seeing 1 km from the village: the 15th-century Sainte Foy Chapel and the Mur de la Peste (Plague Wall), built around 1720 to isolate Provence from the epidemic.

Walks and hikes around the village

Another walk takes you to the hamlet of Les Bastides, where you will find the small Sainte Anne Chapel, a beautiful fountain, and a wash house where you can refresh yourself.

Méthamis is also the starting point for many hikes with marked trails that allow you to enjoy the superb landscapes and carefully preserved nature.

The Nesque Gorges start at the edge of the village. These limestone cliffs attract hikers and climbers. You can also visit the carefully restored Sainte-Foy Chapel, located 7 kilometers away on the road to Saint-Hubert.

Another activity not to be missed is exploring the Mont Ventoux vineyards located near the village.

What to see

The church of Saint Pierre & Saint Paul (Romanesque),
Chapel of Saint Foy (15th century).

Leisure activities

Walking, cycling and mountain biking.
Horse riding.

Bed and breakfast

Metafort

Méthamis

Beautiful bed and breakfast with an exceptional view. Stylish and comfortable rooms, very friendly welcome, homemade breakfast. You will love this exceptional place!

View the site

Accomodations

Vacation rentals.
Bed and breakfasts.
Hotels.

Your questions about this little village

You have sent us several inquiries about this charming village in the Vaucluse. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

How do I get to Méthamis?

Méthamis is located in the Vaucluse, 17 kilometers from Carpentras. The D5 departmental road crosses the town from east to west and is your main access route. If you are arriving by car, take the A7 motorway, exit at Avignon, then follow the signs for Carpentras via the D942. The nearest TGV station is Avignon, located about 45 kilometers away. A road map will be useful as the village is nestled on a rocky promontory. The village is located between Mont Ventoux and the Nesque Gorges, in the Vaucluse mountains. It takes about an hour to get there from Avignon, and a little less from Carpentras, which is the ideal starting point for exploring the region.

What is Méthamis' heritage?

The Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul has dominated the village since the 12th century. It is a remarkable blend of Romanesque and Provençal Gothic styles. You can access it via a double spiral staircase that leads to a forecourt offering spectacular views. The main nave is Romanesque in origin, while the choir is Gothic in style with sculpted capitals. The whole building has been classified as a historical monument since September 1997. This religious building stands at the highest point, built on the side of a rock. Inside, you will discover a gilded wooden virgin that is well worth seeing. The village once had a protective wall, fragments of which can still be seen today. The entrance was via a drawbridge over a moat carved into the stone. This historical heritage bears witness to the strategic importance of Méthamis throughout the centuries.

Where to stay in Méthamis?

There are several gîtes in the village and its surroundings. There are many guest rooms, often located in restored old Provençal houses. The Gîte Cerise et Raisin offers two rooms for four people in the center of the village. Entre Vignes et Collines offers two independent accommodations with a view of Mont Ventoux. These rentals generally cost between €70 and €150 per night, depending on the season. For a longer stay, opt for a whole house rental with a swimming pool and enclosed garden. The nearest campsite is a few kilometers away, towards Villes-sur-Auzon or Mormoiron. Rural tourism is developing in Méthamis without detracting from the authenticity of the place. Book in advance in summer as the best accommodation fills up quickly.

What is the weather like in Méthamis?

Méthamis enjoys a modified Mediterranean climate with over 2,600 hours of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures easily climb above 30°C, with a record high of 42.4°C in June 2019. In winter, the thermometer can drop to -13°C during periods of intense cold. The prevailing wind is the mistral, which blows regularly and cleanses the atmosphere. Météo France provides accurate forecasts for the area. In October, conditions remain pleasant with sunny days and mild temperatures around 20°C. The ideal season to fully enjoy the village is from April to October. Spring and fall offer the perfect conditions to discover the region without suffering from the excessive heat of summer.

What are the culinary specialties in Méthamis?

The Muscat du Ventoux table grape is the pride of the region, with its AOC designation since 1997 and its AOP designation at the European level. The blue-black grapes are harvested from late August to November. The vineyards of Méthamis also produce AOC Ventoux wine, which benefits from the limestone terroir and the mistral wind. The gastronomy of the Vaucluse region is reflected in the local cuisine, with olive oil, goat's cheese, and candied fruit. Local restaurants offer authentic Provençal cuisine with eggplant papeton, pistou soup, and black truffle dishes in winter. Muscat du Ventoux is best enjoyed chilled as a dessert or aperitif. Its juicy flesh offers aromas of violet, rose, and red fruits. It is a true delicacy that embodies the terroir of Mont Ventoux.