Rural heritage: In Provence, stone, water, wind and earth are inextricably connected, and man has always used all four to advantage, benefiting from the climate and the forces of nature. In Vaucluse, the architectural heritage blends harmoniously with the natural setting, for the organisation of society in Vaucluse dates back to the Middle Ages, and sometimes even to Roman times. Drystone architecture is quite prevalent, due to the stones produced when fields were cleared and the many quarries. Drystone architecture is seen in stone walls, bories, homes and cobblestone streets. Water, the symbol of life, flows from countless fountains on shady squares, often next to clock towers which stand guard, topped by wrought iron campaniles – forming the heart of the village. Water mills and wind mills supplied flour and olive oil, precious, vital ingredients to the Provencal way of life.
Architectural heritage, natural beauty, both work together to delight the eye as you travel through Vaucluse, discovering how the villages blend in with the stone, the rock and the natural colours.