Within ten kilometers from Carpentras, three hilltop villages overlook the Monts de Vaucluse. Venasque, Le Beaucet and La Roque-sur-Pernes. Varied countryside awaits you on the quiet roads from Carpentras to St Didier, olive and cherry orchards approaching Venasque, followed by pretty forests on the windy picturesque roads between Le Beaucet and La Roque-sur-Pernes.
Leave Carpentras heading towards St Didier, then onto Venasque, classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France with its church, baptistery, and magnificent Saracen towers. A bench awaits you on the ‘Place des Tours’ to sit and contemplate the view of the Mont Ventoux, the forests of Venasque, the orchards, vines and Carpentras.
Wander through all the pretty streets, even the more hidden ones! A 15 minute walk will take you to a panoramic viewpoint of Venasque. From the carpark at the bottom of Venasque, opposite the church Notre Dame de Vie, follow, on foot, the road to Le Beaucet for approx. 150m. Turn right after the remains of a small chapel and follow the dirt track with yellow markings. Carry straight on until you reach the view then it’s a U-turn back to the village!
Head onto Le Beaucet taking the calm and winding ‘route touristique et forestière’. Park at the bottom and visit this authentic village with its medieval gateways, washing place, paved streets, church…Take a few moments to walk up to the castle (600m) to have a beautiful view over the tiled rooves and the surrounding hills. You will find a picnic table for your lunch!
Drive towards la Roque sur Pernes not forgetting to stop and have a quick look at the view of Le Beaucet behind you! Continue through the vineyards, oak forests and orchards of cherry, olive and cultured truffle oak trees. At the fork, head to the left. Before carrying on down to the village La Roque sur Pernes, carry straight on at the roundabout for about 500m to discover a very beautiful ‘borie’ (stone shelter)!
Photo taken, turn around to go back down towards the hilltop village. Beware, very few parking places. The streets are particularly narrow with a magnificent climb up to the private castle. Once the visit over, head back down to Carpentras.
36 km