Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France

Our second stop was Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a small commune of approximately 600 residents. Its name comes from the spring of the same name, with Vaucluse meaning closed valley. The fountain, or spring, is situated at the foot of a steep 230 metre high, limestone cliff, and is the largest spring in France. It so also the fifth largest in the world.

Several trails in the area indicate human occupation since the Neolithic area. With the ruins of a castle and caves dotted along the cliff side Vaucluse has been populated on and off since then.

It is a very beautiful and small town and we chose to walk along the water’s edge to get a view of the town and the spring. The water is so clear and the trees so green. This is a popular town for hikers but we only had time for a quick look around. It would be a lovely place to sit along the waters edge enjoying a picnic or a refreshing drink on a warm afternoon after having a dip in the spring. Maybe another time we will get to really experience this town. For now we have more to see.Read more