Malaucène: Village History and Heritage at Mont Ventoux

Malaucène is a medieval village at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Chapels, former fortification walls and the Groseau spring give the village a distinctive character, where heritage and landscape sit side by side. There are also trails through Malaucène and numerous starting points for activities in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel in Malaucène, this mix provides a concrete basis for choosing your destination: you can weigh village history, the spring landscape and the trails as different aspects of the destination.

Chapels, Church and Local History

The Notre-Dame-du-Groseau Chapel dates from the 11th century. The chapel’s monastery served as the summer residence of Clément V, the first Avignon pope. A larger building associated with the chapel has a circular interior and is classified as a historic monument. This distinction is important: the monastery served as the summer residence; the classification as a historic monument applies to the larger associated building. Malaucène’s fortified church also stands out for its majestic architecture and interior.

At the Calvaire de Malaucène, there are 14 small oratories depicting the Stations of the Cross. The slopes and the Calade du Calvaire lead you to a panoramic viewpoint; there is also an orientation table at the Calvaire. The oratories provide a religious connection, while the view and the table bring the landscape and orientation to the fore.

Along the Route des Remparts, the former fortification walls were reused in the construction of many houses. Traces of the former fortifications are thus also woven into the history of the village’s built environment. Another form of local tradition is the Portail Saint-Jean: according to legend, the rock forms the entrance to an imaginary cave guarded by a Golden Goat.

The Groseau Spring and Trails in the Surrounding Area

The Groseau spring emerges from the rock and flows into a wide basin with a clear bottom. It was used for irrigation and once powered up to 17 mills. The area lies between meadows and forests; its coolness and tranquillity attract walkers on warm days. The landscape and the former use of the water can be distinguished at the spring: the basin shapes the scenery, while irrigation and mills point to its historical use.

The GR de Pays Massif du Ventoux passes through Malaucène from the Chapelle Saint Roch to the Chapelle de Piaud, passing by the Groseau spring along the way. The chapels and the spring are therefore landmarks along a specific route. Malaucène and its surroundings also have numerous starting points for hikes, scenic cycling tours and horseback rides. For planning, it is useful to distinguish between them: the GR refers to a specific route, while the additional starting points offer a broader choice of activities and locations.

Discover more destinations: Lamotte-Du-Rhône, Apt, Saint-Christol, Loriol-Du-Comtat, Avignon, Caseneuve, Crillon-Le-Brave, Orange

Go to the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.