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Vaucluse offers treasures such as monasteries and other remarkable landmarks throughout its rugged terrain.

VAUCLUSE - EN

La Chartreuse in Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon is a splendid estate. To reach it, you must cross the island of Barthelasse, nestled between two arms of the Rhône River. When the weather is clear, you can see Mont Ventoux in the distance. This former summer residence of the popes is breathtakingly beautiful. Its 14th-century architecture and serene cloisters are now the setting for a national center consecrated to the literary aspects of the performing arts. The cells that once housed monks now accommodate artists in residence. For more information, please consult [chartreuse.org](http://chartreuse.org). A 20-minute drive from the Hotels Mercure in central Avignon. @Alain Meier/Wikimedia Commons

La Chartreuse in Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon

It is one of the most beautiful sights in the Luberon. Founded in the 12th century by a monastic order bearing the aura of Saint Bernard, this Cistercian monastery opens onto lavender fields. The drive there is worth the trip alone. Don’t miss a fascinating tour of the church and cloister. You’ll discover the soft, pure lines and human scale of its Romanesque architecture. For more information, please consult <https://www.senanque.fr/>. A 26-minute drive from Hotel Mercure de Cavaillon. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Abbaye de Sénanque

In the Manutention neighborhood just off the Palace of the Popes, the Verriers du Palais workshop in Avignon – founded thirty-five years ago – is one of the most prestigious glasswork establishments in France. Artisans here demonstrate sublime craftsmanship in fulfilling prestigious orders from all over the world. The workshop offers not only tours but also hands-on initiations for a half-day or full day of activity. Visitors, of course, get to take their creations home. For more information, please consult [lesverriersdupalais.fr](http://lesverriersdupalais.fr). A 5- to 10-minute walk from the Hotels Mercure in central Avignon. **@Avantrend/Pixabay**

Les Verriers du Palais in Avignon

These mountains offer a kaleidoscope of earthy tones. If you’re delighted with the many shades of the Roussillon landscape, you won’t want to miss the Ôkhra museum, both a cultural cooperative and a conservatory for ochres and other pigments. The establishment is a well-respected institution. The tour explores the premises of the former Mathieu pigment factory. It tells the story of the industrial age of ochre in the region, which dates back to the 18th century and went international in the 19th and 20th centuries. Discover the washing, grinding, and calcination equipment. For more information, please consult [okhra.com](http://okhra.com). A 25-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Cavaillon. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Ôkhra - Écomusée De L'ocre Roussillon

At the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Luberon, this lavender museum opens onto an aromatic mauve-hued world. The circuit retraces the history of this fragrant, healthful herb. Through this fascinating tour complete with films and interactive activities, you’ll peruse a collection of stills and more. In the summer, the distillation process is demonstrated using an itinerant still dating from the 1900s. For more information, please consult [museedelalavande.com](http://museedelalavande.com). A 20-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Cavaillon. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Musée de la Lavande Luberon

Cy Twombly, Sol LeWitt, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Anselm Kiefer, Christian Boltanski, Nan Goldin… Collection Lambert, located in Avignon, requires no introduction. This is a unique contemporary art museum formed by the art dealer and collector Yvon Lambert. The “Alchimie de la rencontre” exhibition, exploring the alchemy that occurs when people meet, is on display until January 2025. For more information, please consult [collectionlambert.com](http://collectionlambert.com). A 10- to 15-minute walk from the Hotels Mercure in central Avignon. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

VAUCLUSE - EN

Abbaye de Sénanque

Musée de la Lavande Luberon

Ôkhra - Écomusée De L'ocre Roussillon

Collection Lambert Avignon

Les Verriers du Palais in Avignon

La Chartreuse in Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon