The Haut-Vaucluse castles’ route

In Uchaux, between Mornas and Ste-Cécile-les-Vignes, we’ll discover Castellas Castle with an easy little hike through the woods (7.3 km circuit).

Starting out from the Town Hall square, you just have to follow the botanical path before seeing the beautiful (recently restored) castle appear before you and a breath-taking panoramic view of the Rhone Valley and Mont Ventoux. Middle Age inspiration guaranteed!

Top tip

• 6 km away, visit Naturoptère in Sérignan-du-Comtat (included in the Vaucluse Provence Pass). Perfect for any age!

Further to the north now, in the Enclave des Papes, you come across Visan.

The village follows the former rampart walk around the town. In the centre of the village of Visan, you can see ramparts, towers, doors and other vestiges of a Mediaeval past.

Things to see and know

• The chapel Notre-Dame des Vignes to the east of the village, listed as a historic monument, has the most wonderful set in gilded wood in South-East France!

The final stage is in Valréas to admire Simiane castle. It is the authentic home of the granddaughter of Mme de Sévigné: Pauline de Simiane.

The structure, which has Italian influence, has not undergone any transformation nor reconstruction since the 18th century. It even has a wing that was originally part of the building in the 14th century.
Today it houses the Town Hall, but richly decorated rooms are to be discovered, as well as an esplanade which is always covered in flowers. Tours are free and at your own pace, and exhibitions are organised there regularly.

Fall in love…

• Go under the porch to get to the rear of the building… where you’ll find a surprise!
• Tour included in the Vaucluse Provence Pass