Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

This village of about 600 people is the location of the largest underground spring in France and is the source of the river Sorgue. It once had several paper mills powered by the water flow, but is now a pretty tourist town. It also has an very ancient and austere church in the Romanesque style dating back to the 10th century called St. Veran.

The water in the fast flowing river here was unique. The water plants growing at the bottom with the clear water flowing atop and the sunlight filtering through gave the river a green iridescence that we had never seen before - very memorable. We decided to enjoy a drink in a riverfront café to enjoy this bucolic scene of the town buildings, bridge, ruins from the mill, water and the striking granite cliffs in the background. Unfortunately, our break was cut short by approaching thunder. Would have definitely liked to have lingered here, perhaps for dinner.Read more