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Park · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Fontaine de Vaucluse
The source of the river Sorgue, at the foot of a rock cliff, the largest in metropolitan France by water volume. A riverside path leads from the village to the cave where the water springs forth.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fontaine de Vaucluse
The Fontaine de Vaucluse is the spring of the Sorgue River and lies at the bottom of an enclosed valley, which explains the name: Vaucluse comes from the Latin Vallis Clausa, closed valley. It is the largest spring in metropolitan France, with an annual volume of 630 to 700 million cubic meters, and one of the largest in the world. The name of the Vaucluse department comes from it.
Water issues from a cavity at the foot of a high limestone cliff. The appearance varies greatly over the year: after heavy rains, usually in late winter and spring, the water overflows and descends in cascades; in summer and autumn the level drops and the grotto reveals a still green lake.
The path to the spring departs from the village, follows the Sorgue’s bank, with very clear green water, and takes about 15 minutes on foot. Along the way there are shops, cafés, an old paper mill that still operates and small museums. The poet Petrarch lived there in the 14th century, and a museum commemorates his stay.
The village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is small and gets crowded in summer. It is 7 km from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town known for its canals and its Sunday antiques market.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the walk to the spring and a stroll around the village.
Best time
In spring, when the spring is usually fuller. In summer, arrive early because the parking fills up. On days of high water, the final part of the path may be closed for safety; check before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 30 km from Avignon, via L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. There is a regional bus from Avignon with limited schedules; check in advance. Parking at the entrance to the village is paid.
Tip
Combine it with L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 7 km away, preferably on a Sunday morning, the day of the antiques market and the marché provençal. On the way to the spring, see the mill that still makes handmade paper.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fontaine de Vaucluse
Is the spring always full?
No. After heavy rains, usually at the end of winter and in spring, the water overflows from the cave. In summer and autumn, the level usually drops and the spring becomes a calm lake at the foot of the cliff.
Is there an entrance fee?
The path to the spring is free; you pay for parking. The village museums have their own admission.
Can it be combined with other sites?
Yes. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is 7 km away, and Gordes about 15 km. All three can be done in the same day by car.