Villes sur Auzon
Situated 17 km to the east of Carpentras via the D942.
The charming village of Villes sur Auzon near Mont Ventoux and the Nesque Gorges.
Are you looking for a quiet village between Mont Ventoux and the Nesque Gorges? Villes-sur-Auzon is the perfect place for you. This village of 1,300 inhabitants is located 17 km from Carpentras in the Vaucluse department.
The town is nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux, in an ochre landscape dotted with vineyards and cherry trees. Here you will find a cooperative winery, a variety of accommodation options, and hiking trails leading to the giant of Provence.
The village is also a starting point for exploring the wild Nesque Gorges and enjoying spectacular views of these deep faults. The site attracts cyclists who come to ride on the roads of Ventoux.
Things to see in the village
The village of Villes sur Auzon offers a lot of charm with its ochre houses, old fountains, narrow streets, and tranquil Provençal atmosphere.
The Saint-André church dates back to 1854 and replaces a 13th-century building. What makes it special? The words “République Française” and “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” engraved on its façade, following a municipal decision in November 1891. These inscriptions always surprise visitors. You can ask for the keys to visit it.
The 18th-century Grand Portal marks the former main entrance to the medieval town. Beneath its arch lies the entrance to the old prison. Just opposite, the Mascaron fountain was built in 1783. These two elements form a well-preserved ensemble.
The village has retained its original circular shape. Remains of Saracen stone ramparts bear witness to the fortified past of the site. You will come across several fountains in the center, some of which date back to the 18th century.
The “Lis Pous de Foro” district is worth a visit. It consists of small gardens separated by dry stone walls. These plots once belonged to the inhabitants of the village.
Note: the small village has two instrument makers (flutes and guitars). Don't miss the market day, every Wednesday morning. You are here in the land of good food and drink.
Starting point for the Nesque Gorges
Villes sur Auzon is one of the starting points for exploring the Nesque Gorges. You can admire this spectacular 400-meter-deep canyon by following the Nesque River for about 20 kilometers from Ville sur Auzon to Monieux.
A short drive along the circular road will take you around the canyon, either starting from Ville sur Auzon in the west or Sault in the east. (On foot, allow 2.5 hours for the round trip along the brown-marked GR9 trail).
The road quickly rises above the plain, offering spectacular views of the gorges within a few minutes.
It's not the Grand Canyon or the Gorges du Verdon... but it's still impressive. From the road, you won't see the small stream at the bottom of the canyon, only the very deep faults, bare or covered with vegetation. The highest point of the gorges (872 m) is at the Castellaras viewpoint, located 3 km before Monieux... vertigo guaranteed! Then the Nesque disappears underground and reappears at Fontaine de Vaucluse.
A beautiful view of Mont Ventoux
From the highest point of the village, you can admire the panoramic view of the Nesque Gorges and the silhouette of the giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. Villes-sur-Auzon is a popular holiday destination for those who want to explore Ventoux by bike.
What to see
La Nesque Gorge.
The church pediment.
Leisure activities
Walking and mountain biking.
Swimming pool, tennis.
Bed and breakfast
Charming guest house with pool and garden. We appreciate the peaceful setting and the kindness of the hosts. Good starting point for hikes or bike rides around Mont Ventoux.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsite.
Your questions about the village
You have sent us several questions about this pretty town in the Vaucluse. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions:
How can I visit Villes-sur-Auzon?
The village welcomes tourists at the foot of Mont Ventoux, at the entrance to the Nesque Gorges. To plan your stay, visit the town's official website, which provides all the practical information you need. You will find several picnic areas and facilities for families, including a skate park and sports fields. Marked hiking trails allow you to discover the natural heritage and ancient activities such as charcoal burning. Hiking remains the main activity for exploring this area between Ventoux and the gorges.
What is the history of Villes-sur-Auzon?
The village was the stronghold of the Bishop of Carpentras until 1791, attached to the Comtat Venaissin. Protected from the mistral wind by the Ventoux, this village occupied a strategic geographical position. Formerly surrounded by Saracen stone ramparts, the medieval village still has its 18th-century Grand Portail gate. In the 19th century, the town prospered thanks to the exploitation of the forests for charcoal and ochre. This history explains the old factory visible at the entrance to the village, a testament to the industrial past of the Vaucluse.
What events are there in Villes-sur-Auzon?
The jazz festival was created in 2005 and takes place in late July/early August under the plane trees. Five evenings are scheduled at 9:30 p.m., three of which are free to make music accessible to all. The village also organizes the Muscat Grape Festival on the terraces of Ventoux in September. This event celebrates local produce with tastings, producers' stands, and entertainment. For a complete calendar of events, the very active rural community center also offers various activities throughout the year in the Vaucluse.
Where is Villes-sur-Auzon?
The village is located in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Twenty kilometers from Carpentras and 40 kilometers from Avignon, the D942 road runs through the town. Its geographical position at the foot of Mont Ventoux and at the entrance to the Nesque Gorges makes it a strategic location. To get there, the A7 motorway and the Avignon TGV station are the main access points. A road map or our map will help you plan your route to this well-located Provençal village.
What activities are there to do in Villes-sur-Auzon?
There are numerous trails for climbing Mont Ventoux, with a minimum of four hours' hiking from the foot of the mountain. The charbonnières trail created by the rural community center offers magnificent views of the Nesque Gorges. Two equipped picnic areas await you: a sunny one in front of the tourist office and a shaded one in the center. The rural community center offers table tennis, gymnastics, tai chi, and board games. The surrounding countryside is also ideal for cycling and walking in this village, which has been named the capital of biodiversity.
What is the climate like in Villes-sur-Auzon?
The climate is typically Mediterranean. The average annual temperature is 12.9°C, with 764 mm of rainfall per year. The mistral wind, nicknamed “manjo-fango,” eliminates humidity after storms and protects the vineyards. Mont Ventoux protects the village from the excesses of the mistral thanks to its 1,910-meter altitude. This favorable climate explains the development of viticulture and cherry trees in the commune.
