Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (84) - Walks in Avignon and around

Fontaine de Vaucluse is renowned all over France for its impressive spring, which bursts from the base of a 230 meters (750 ft) high cliff. No one knows how deep the abyss really is, though it is known that one of the wells is at least 300 meters deep (1000 ft). Geologists are still struggling to understand the source of the springs, and how their flow could remain so strong.
No one ever tires of watching the mint-coloured water bursting in the warm summer’s light. The water temperature constantly is 13°C (55°F), even in the summer, and keeps a refreshing atmosphere around the site.

This village has inspired many artists. Among the most famous are Frederic Mistral, François Pétrarque and René Char.

The museum Pétrarque, the subterranean museum, and the Vallis Clausa Mill (which maintains the paper making tradition) capture the essence of the spiritual adventures that burst around the spring.