Monuments to visit Provence

You are facing the old Saint-Pierre hospital. Built in 1713, it did not resist the pillages of the Revolution. The Germans held it during the First World War. Religious sisters surrounded the place before the Second World War and built a hospital again. But they have focused on their monastery and diseases spread in the various establishments of the surrounding area. Since that time, all attempts to reopen the institution had failed. In 1958, the city council decided therefore to transfer the whole administrative services in this location.

Adjoining against the Chapelle des Pénitents, it is the oldest fountains in the city. It dates back to the reign of Louis XIV. If you look at it, you will notice the two fish consumed by time. It is said that it once supplied the town with water. It is also one of the few Baroque fountains of Provence. But do not stop there because the city has no less than 14 fountains, some of them flow abundantly. It is ridiculous to say, but when the weather is very hot, you will feel freshened up when hearing them singing.

On the highest point of the village, stands the old 12th-century tower, known as Templar, the order of the Templar Knights who had a strong influence in the region in the past. But the fact that it was the seat of a residence of the temple is extremely contested. When the place was transformed into a town hall in the 19th century, it was topped by a clock tower and a bell. The clock underwent an identical reconstruction to keep the aesthetic structure of the building. The view over the landscape is magnificent.

This is the only remaining item of the castle built by Guillaume de Forcalquier in the twelfth century. A bell tower has been added to it long ago to give it a campanil. Today, it is on the Mirabeau Square and houses the tourism office. It was initially just a fortified tower. External threats multiplied, Guillaume Roger du Turenne built a real castle (15th century century) with a dungeon, main building, rectangular enclosure and ditches of protection. This fortress was demolished in 1596. The tower will be converted into a belfry in 1605.

This theater was built in the ^1st century AD. Proof of this is the marble statue of Tiberius found in front of the royal gate. It has, of course, been protected as a historical monument since 1862. It's one of the few public buildings in the city that still retains the splendor of Roman times. Imagine, all along the stage wall, imperial statues and divinities facing over 6,000 spectators! Mimes and pantomimes were performed in the Roman style. Now restored, it hosts numerous shows as part of the Vaison Festivals, the International Dance Festival, the Choralies... there's no shortage of events.

Château de La Verdière, located in the commune of La Verdière in the Var department, is a listed historic site. Built in the Xᵉ century, it is the largest château in Provence by surface area. The château also features temporary exhibitions and a history of a renaissance.

Les Halles 1889 is a fresh produce market that also features a chic bistro. In a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, visitors can enjoy quality cuisine made from fresh, seasonal produce. The menu, which changes weekly, offers inventive and refined dishes. Wine lovers will also be delighted, with a selection that highlights the origin of the wines, from grands crus to the productions of small winemakers. In summer, concerts and barbecue evenings are organized on the terrace. For pastry lovers, the Comptoir d'Entrecasteaux tea room offers a unique setting for tasting delicious pastries, to be chosen at the counter and enjoyed at any time.