Le Beaucet

Population : 354 - Altitude : 300m

Department du Vaucluse

 A true provencal village, Le Beaucet clings to its rock and is dominated by the the fortified château which is in the process of being restored. Take a walk down the narrow streets of the village and you can't fail to miss the two monumental gates of the ancient fortress. Equally don't miss the partially restored XII° church.

In the surrounding area a mountain bike trail and footpath links Venasque, Fontaine de Vaucluse and Sénanque, and takes you past superb places where you can't fail to appreciate the calm beauty of the authentic, preserved countryside.

2 km from the village, a easy track will take you up to the Hermitage. Each year pilgrims take the route up the hill and past the numerous shrines to reach the Hermitage de Saint Gens, where two beautiful country chapels, dedicated to the Saint can be found.

Le Beaucet is lucky to host a number of fine crafts persons in the village. You can admire their work : pottery, weaving, earthenware, santons, stone polishing...Even more rare is the "Centre International de Formation aux Métiers d'Art" which offers courses in gold leaf techniques, fresco painting, marbling, trompe l'oeil techniques..., lovers of painting will appreciate this.

Don't leave Le Beaucet before you've visited the "Le Jardin de Robert" a unique and original place where two artists use the natural landscape to create art work. Even if you are only curious, it really merits a detour !!