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Français |
Magazine |
Departments |
Villages |
Map |
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Hotels |
Bed & Br |
Rentals |
Campsites |
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Malaucène
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  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. All that remains of Malaucène'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 hangings.
During
the first half of the 14th century Pope Clement V had his summer residence
in Malaucène. Little
by little, Malaucène became a large market town by developing the
same industrial activity over the last four centuries: the Papeteries
de Malaucène. This paper mill specialises in manufacturing the tips
for cigarette filters. Agriculture has developed alongside this and
in the last few years tourism has also become part of Malaucène's
resources. Strolling through the streets of Malaucène, you will be
able to admire Malaucène 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 Barroux road. You may also enjoy a visit to its weaving workshop. |
Gothic church with remains
of fortifications. |
He left his mark on the town in the form of the church
of Saint Michel & Saint Pierre, which was erected in 1309 on the site
of an ancient temple. 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 chapel of 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. 
the
beautiful residences dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, the ancient
fountains and the wash-houses. On the Cours Isnards you will find
restaurants, café terraces and hotels as well as numerous shops. 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.
Historical remains worth visiting/seeing : 
