What to do                               click on items at left to see details

Vaison's size of just about 6,000 inhabitants belies its importance. It is the central town in the region, drawing everyone from surrounding villages and towns. The wonderful shopping and numerous restaurants are a testament to its appeal to locals, part-time residents and tourists alike. Vaison also has antique shops, art galleries, a movie theater and a community swimming pool.

Vaison is a unique town because it combines the ruins of Roman antiquity, a medieval village, and a very modern town. Although there are records of prehistoric and Celto-Ligurian civilizations, the ties to Rome date from the 60's BC. During the 14th century the locals moved from the low lying river basin to the area below the chateau -- the Haute Ville-- for protection.

A visit to the Roman ruins in Vaison-la-Romaine shows us the life in a wealthy Roman settlement, away from the more famous large cities. The first Romans who came in 12 B.C. were wealthy men-writers, merchants, and officers. They built spacious houses, a market, temple and a theater (which is still in use.) The city became very wealthy, and prospered for 400 years, until the Frankish invasion in the late 5th century. In addition to the theater, the stone bridge (Pont Romain) built in Roman times is still in use.

The upper town (Haute Ville) with its narrow medieval streets and passageways, and a chateau on top, has shops, lodging and restaurants. A two thousand year old Roman bridge is still in use and unites the medieval, Roman, and modern cities.

Vaison is the perfect spot for exploring Provence. There is much to see within a ½ hour radius, and many more charming, interesting towns within 1-2 hours.