Pernes les Fontaines

Pernes-les-Fontaines, in the Vaucluse department, was once the capital of the Comtat Venaissin before Avignon took on that role. The town takes its name from the many fountains, around forty, scattered throughout its historic streets, remnants of a water supply system dating back to the Middle Ages. The old town retains sections of its ramparts and fortified gates, such as the Porte Notre-Dame with its bridge and chapel, alongside the Tour Ferrande and the Tour de l'Horloge clock tower. The Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth collegiate church further reflects this architectural heritage. The town lies close to Carpentras and the Luberon massif, surrounded by a typically Provençal landscape of orchards and market gardens, with the surrounding area well known for cherry production. A traditional market takes place on Saturday mornings, bringing life to the cobbled lanes of the centre. The Mediterranean climate, warm and dry in summer, makes the area well suited to outdoor pursuits such as walking and cycling, particularly towards Mont Ventoux. Pernes-les-Fontaines therefore offers a peaceful base from which to explore the heritage and countryside of the Vaucluse.