Velleron

An old village with an exceptional market

Velleron is a typically Provençal village situated in the Vaucluse, 18 km from Avignon, to the west of the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse.

If you mention Velleron to someone, it's sure that he or she will talk about its fantastic farmers' market, known throughout the region. And there's a reason: it is classed amongst the 100 most beautiful in France and offers you, at nice prices, a plethora of fruit and vegetables freshly picked that day.

But don't go to Velleron just for its market because you'll miss everything this village can offer from its rich heritage and history. Let's take a little tour to admire the many reminders of its rich past.

The Sorgue of Velleron on a winter morning

The mill of the Midi

The city walls

Fountain built in 1865

Walking the streets of the village

In the 12th century, a castle was built at the top of a low hill surrounded by a wide agricultural plain, on the site of a former Roman oppidum. The village grew up at the foot of the castle, within the successive fortifications erected during the 13th and 14th centuries, first by Frederick II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, then following its attachment to the Holy See in Avignon.

In the 17th century, Velleron as a fief was divided between the Crillon and Cambis families. Of course, both families had to build their own castles.
The Crillon Château was built on the vestiges of the first castle. On its austere façade we can see the crenellations, the machicolations, the arrow slits and the canon ports, all which attest to the castle's defensive purpose. But in back, with its latticed windows and turrets, we see a grand lordly residence. Transformed into a cabaret in the 19the century, the castle is today the Town Hall.
The Cambis Château is in mainly Renaissance style. It's old stables have been transformed into homes.
Let's continue our tour to the Saint Michel Church with its seven chapels and polygonal bell tower. Its vaulted nave dates from the 14th century and its façade and porch in classical style date from the 18th. The church is listed as a historic monument.

Velleron - The Chateau of Crillon

The Cambis chateau

Saint-Michel church

While strolling past the beautiful façades of noble houses, we will also discover the ruins of the 17th century olive oil mill built directly into the ramparts. And the Hôtel-Dieu from the 18th century with its fountain. This former hospital has today become a cultural centre.

At the end of your day, it's time to go visit the famous market, which takes place at the old train station Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm from April to September and Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm the rest of the year.

In the area around Velleron:
- Pernes-les-Fontaines, 6 km away, with its innumerable fountains
- Le Thor, 5 km away, a very old village and the nearby Thouzon cave
- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 7 km away, the antique dealers' capital