Velleron between Via Venaissia, the market and the Sorgue

Velleron between the cycling route and the farmers’ market

Velleron combines a stage of the Via Venaissia with a farmers’ market, the Sorgue and several cultural attractions. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose from a range of focuses: a cycling stage, local produce, a walk in the countryside or a visit centered on history and culture. Market dates vary by season; the Festival de la Sorgue takes place in July. These different schedules are useful if you would like to plan your stay around specific activities.

Cycling and countryside trails

Velleron is a stage on the Via Venaissia, a cycle route connecting the ViaRhôna with the cycle route to the Mediterranean. The section from Velleron starts at Chemin de l’ancienne voie and runs 4.5 kilometres to Pernes-les-Fontaines. This gives you a named starting point, a destination and the length of this section when planning a bike ride. Access and route signage may change; check both before setting off.

Walking trails also pass through the countryside around Velleron. On the hills, several dry-stone bories stand along hiking trails. These structures once sheltered shepherds and their flocks. A04 “La Parisienne” is designated as a remarkable area on the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse. The bories reflect the former use of the hills, while the walking trail’s name points to a distinct aspect of the landscape. Those wishing to explore the area on foot will therefore find both a theme related to the history of the structures and a named walking trail.

Farmers’ market and produce

Velleron’s farmers’ market follows different weekly schedules depending on the season: from April, it is open daily except Sundays and public holidays; from October, it is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. As the market hours change with the season, it is worth checking the relevant dates when planning your trip.

Local farmers sell their produce directly at the market, without intermediaries. Strawberries and melons are grown in Velleron’s fertile agricultural landscape; the town is known for the quality of its market produce. Agricultural production varies by season, so the timing of your market visit also matters when choosing what to buy.

The Bergerie Velleronnaise also welcomes interested visitors. The farm offers cheese, yoghurt, brousse, faisselles, hard cheese, cream and butter. If you are planning a visit for specific farm products, check the visiting arrangements and seasonal availability in advance.

The Sorgue and a riverside picnic

The Sorgue in Velleron is a first-category river, and its water temperature remains constant at 13°C. Near the Pont de Pichichi, the shaded, peaceful banks are suitable for picnicking. This offers two different reasons to spend time by the river: its specific classification and temperature, and the recommended picnic spot on the bank. Check access conditions and local restrictions before visiting.

Châteaux, nature exhibits and cultural events

The Château de Crillon was built in the 16th century on the foundations of an earlier castle and now houses Velleron’s town hall. The construction date and the earlier castle foundations point to two different historical periods; its present-day use is as the town hall. Access arrangements for visits may change, so check them if you are planning a visit.

The Château de Cambis is a 17th-century Renaissance château and serves as a venue for numerous cultural events. The two châteaux therefore have different roles today: the Château de Crillon houses the town hall, while the Château de Cambis is used for cultural events. The programme and access arrangements may change; check the details if you would like to plan your visit around an event.

Le Carbet Amazonien offers another themed visit: it features a 500 m² tropical environment with a wide variety of plants and exotic butterflies. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening arrangements.

Every year in July, the Festival de la Sorgue offers free theatre and music performances for all ages. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue, Orange, Sault-De-Vaucluse, Les Tourrettes, Sorgues, Mormoiron, Sablet, Gignac

For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.