Map of Venasque

Duration of visit to Venasque

A visit to Venasque takes between 2 and 3 hours if you stay in the village. You can take your time exploring the main monuments. The baptistery alone is worth 30 minutes.

Allow a full half-day if you want to take your time. You can stroll through the streets, enjoy the views, and take a break. Photographers will appreciate the light in the morning or late afternoon.

A full day is ideal if you add a hike. The village serves as a starting point for the Monts de Vaucluse. You can also visit the surrounding area, particularly the Nesque Valley.

In high season, arrive early in the morning. Tourist traffic increases around 11 a.m. You'll enjoy the village atmosphere more before the crowds arrive.

Map of Venasque in PDF format

Would you like to download a map of Venasque in PDF format? You can do so directly from this page. Click on the “Download map” button below our interactive map.

This map will allow you to plan your visit in advance. You can consult it even without an internet connection. This is useful for locating monuments before you arrive.

The PDF includes the main points of interest in the village. The distances between each location are indicated. This will help you to better organize your route.

Some visitors prefer to have a paper copy. Feel free to print the map before you leave. You can use it to note down your discoveries during your visit.

The Venasque Tourist Office

The tourist office is located at 61 Grand'rue, in the heart of the village. It is a seasonal office attached to Ventoux-Provence. You can contact them on +33 (0)4 90 66 11 66.

Opening hours vary depending on the season. During the summer, the office is open from Tuesday to Saturday. It is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

You will find documentation on Venasque and the region. The staff can provide information on accommodation and activities. They also offer hiking maps and guides.

For information outside the season, contact the Carpentras office. Their number is +33 (0)4 90 63 00 78. They will direct you to the right resources.

Parking in Venasque

Parking in Venasque can be difficult during the high season. The village has several free parking lots. All are indicated on our map at the top of this page.

The main parking lot is located along the D28, north of the village. A second parking lot is located near the Saracen towers, to the southeast. These are the two most convenient areas.

In July and August, arrive early to find a space. The car parks fill up from 10 a.m. onwards. Weekends are particularly busy.

The car park near Notre-Dame de La Vie, below the village, offers an alternative. From there, a short climb takes you to the village. Allow 5 minutes on foot.

The village streets are narrow and often closed to traffic. Avoid looking for a spot in the center. The peripheral parking lots are the best option.

Must-see sites in Venasque

The baptistery of Venasque is the most famous monument. Dating from the 6th century, it is one of the oldest religious buildings in the Vaucluse. It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1840.

The interior retains its Greek cross plan. The blind arcades and capitals bear witness to successive alterations. The location of the former octagonal baptismal font is still visible.

The Church of Notre-Dame dates from the 12th century. It is a fine example of Provençal Romanesque architecture. Inside, you will find a painting from the School of Avignon dating from 1498 and a 17th-century altarpiece.

The three Saracen towers protect the southern entrance to the village. These remains of 4th-century Gallo-Roman ramparts are up to 18 meters high. They form one of the most beautiful enclosures of the Late Empire in southern France.

From the esplanade of the towers, the view stretches over the Dentelles de Montmirail. Opposite you stands Mont Ventoux. The Carpentras plain stretches to the horizon.

The village's belvederes offer several viewpoints. The one to the north reveals Mont Ventoux in all its splendor. These panoramas are one of Venasque's major assets.

The village also has many golden stone houses. They have been restored in keeping with the heritage. Artists' and craftsmen's workshops dot the streets.

Road access to Venasque

Venasque is easily reached by car from Carpentras. Take the D4 southeast. The journey takes about 15 minutes over 11 kilometers.

From Avignon, it is 30 kilometers and 35 minutes. Follow the signs for Carpentras, then take the D4. The departmental roads are well signposted.

For those coming from Aix-en-Provence, the distance is about 80 kilometers. Allow 1 hour and 15 minutes for the drive. Pass through Cavaillon, then head north.

Public transportation is limited. There is a bus line connecting Carpentras to Venasque, but it only runs a few times a day. Check with Trans'Cove for the schedule.

The village does not have a train station. The nearest TGV station is in Avignon. From there, you will need to rent a car or take a bus to Carpentras.

Avignon-Provence Airport is about 30 kilometers away. Marseille-Provence Airport is 80 kilometers away. Both airports offer car rental services.

Accommodation in Venasque

The Hotel Les Remparts occupies the old ramparts of the village. This charming establishment offers 8 air-conditioned rooms with views of the valley or the village. The restaurant has a panoramic terrace facing Mont Ventoux. A Provençal breakfast is served on the veranda or terrace.

La Garrigue charms guests with its authentic setting. This hotel has an outdoor pool and a vineyard. You can sample local wines at the bar. Bicycles are available free of charge for guests to explore the surrounding area.

Several bed and breakfasts are scattered throughout the village and its surroundings. Les Maisons Mado occupies a historic building in the heart of Venasque. Caroline, the owner, welcomes her guests to a renovated former farmhouse. These establishments prioritize authenticity and contact with the locals.

Also worth reading to help you plan your stay in Venasque:

• Venasque guide