Maison Cerisaie enjoys a wonderful, peaceful location within walking distance of Pernes-les-Fontaines, a beautiful historic village full of monuments, fountains, cafes, bars and restaurants. Its forty fountains are all different, some colossal and some much more discreet. Some are listed on France's inventory of historical monuments. The ramparts of the village have remained intact, including the 'Gate of Our Lady', dating back to the 14th century, adorned with two towers overlooking the river. You will discover a small chapel from the early 16th century on the pretty bridge over the Nesque. Within the town walls, you will enjoy charming cobbled streets, shady squares and lots of small chapels. The clock tower from the 12th century Counts of Toulouse castle offers fabulous views of the Comtat plain and Mount Ventoux. The village hosts many festivals, concerts and exhibitions, including the Folklories Pernes Music, Font Arts, the Antiquarian Book Fair, walks with lanterns, photographic exhibitions and a July pottery exhibition.
The mighty Avignon is also nearby to Maison Cerisaie. For seventy years, in the early 1300s, Avignon was the centre of the Roman Catholic world and was the seat of papal power. It has been left with an impressive legacy of architecture, including the famous World Heritage-listed palace known as the Palais des Papes. The town is also famous for its annual arts festival, the largest in France, which takes place in July. The town enjoys a magnificent medieval bridge, Pont St-Benezet, which is otherwise known as Pont d'Avignon. The bridge was completed in 1185 and is 900m long, linking Avignon with Villeneuve-les-Avignon. It was rebuilt several times before all but four of its twenty-two spans were washed away in the 1600s, leaving the far side marooned in the middle of the Rhone. There are wonderful views of the bridge from Rocher des Doms Park, Pont Edouard Daladier and Ile de la Barthelasse's Chemin des Berges.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a fabulous, characterful Provence market town that boasts a fantastic collection of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, shops, antique centres, galleries and a fabulous historic centre. It enjoys the name 'The Venice of Provence' for its numerous canals but is also known as the 'antique capital of France'. Hundreds of stores and stalls open every Sunday selling collectable bric-a-brac and serious antiques. The town hosts an International Antiques Fair twice a year, at Easter and in August. Sitting on the Sorgue River, there are many waterside eateries, and it is blessed with attractive water wheels that are still in working order. In August, there is a lovely floating market in addition to the Sunday morning market.
During your stay, you should visit the village of Gordes. With honey-toned houses spiralling down from its splendid medieval castle, it is easy to see why Gordes is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. With a wonderful selection of cafes, restaurants, ancient buildings, shops, bars and phenomenal views over the surrounding vineyards, orchards and mountains, you will be drawn to this magical village. In summer, the village hosts vibrant cultural events. There is plenty to visit nearby, including the lavender photo opportunity, Senanque Abbey, the Cellars of Saint Firmin Palace, and its Church. The hamlet of 'Les Cabanes', 4km from Gordes, is now known as the Village des Bories. Sitting on the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse, it is interesting to visit and was linked to seasonal agricultural work. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century, testifying to an exceptional ancestral art of building.
The Region
Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.
With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.
Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.
In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.
Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.
Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.
