Folklories Festival: Brazil!
A vibrant journey through Brazilian folklore in the Town Hall Gardens of Pernes at 9 PM.
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Pernes-les-Fontaines
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ℹ️Practical info — Pernes-les-Fontaines
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Grab a free map from the tourist office to follow the official walking trail of the 41 historic fountains.
- Visit on a Saturday morning to experience the lively Provençal market set up along the quays.
- Parking in the historic center is very limited; use the free car parks situated just outside the old ramparts.
- The summer sun is intense; plan your fountain walking tour for the cooler early morning or late afternoon.
- Take note of the mascarons (carved stone faces) on the fountains; each has a unique expression and history.
🍽 Food
🍽
Melon de Cavaillon
Buy these sweet, fragrant melons at the Saturday market when they are in season.
🍽
Daube Provençale
A slow-cooked beef stew available in traditional restaurants around the main squares.
🍽
Nougat & Calissons
Pick up these traditional Provençal sweets at local artisanal confectioneries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Provençal Fabrics
Look for brightly colored textiles and linens in the characterful boutique shops of the old town.
🛍
Local Olive Oil
Purchase high-quality local olive oil from regional producers at the weekly market.
🧘
Banks of the Nesque
Walk along the shaded banks of the river Nesque for a cool, peaceful retreat.
🧘
Tour Ferrande Gardens
The area around this historic tower has calm spots to sit and admire the medieval architecture.
Water temperature…
Pernes-les-Fontaines, set in the scenic Vaucluse department, is often hailed as one of the most easy on the eye towns in Provence. Its distinctive title refers to the 41 ancient fountains scattered throughout its streets, each with its own unique history and design, ranging from the ornate Font du Cormoran to the simpler stone basins. Historically, the town served as the capital of the Comtat Venaissin from 1320 to 1354, leaving a legacy of grand monuments such as the Ferrande Tower, famous for its 13th-century frescoes. The town is enclosed by remains of its medieval ramparts, with three majestic gates still standing. Geographically, it sits on the banks of the Nesque river, in a fertile plain where agriculture thrives, particularly the cultivation of famous 'Vaucluse' strawberries and table grapes. Today, Pernes-les-Fontaines is a bustling community of artisans and traders, offering a well-suited blend of historic charm and modern Provençal lifestyle, making it a favorite stop for those exploring the nearby Mont Ventoux and the Luberon regional park.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Notre-Dame Gate · Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth Collegiate Church · Villeneuve Gate
- Nearby: Carpentras (6 km)
- Population: ~10.636
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 49 | 40 | 44 | 56 | 56 | 37 | 25 | 31 | 62 | 85 | 98 | 52 |
Geography
Facts
- Capital of Comtat Venaissin from 1320 to 1354.
- Features 41 officially inventoried public fountains.
- The Ferrande Tower houses rare 13th-century frescoes.
- Situated on the banks of the Nesque river.
- Three medieval gates (Notre-Dame, Saint-Gilles, Villeneuve) survive.
- A major regional producer of strawberries and melons.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pernes-les-Fontaines (5)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Pernes-les-Fontaines called the city of 40 fountains?
The city owes its name to the 40 historic public fountains from the 18th century, which can be discovered on a marked circuit through the center.
Which historic gates should be visited in the old town?
Visit the Porte Notre-Dame, Porte de Villeneuve, and Porte Saint-Gilles, which are well-preserved parts of the medieval town walls.
When does the city's famous cultural festival take place?
The Font'Arts festival takes place annually in August, transforming the streets into a stage for theater, circus, and music.
What is the most significant religious building in Pernes-les-Fontaines?
The 11th-century Church of Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth is a jewel of Romanesque architecture in Provence.
Are there museums to visit in the city?
Yes, Maison Fléchier houses a museum of local traditions, and the old blacksmith shop is also open to visitors.
Pernes-les-Fontaines: where is it located?
Pernes-les-Fontaines is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Pernes-les-Fontaines: what is there to see?
Highlights include Notre-Dame Gate, Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth Collegiate Church, Villeneuve Gate.
Pernes-les-Fontaines: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pernes-les-Fontaines: why is it worth visiting?
Pernes-les-Fontaines, set in the scenic Vaucluse department, is often hailed as one of the most easy on the eye towns in Provence.
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